Get Ready to Connect, Inspire, Innovate
Written by Railway Age and RT&S Staff
Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures are hosting our much-anticipated Women in Rail Conference on Oct. 6-7, 2026, in Chicagoland. Our fourth-annual event will feature the diverse experiences and practical career advice that draw attendees year-after-year, plus new sessions on launching a business or consultancy; balancing efficiency, cost, and sustainability in modern rail projects; celebrating American railroading’s upcoming bicentennial and the history and continuing role of women in the industry, and more!
When you attend the two-day Women in Rail Conference, you’ll learn from a wide-reaching group of professionals, all of whom are dedicated to increased opportunities for women in the freight, passenger, and transit rail industry. Ask questions and share your ideas during dynamic panels; join Railway Age, RT&S, and IRJ in honoring top women railroaders at our joint awards luncheon; and network with innovative leaders focused on improving your career and the industry at large. You will be inspired. But don’t just take our word for it.
WHAT PREVIOUS ATTENDEES ARE SAYING
“The Women in Rail conference was outstanding! Hearing other women’s stories of overcoming adversity was truly inspiring and allowed us to connect through shared experiences. It serves as a reminder that we are not alone and highlights the importance of supporting one another” – Veronica Guzman, Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company
“Working in a male-dominated industry, it’s refreshing to attend a conference where I can’t count the women present on one hand! Women belong in STEAM, and Women in Rail serves as a powerful reminder of our influence on this industry.” – Laura Milovic, Union Tank Car Company
“This event was an incredible celebration—not only of the remarkable women in rail but of the entire industry. We still have ground to cover, yet we’re making significant strides, and the momentum will only keep building.” – Lisa Tackach, Railroad Construction Company, Inc. / League of Railway Women
“I am extremely grateful I was able to attend the Women in Rail Conference. The sessions about leadership and hearing from my peers in the railroad industry, put my work into perspective for me and I left feeling empowered to do more for my organization.” – Jacqueline Martinez, MTA Metro-North Railroad
“Each year the conference gets better and better; I am looking forward to next year.” – Devina Miller, Norfolk Southern
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Our 2023 and 2024 Women in Rail events sold out, prompting us to move to a new, larger venue in 2025: the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, just outside of Chicago. Last year, we showcased decision-makers from across the industry, covering everything from career and life trajectories to tips for building an effective team and managing crises to advice on salary negotiation, self-branding, and maintaining a culture of belonging.
Building off this success and to meet the needs of new and legacy attendees alike, we have another packed lineup for 2026. The ten-plus sessions will not only focus on career development strategies for today’s market and leadership’s “new playbook,“ but also explore:
- Launching a business or consultancy;
- Balancing efficiency, cost, and sustainability in modern rail projects;
- American railroading’s upcoming bicentennial and the history and continuing role of women in the industry;
- Generational railroading—looking back and looking forward in a “family“ business;
- Technology and ethics;
- Industry growth strategies; and more!
Key women and their allies will once again serve as speakers. In 2026, we are excited to welcome Christina Bottomley, CSX Vice President of Technology–Commercial, G&A, and End User Experience; Pam Arpin, CPKC Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer; Michael R. McClellan, Norfolk Southern Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer; Yvonne Hill-Donald, MTA Metro-North Railroad Executive Vice President–Administration; Shannon Drown, R.J. Corman Chief Commercial Officer–Railroads; Joan Smemoe, Railinc President and CEO; Jane Williams, HNTB Senior Vice President, National Practice Consultant, Policy Advisory; Ida Posner, Railroad Development Corporation Vice President & Chief Operating Officer; Henry Posner III, Railroad Development Corporation Chairman; and Jean Savage, Trinity Industries, Inc., CEO & President, among others.
Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from and connect with them all during our signature “fire-side chat”-style sessions. Moderators will include industry executives, as well as Railway Age and RT&S editors.
Our must-attend annual luncheon continues this year, celebrating Railway Age’s 2025 Women in Rail and RT&S’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.
We are proud to announce that Catherine Rinaldi, Gateway Development Commission Executive Vice President, and Barbara Wilson, Eagle Railcar Services CEO, will be on stage to present the Railway Age awards, which they, as judges, selected along with the publication’s staff.
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.
