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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]
Catch up on all the action from the 2025 event here:
View images from Heavy Haul Rail 2025
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, Hancock Iron Ore
Michael Hopkins
Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Commission
Peter Doggett
Chief Operating Officer, ONRSR
Alan Fedda
Chief Executive Officer, RISSB
Vivek Dhar
Director - Mining and Energy Economist, Commonwealth Bank Australia
Sponsors
exhibitors
Pricing
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.
Insights
Increasing rail’s share of inter-capital freight – ideas from Anna Dartnell
Read more >>
How Speno Rail cultivates its safety culture
Read more >>
A sustainable heavy haul sector – what to expect in the years ahead
Read more >>
Breaking new ground in heavy haul operations – an interview with Kevin Piefer
Read more >>
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
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]