Excitement is growing amongst exhibitors and registered visitors for a brand-new rail exhibition showcasing the future of Britain’s railway – Modern Railways EXPO.
Taking place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 22-23 November, this two-day show is organised by the voice of the rail industry, Modern Railways magazine, and is set to become a fixture in the sector’s calendar. The exhibition is the culmination of a series of events marking Modern Railways’ 60th anniversary, and visitors will have the opportunity to meet key members of the team behind the most respected magazine in the business.
This year is a particularly opportune time for this landmark event to launch. The industry is in the midst of its biggest structural change in a generation with the creation of Great British Railways. The after-effects of the Covid pandemic, meanwhile, demand innovation to drive efficiencies and attract more passengers and freight customers. As well as the challenges, major projects such as High Speed 2 and the Transpennine Route Upgrade are now under way, with the supply chain playing a critical role in ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget.
All sectors of the rail industry are covered, with dedicated zones helping visitors to navigate and home in on the areas of interest to them. Already a host of companies from different sectors have signed up to attend the show, a mark of confidence in this new and exciting format.
Network Rail, which is headquartered in Milton Keynes, will have a major presence at Modern Railways EXPO, showcasing some of its game-changing innovations which are transforming how the rail network is maintained.
Network Rail’s presence is such that it will have its own dedicated zone with representatives from a wide range of functions present. Bespoke seminars and panel discussions will take place, and visitors will have a chance to explore some of the new technology set to radically alter the railway.
In addition to Network Rail, industry body Rail Forum will have a special pavilion which will host a seminar programme aimed at supporting companies in the supply chain. It’s hoped the long-awaited Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline will have been published by the time of the show, boosting confidence.
Dozens of exhibitors from across the rail industry will be joining Network Rail in showing how the latest technology can improve efficiency, generate revenue and make rail travel even greener.
Dedicated conference
Modern Railways EXPO will be the place to discuss the key issues facing the sector, and running alongside the exhibition is the Future of Britain’s Railways conference, which will take place on both days. Leading industry speakers will outline their views on how the UK’s rail network will adapt to meet changing demands of passengers and freight customers, tackle climate change, and play its part in decarbonising transport.
An industry networking reception takes place at the close of the show on day one – 22 November – to give exhibitors and visitors a chance to relax and catch up with industry colleagues on the latest developments.
Modern Railways Editor Philip Sherratt said: ‘We have long wanted to deliver an event which highlights the tremendous innovation and expertise across the whole spectrum of the rail industry, and Modern Railways EXPO is the result of years of development.
‘Visitors will be able to see – often for the first time in public – the developments which will change many aspects of the railway beyond all recognition over the coming decades.
‘We are tremendously excited to be hosting this show and conference, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our exhibitors and visitors to Milton Keynes this November.’
