Midwest Rail Conference 2026

"Preparing for the Next Era of Rail"

August 11 - 13, 2026

University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin

We are excited to announce that the 2026 Midwest Rail Conference themed “Preparing for the Next Era of Rail," will take place August 11–13, 2026, at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. This year's event will bring us for the first time to Milwaukee (and Wisconsin in general), as we continue to explore the current and future status of passenger and freight rail in the Midwest and beyond.

We have secured excellent keynote and other speakers for the conference and are working to finalize the program and sessions. As usual, we expect to start the conference with the Student Scholarship Fundraiser Golf Outing, followed by the Opening Reception at the Harley Davidson Museum, Educational/Technical Sessions, Closing Reception, and finally Field visits that are expected to include a train ride on Amtrak, visits to Milwaukee and Milwaukee airport passenger rail stations, Port of Milwaukee and Talgo High Speed Rail Facility.

We are looking forward to yet another great year of Midwest Rail Conference, so stay in tune as more information gets finalized and posted. If you would like to speak in the conference or have suggestions for a session topic, please contact Pasi Lautala to explore the possibilities.

Registration

Early:
$200 (EXTENDED through June 20th)
Regular:
$250 (through July 31st)
Late:
$325 (through August 13th)

Keynote Speakers

Karen Hedlund

Member

Surface Trans. Board

Zach Boehme

SVP Railroad Sales

Watco

Sarah Pawlanta

AVP Sales & Marketing

Genessee & Wyoming

Schedule

Tuesday, August 11

Student scholarship golf outing fundraiser
- New Berlin Hills Golf Course
- tee times starting at 11:30 am with lunch prior
Opening reception
- Harley Davidson Museum
- 6pm-8pm

Wednesday, August 12, 2025

MRC Educational Sessions (typically 8am-5pm)
- University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Downtown Conference Center
Closing Reception (to follow educational sessions)
- 5pm - 6pm

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Field visits (typically 7:30am - 1pm)
- Tentative itinerary includes train ride on Amtrak Hiawatha, visits to Milwaukee passenger rail stations, Port of Milwaukee and Talgo High speed rail maintenance facility

Educational Sessions and Speakers

Opening Keynote
- Karen Hedlund, Surface Transportation Board
Opening Plenary - Rail Industry Navigating Tariffs, Theft, and Other Risks
- Jess McCluer, National Grain and Feed Association
- Sean Douris, CSX
- Mike Ogborn, ASLRRA
Plenary - Coordination Between Passenger and Freight Rail Stakeholders
- Andy Cummings , CPKC
- Kyle Montgomery, Amtrak
- Lisa Stern, Wisconsin DOT
Lunch & Keynote Fireside Chat - Shortline Development in the Midwest
- Zach Boehme, Watco
- Sarah Pawlanta, Genessee & Wyoming Railroad
Breakout #1A - Future of Freight Rail in Michigan/Wisconsin
- Brian Buchanen, CN/Watco
- Brad Peot, Watco
- Avery Grimes, Eagle River Holdings
Breakout #1B - Return onf Passenger Rail To the Midwest
- Jennifer Murray, Midwest Passenger Rail Coalition
- Ian Weisser, Wisconsin Association of Railroad Passengers
- Matthew Parrette, Indiana DOT
Breakout #2A - Great Lakes Ports and Rail Transportation
- Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Ramboll
- Cherry Trivedi, Illinois International Port District
Breakout #2B - Rail Industry Workforce Development and Talent Attraction
- Karen Philbrick, Mineta Transportation Institute
- Pasi Lautala, Michigan Technological University
- Michele Malski, SPRING
Breakout #3A - Latest and Upcoming Technology Update
- Tyler Drake, Watco
- Dave Simon & Elliott Ramos, Qandel Consultants & Illinois DOT
- Peter Bartek Sr, FTS
- Kurt Brandt, LinqThingz
Breakout #3B - Addressing Suicide Prevention & Trespassing Challenges
- Mike Grizkewitsch, FRA
- Monica Shaw, FRA
- Laura Doud, Michigan DOT
- Kris Sommers, Wisconsin DOT

Diamond - $1500+

2 free conference registrations (use sponsor's attendee registration)
Company logo in program
Company logo on website
Full page ad in sponsor brochure
Included in email blast to all registrants announcing sponsors who made it possible: company name with link to website and 50-word description of company

Platinum - $1000 - $1499

1 free conference registration (use sponsor's attendee registration)
Company logo in program
Company logo on website
1/2- page ad in sponsor brochure
Included in email blast to all registrants announcing sponsors who made it possible: company name with link to website and 50-word description of company

Gold - $500 - $999

Quarter page ad in sponsor brochure
Company name and contact information listed in attendee listing
Included in email blast to all registrants announcing sponsors who made it possible: company name with link to website

Silver $250-$499

Company name/logo listed in sponsor brochure
Company name and contact information listed in attendee listing
Included in email blast to all registrants announcing sponsors who made it possible: company name