"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 are currently working on securing our keynote speakers for the conference and determining sessions for the agenda. As usual, we expect to start the conference with Student Scholarship Fundraiser Golf Outing, followed by Opening Reception, Educational Sessions, Closing Reception, and field visits (there are plenty of great destinations in the Milwaukee area).
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 (Rates to be announced soon!)
-
Early:
$XXXX (through XXXXX) -
Regular:
$XXXX (through XXXXX) -
Late:
$XXXX (through XXXXX)
Keynote Speakers TBA
Schedule
Tuesday, August 11
- Student scholarship golf outing fundraiser (Course TBA)
- typically 8:30am start, 18 holes plus cart and lunch
- Small Meetings
- Opening reception
- 6pm-8pm
Wednesday, August 12, 2025
- MRC Educational Sessions (typically 8am-5pm)
- Closing Reception
Thursday, August 14, 2025
- Field visits (typically 7:30am - 1pm)
MRC Sponsor Opportunities
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
2026 Sponsors
Diamond Level Sponsors
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsors
Silver Level Sponsors
Directions, Suggested Hotels and Parking Options
Location:
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
School of Continuing Education - Conference Center
Continuing Education Plankinton Building
161 W Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Contact
Pasi Lautala, PE
- Professor, Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
- Director, Rail Transportation Program, Michigan Tech Transportation Institute
- ptlautal@mtu.edu
- 906-487-3547
- Dillman 318
Amanda Codere
- Staff, Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering