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overview
The Rail Technology & Interoperability Conference, taking place on 20-21 October 2026 at Swissotel Sydney, is a timely event celebrating the exciting advancements and opportunities within Australia’s rail industry. As the nation progresses toward harmonised standards and national rail reform, this event serves as a dynamic platform for industry leaders, technology providers, and policymakers to collaborate and shape the future of rail networks.
With a focus on driving innovation, fostering regulatory alignment, and embracing cutting-edge technologies, the conference highlights the transformative potential of interoperability. Attendees will explore the latest advancements in rail technology, discover strategies for seamless integration, and learn how interoperability can enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability across the National Network for Interoperability (NNI).
As 2026 approaches – a pivotal year for national rail reform – this event is an essential gathering for stakeholders dedicated to modernising and elevating Australia’s rail systems. Join us to be part of the journey toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable rail future.
Key Themes and Topics Include:
- Interoperability Challenges and Solutions: Addressing fragmented rail systems and exploring harmonised standards for seamless operations across state borders
- Digital Transformation in Rail: Leveraging AI, IoT, and big data for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated decision-making
- Integration of Freight and Passenger Rail: Optimising shared infrastructure and minimising conflicts between freight and passenger services
- Advanced Rolling Stock: Innovations in automated train control, modular designs, and gauge-convertible bogies to overcome network inconsistencies
- Safety and Compliance: Ensuring consistent safety standards through automated systems, collision avoidance technologies, and centralised traffic control
- Updates on Major Rail Projects: Updates on significant rail infrastructure projects across Australia
- Sustainability and Decarbonisation: Exploring energy-efficient technologies, electrification projects, and alternative fuels like hydrogen-powered trains
- Collaboration and Training: Engaging with industry experts to foster innovation and build skills for the future
Who Attends:
Government Representatives: Policy makers, regulators, and transport authorities driving national rail reform and interoperability standards
Industry Leaders: Executives and decision-makers from rail operators, infrastructure providers, and engineering firms shaping the future of rail systems
Technology Innovators: Suppliers, developers, and solution providers showcasing cutting-edge technologies and advancements in rail interoperability
Project Stakeholders: Senior leaders and teams involved in major rail infrastructure projects
Academics and Researchers: Experts contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient rail technologies through research and innovation.
Consultants and Advisors: Professionals offering strategic guidance on regulatory alignment, technology adoption, and operational efficiency
Why This Event Matters
Driving National Rail Reform: Strategically timed to coincide with the 2026 mandate for harmonised standards, this event is a pivotal opportunity to address the essential steps for achieving regulatory alignment and seamless interoperability across Australia’s rail network.
Comprehensive Industry Representation: Brings together governments, technology providers, and industry leaders for meaningful discussions and collaboration.
Showcasing Cutting-Edge Innovations: A premier platform for suppliers to unveil groundbreaking technologies, connect with influential decision-makers, and demonstrate solutions that will transform rail operations.
Exclusive Insights from Major Projects: Gain access to updates and lessons learned from Australia’s most significant rail infrastructure projects, offering real-world examples of innovation and progress.
Speakers
Alan Fedda
CEO, ARISO
Graham Nelmes
General Manager - Customer, Place and Operations, High-Speed Rail Authority
Claire Pierce
Rail Corridor Digital Connectivity Project Manager, Passenger Rollingstock and Signalling Branch, Rail Division, Department of Transport and Main Roads
Troy Sparkman
Executive General Manager, Freight & Motive Systems, Downer
Adrian Teaha
Chief Interoperability and Development Officer, ARTC
Joanne Wust
Group CEO, 4Tel & 4AI Systems
Mick Spiers
Head of Operations, Siemens Mobility Australia & New Zealand
Carla Garvie
Commercial Director, Alstom
Bill Palazzi
Director, Palazzi Rail
Harry Li
Senior CBTC Assurance Engineer, Metro Trains Melbourne
Andrew Harvey
Program Manager, Aurizon
John Nissen
Decarbonisation Commercial Manager, Asset Management & Strategy, Aurizon
Dr Anthony MacDonald
Director – Traffic Management Systems APAC, Hitachi Rail
Stephen Lemon
Executive Director, Rail Systems & Operations Reform, National Transport Commission
Stephen Muscat
Managing Director, Rail Confidence
Simon Vaux
CEO, DEOS Digital
Sumant Datta
Head of APAC, Future Maintenance Technologies (FMT)
Dr Christian Christodoulou
Chief Engineer & Acting Executive Director - Prioritisation & Asset Management, Transport for NSW
Jessica Linsell
Director Policy, Programs and Planning, ONRSR
Alison Wall
Chief Operating Officer, Future Skills Organisation
Carly Grigg
Industry Engagement Manager, Industry Skills Australia
Dr Frank Heibel
Director, Doc Frank Rail Services
Paul Williams
Group Technology Officer/CIO, Pacific National
Agenda
Pricing
Next Generation Conference Scholarships
Do you have an idea that could drive innovation or bring greater awareness to rail technology and interoperability in Australia?
We invite all rail sector personnel aged 30yrs and under to submit their innovative ideas for the opportunity to win one of 10 scholarships to attend the Rail Technology & Interoperability Conference.
Your idea may take inspiration from or could be applied to any discipline or field within the rail sector such as harmonised standards, national rail reform, emerging technologies, interoperability solutions, safety systems, sustainability and decarbonisation, or regulatory alignment – in 200-300 words describe your idea or concept and how it could enhance rail technology, improve interoperability, or promote the benefits of a connected national rail network.
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
✅ Complimentary attendance to the Rail Technology & Interoperability Conference
✅ Opportunity to network with industry representatives
✅ Certificates of acknowledgement
✅ A featured Professional Profile on the Next Generation Hub within the event app
KEY DATES:
☑️ Competition deadline: 18 September 2026
☑️ Winners announced: 25 September 2026
Open to all recent graduates and young railway professionals who are 30yrs or under (as at 20 October 2026)
A maximum of 3 winners will be selected from the same organisation.
Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
The Rail Technology & Interoperability event is the premier platform for advancing innovation, integration, and collaboration within the rail industry. Bringing together key stakeholders, senior decision-makers, and industry leaders from across the rail, freight, and technology sectors, this event offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and business growth.
As a sponsor or exhibitor, you’ll have the chance to showcase your solutions, demonstrate your expertise, and position your brand at the forefront of rail technology and interoperability advancements. This is your opportunity to connect with influential decision-makers, build valuable partnerships, and drive your business forward.
Don’t miss the chance to elevate your company’s profile at Rail Technology & Interoperability 2026!
For a copy of the sponsorship prospectus, including delegate profile information, please email [email protected] or call +61 406 530 043 to explore branding, thought leadership, and exhibition opportunities.
ConnectMe + Streamly
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.
Streamly • On-Demand video vault
Streamly is a new video platform from Informa Connect – hosting hours of session recordings from our events and more. Select the Streamly add-on at the checkout to receive year round access to exclusive On-Demand session recordings from all of our related transport events*. Login information will be sent post event. For more information visit our Streamly page.
* Note: In a minority of cases, speakers may request their sessions to be excluded from Streamly access.
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
20 - 21 Oct 2026
Swissotel Sydney
68 Market St
Sydney NSW 2000
+61 02 9238 8888
www.swissotel.com/hotels/sydney/
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION RATE
Secure your accommodation at the Swissotel Sydney with a 12% discount* off the best available flexible room only rate at the time of booking.
To book this rate, please click here and follow the below instructions.
To load/see the rates available please enter the codes as per below:
- Click on the Book Now link above and scroll to ‘Our accommodation’
- Enter your booking dates
- Click on the drop down for “Special rates”
- Enter the code SCP2108566 in “Business client with contract”
- Enter the code IN435AU828 in “Access code”
- Click on “See rates”
* Rooms and rates are subject to availability at the time of booking, we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.
Alternatively, please contact the hotel reservations team directly on 02 9238 8888 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday or email [email protected]
contact
Still have a question?
Kate Twentyman
Senior Conference Director
[email protected]
Anthony Anemogiannis
Marketing Manager
+61 2 9080 4332
[email protected]
Sarah Ingram
Sponsorship Manager
+61 406 530 043
[email protected]
General Information & Registration
Customer Service
+61 2 9080 4307
[email protected]