CPKC’s Arpin Joins Women in Rail 2026

Attend the fourth-annual Women in Rail Conference and hear from speaker Pam Arpin, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer on October 7. This much-anticipated Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures event returns to Chicagoland on Oct. 6-7, 2026, with a packed lineup.

Over the course of two days at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Women in Rail 2026 will include dynamic “fire-side chat”-style panels of trailblazing women and their allies; a celebratory awards luncheon; and opportunities to connect with a community of motivated railroaders committed to shaping the future of the freight, passenger, and transit rail industry.

MEET PAM ARPIN

Pam Arpin became CPKC’s first Vice President Innovation and Business Transformation in October 2020 before her appointment to her current role in May 2024. As Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at CPKC, Pam Arpin works to redefine CPKC’s digital strategy and information services (IS) roadmap. 

Arpin oversees CPKC’s Network Service Center and technical integration activities, leading a team that is focused on implementing new technologies. In her current role at the Class I, Arpin works to position CPKC for sustainable growth through connecting people, processes, systems, data and assets. Arpin has 25 years of experience in commercial, operations, finance, customer service and technology roles. 

Named one of Railway Age’s Influential Leaders in 2023, Arpin has also been recognized as the 2019 Railway Woman of the Year by the League of Railway Women and one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by the Women’s Executive Network. Arpin also serves as Vice Chair of CPKC’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. As Vice Chair, she provides direction and input on CPKC’s diversity and inclusion strategy and leadership development programs. She also chaired the Association of American Railroad’s Customer Service Committee from 2019 to 2022. Arpin was then nominated to the Board of Railinc’s Finance & Audit Committee.

“Some of the most rewarding opportunities begin just beyond our comfort zone. When we have the courage to be authentic, stay curious, and embrace change, we unlock possibilities we never imagined. I look forward to sharing my journey and encouraging more women to lead boldly, embrace new opportunities, and help shape the future of our industry.”
– Pam Arpin

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 

Railway Age and RT&S editors have created a curated program based on community feedback. Sessions will include:

• Advice on building a resilient career despite industry disruptors. 
• Practical guidance on launching a business or consultancy. 
• Strategies on how to balance efficiency, cost, and sustainability in modern rail projects.
• And an early celebration of American railroading’s bicentennial anniversary—coming in 2027—and how women have played a continuing role!

WHAT 2025 ATTENDEES ARE SAYING

“Each year, the conference gets better and better. I am looking forward to next year.” – Devina Miller, Norfolk Southern 

“I was inspired to attend WIR along with so many bright, talented and dedicated women in the rail industry. I made some important connections and learned how diverse and interesting our backgrounds are that brought us to where we are today. I also appreciated hearing that many of us face the same challenges. A very important conference for us to be a part of in our current times.”  – Erin Stammer, PNW Railcars, Inc.

WOMEN IN RAIL AWARDS LUNCHEON

A special luncheon on Oct. 6 will honor Railway Age’s 2025 Women in Rail and RT&S’ 2026 Women in Rail Engineering award winners. Plus, for the first time, IRJ’s 2026 Women in Rail award recipients will also be recognized.

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

The 2026 Women in Rail Conference has garnered strong industry support with sponsorship from: GATX, Trinity Rail, R.J. Corman, API, Genesee & Wyoming, Anacostia Rail Holdings, RailPros, The Greenbrier Companies, Railroad Development Corporation, Zephyr Rail, League of Railway Women, and The National Association of Railway Business Women.

LEARN MORE 

Registration is now open, with early reduced rates valid until Aug. 28. For more information on confirmed speakers and to register, visit the event page.

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jonathan Chalon at  [email protected] or (212) 620-7224.