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15th Annual Heavy Haul Rail Conference

Driving the Next Era of Heavy Haul Rail

22-23 April 2026 | Crown Perth

BUY A PASS Register Your Interest

CO-LOCATED WITH RAIL TURNOUTS & RAIL SIGNALLING PERTH
SAVE TODAY WITH THE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ⏳

overview

The 2026 Heavy Haul Rail Conference returns to Perth, Western Australia to showcase, celebrate and advance the local and international network of heavy haul rail innovation. This dynamic 2-day event features an exciting line-up of keynote speeches, world-class presentations, in-depth case studies, interactive industry panels, and a prestigious gala dinner where the Heavy Haul Rail Excellence Awards will honour ground-breaking achievements in the sector. Based around the theme of Driving the Next Era of Heavy Haul Rail, the program will explore challenges, opportunities, and priorities both locally and internationally, offering a comprehensive look at the future of the heavy haul industry.

Bringing together a diverse mix of customers, suppliers, and thought leaders, Heavy Haul Rail 2026 will spotlight emerging trends, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative strategies to address the industry’s most pressing challenges. From enhancing operational efficiency, safety and reliability to integrating digital solutions to advancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact, the conference will foster critical discussions and showcase actionable solutions to ensure the long-term resilience and growth of heavy haul rail worldwide.

2026 KEY THEMES INCLUDE:

  • Productivity, Network Capacity & Operational Efficiency
  • Rolling Stock & Track Design
  • Harmonisation, Interoperability & Transformation
  • Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management & Safety
  • Strategic Leadership & Collaboration
  • AI, Data Analytics + Automation
  • Asset Management & Maintenance
  • Sustainability & Decarbonisation
  • New Technologies and Innovation

Heavy Haul Rail 2026 will be co-located once again with Rail Turnouts and Rail Signalling. Take advantage of our exclusive 15% discount offer to attend both Heavy Haul Rail and either Rail Turnouts or Rail Signalling. Additionally, further discounts are available to those who qualify for the Young Rail Professionals rate. See pricing below for details.


Call for Papers
Are you interested in speaking or submitting suggestions for the HEAVY HAUL RAIL CONFERENCE 2026?

We encourage you to register your interest to speak, and/or nominate topic ideas that you would like to see featured.

Why present at Heavy Haul Rail 2026?

  • Demonstrate your thought leadership to a captivated in-person audience.
  • Connect with your fellow industry peers
  • Increase collaboration with like-minded individuals
  • Network with over 300 attendees across from the sector

Click here to submit an abstract or case study.

Submissions should be 200-400 words and contain your full contact details along with a presentation title, theme and main findings.

Deadline for abstracts is Friday 31 October 2025

For further information, please contact the Conference Director, Kate Twentyman: [email protected]

Submit Your Interest


Catch up on all the action from the 2025 event here:

View images from Heavy Haul Rail 2025

Ben Lombardo (1)


Curious about what to expect? Download the 2025 Heavy Haul Rail Report.

Inside the report, you will find a recap of last year’s event, including key highlights, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and feedback from attendees that made Heavy Haul Rail 2025 a standout success.

Speakers

Kate Holling

General Manager Rail, BHP

Wayne Johnson

CEO and Managing Director, ARTC

Stephanie Unwin

Chief Executive Officer, Arc Infrastructure

Richard Cohen

Managing Director Port, Rail & Core Services, Rio Tinto Iron Ore

Jodi Moffitt

General Manager of Integrated Remote Operations, Roy Hill

Michael Hopkins

Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Commission

Peter Doggett

Chief Operating Officer, ONRSR

Alan Fedda

Chief Executive Officer, RISSB

Pricing

Packages Price
Standard Pass – HEAVY HAUL RAIL$2795$2495+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Standard Pass – RAIL TURNOUTS$1595$1395+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Standard Pass – RAIL SIGNALLING$1595$1395+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Standard Pass – HEAVY HAUL RAIL + RAIL TURNOUTS$3,731.50$3,306.50+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Standard Pass – HEAVY HAUL RAIL + RAIL SIGNALLING$3,731.50$3,306.50+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Virtual Pass – HEAVY HAUL RAIL$1995$1695+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Extras Price
Dinner $275+GST
Dinner - Table of 10 $2750+GST
Packages Price
Standard Pass – HEAVY HAUL RAIL$1395$1295+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Standard Pass – RAIL TURNOUTS$895$795+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Standard Pass – RAIL SIGNALLING$895$795+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Standard Pass – HEAVY HAUL RAIL + RAIL TURNOUTS$1,946.50$1,776.50+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Standard Pass – HEAVY HAUL RAIL + RAIL SIGNALLING$1,946.50$1,776.50+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Virtual Pass – HEAVY HAUL RAIL$995$895+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Extras Price
Dinner $275+GST
Dinner - Table of 10 $2750+GST
  • Early bird rate expires 30 January 2026

*Young Rail Professionals rate eligibility – Reduced registration fees are available to young rail professionals, aged 35 years old and under on 22 April 2026 to attend this year’s Heavy Haul Rail Conference.

Note: You will be required to provide ID on the day of the event.

Heavy Haul Rail Planner

Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards

We were delighted to announce the Inaugural winners of the Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards at the Heavy Haul Rail Conference & AHHR Awards Dinner on March 27.

The winners for the Inaugural Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards 2025

Emerging Leader of the Year

This category received the most nominations which is a great reflection that the future of the Heavy Haul Rail industry is in great hands!

 

WINNER: Blake Gibson, UGL Limited

 

Excellence in Sustainability

This award recognises those delivering outstanding sustainability outcomes in the heavy haul industry.

WINNER: Rio Tinto Rail Material Repurposing Program

 

Industry Champion

This award acknowledges and celebrates someone who has made a key contribution to the heavy haul rail industry that deserves acknowledgement from their peers.

WINNER: Joe McGinlay, Rio Tinto

 

Industry Legend

This award honours the pioneers of the Australian Heavy Haul Rail Industry – those visionary individuals whose contributions have shaped the Heavy Haul Rail sector. It recognises a lifetime of exceptional achievement, innovation, and leadership that has propelled the industry forward and made an extraordinary impact having not just participated in the industry but have fundamentally transformed it. Their legacy serves as a beacon, guiding the future of Australian heavy haul rail and setting the gold standard for excellence.

WINNER: Ben Lombardo

Acceleration Allies

Informa Rail ‘Acceleration Allies’: #MarchForward at every event

Launched in 2024, ‘Acceleration Allies’ is a program across all Informa Rail events that calls on organisations to commit to gender equality. In 2025, starting with Heavy Haul Rail #MarchForward in your commitment to advance the ‘Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ of ALL and everyone in your organisation.

Organisations achieving 30% or more female representation—across speakers, delegates, sponsors, and attendees—will be acknowledged as ‘Acceleration Allies’.

  • Why It Matters: Public recognition as a leader in gender diversity positions your organization at the forefront of industry innovation and inclusivity.

What’s in It for You?

  • Exclusive Recognition: Featured acknowledgments as an as ‘Acceleration Ally’.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded industry leaders who prioritise equality and empowerment.
  • Positive Brand Visibility: Show stakeholders, clients, and partners your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

How to Get Involved: Simple Steps to Make an Impact

  • Step 1: Assess your current representation and identify female colleagues to attend, speak, or participate.
  • Step 2: Register your organisation and track your progress towards the 30% goal.
  • Step 3: Celebrate your achievement and enjoy the recognition of being an Acceleration Ally at Heavy Haul Rail.

#MarchForward

  • Elevate the women in your organisation. Champion gender equality, diversity and change.
  • Secure your place as an Acceleration Ally today!

Networking Breakfast

Young Rail Professionals Networking Breakfast

2025 Sponsor

Free and open to all young rail professionals who are registered to attend the Heavy Haul Rail conference. Further details will be released in due course.

Heavy Haul Rail Dinner

23 April 2026 | Crown Perth | 7:00pm – 10:30pm

2026 Sponsor

Come together to celebrate and reflect on the learnings and industry achievements showcased at this exciting event. Commencing with pre-dinner drinks at 6.30pm, the Heavy Haul Rail Conference dinner takes place on the evening of the 23 April 2026 at the Crown Perth. Join us for this unique networking function which includes pre-dinner drinks and presentations to our Next Generation Conference Scholarships & Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards.

Attendees must register to attend the conference as well. A special guest speaker will be announced closer to the event date.

Rail Turnouts + Rail Signalling

Alongside Heavy Haul Rail comes the return of two popular specialist workshops. Both will be held on 21 April 2026, a day prior to Heavy Haul Rail 2026.

Rail Turnouts 2026
An intensive, focused introduction to the fundamental technical knowledge, the Rail Turnouts Workshop will exchange and transfer knowledge from a range of experts working across rail turnouts.

View full information here


Rail Signalling Perth 2026
The Rail Signalling workshop will help to you understand the role, integration and management of signalling systems across Australia.

View full information here.

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES

Heavy Haul Rail is Australia’s largest conference developed specifically for the Heavy Haul Rail industry. Attracting key stakeholders and senior decision makers from across the heavy haul, freight and resources sectors, the event offers suppliers, operators, manufacturers and innovators unparalleled networking, knowledge sharing and business development opportunities.

Don’t miss the opportunity to profile your company, share your expertise and showcase your solutions at Heavy Haul Rail 2026!

Please email [email protected] for a copy of the sponsorship prospectus including delegate profile information, or call +61 406 530 043 to discuss the branding, thought leadership and exhibition opportunities available.

2026 Sponsors Profiles


Wabtec

Revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services. Whether it’s freight rail, transit, mining, industrial or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people – together – are accelerating the future of transportation.



voestalpine Railway Systems Australia

voestalpine Railway Systems Australia is part of the global leader in railway infrastructure solutions. With over 35 years of local expertise and workshops in Mackay and Bathurst, we deliver premium, integrated rail technologies across Australia and New Zealand—combining global innovation with local craftsmanship in rails, turnouts, signalling, and monitoring.

Testimonials

Hear what our recent attendees had to say:

“An impressive event with a large attendance and a breadth and depth of discussion that was always interesting and engaging. The speakers were all of a notably high calibre, and the agenda was well structured and balanced across the days. A really worthwhile event, including great opportunities for networking. I’m already looking forward to the next one.”

“I had a great time at heavy haul rail. I met a lot of new (very interesting and clever) people and learned a lot from industry professionals and subject matter experts. I feel as though I have an even more detailed understanding of our industry and the market trends and customer needs that are emerging.”

“One of the best conferences I have attended in terms of content and speakers that show cases the diversity in the rail industry.”

“A very well-executed event that provided valuable opportunities for quality networking and to meet with industry professionals.”

ConnectMe

ConnectMe • Networking enhanced

All of our events utilise a bespoke dynamic smartphone app, ConnectMe – which guarantees attendees a premium event experience. Logins are sent prior to the conference commencement allowing you to check who’s attending, schedule in meetings and catch ups, participate in live Q+A and interactive polls, and much more. ConnectMe ensures you never miss a beat prior, during and post event.

Sustainability

Our Commitment to Sustainability

In Australia, we are committed to running our events in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Across Informa Connect we are focusing on the short and long-term sustainability impacts we have on customers and colleagues alongside the communities we work in.

We recognise that it’s not just about the way we produce our events and products but recognising that we have a role to play in providing a space to work in partnership together with our markets to inspire the sustainable development of the industries we serve.

To read more on our latest sustainability reports and Faster Forward initiatives – click here.

Event Code of Conduct

We want everyone who comes to our events to have a great experience. This code explains our expectations and rules, which includes general good practice behaviour, and how to report anything witnessed or experienced that goes against them. Read our Event Code of Conduct here.

when & where

22 - 23 Apr 2026

Crown Perth
Great Eastern Hwy,
Burswood WA 6100

contact

Still have a question?

General Information & Registration
Customer Service
+61 2 9080 4307
[email protected]

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
Sarah Ingram
+61 406 530 043
[email protected]

Speaking Enquiries
Kate Twentyman
Senior Conference Director
[email protected]

Marketing & Media Enquiries
Anthony Anemogiannis
[email protected]

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