Successful event to be held again next year

Following the success of the Africa Rail exhibition and conference this year, event organiser Terrapinn enthuses that next year’s edition of the event will provide guaranteed meetings with buyers, a networking platform, roundtables as well as a “very important person” programme.

The exhibition, which focuses on transportation, railway, railroad, and trains gives attendees free access to technical updates, emerging trends and the chance to evaluate alternative solutions, will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre on June 12 to 13 next year.

“The purpose of this conference and exhibition is to enhance investment and development for rail operators, end-users, government and investors,” says Terrapinn.

The conference brings together the “brightest and most innovative minds” that are shaping the way railway projects are maintained and built, Terrapinn enthuses.

The organiser further adds that delegates “flock” to the conference to learn of the latest developments, innovations and investment opportunities which will help them succeed in the railway industry.

“Africa Rail is Africa’s most important, definitive and largest railway exhibition and conference, and has grown to become its most successful and well-attended railway conference and exhibition,” the organiser explains, noting that Africa Rail now takes up two halls at the convention centre.

The conference and exhibition was held in June at the Sandton Convention Centre and had over 6 800 people attend the event.

“The attendees included 800 delegates and 200 exhibitors attending and representing 85 countries worldwide,” Terrapinn notes.

Key female industry leaders at this year’s event included nonprofit organisation Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative CEO Barbara Mommen, UK Department for International Trade’s trade director for sub-Saharan Africa Emma Wade-Smith and mass transportation system operator Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa nonexecutive director Dr Natalie Skeepers.

The Transport Africa Awards also took place at this year’s event, and included categories such as Women in Transport, the African Transport and Innovation Award, Premier Transport Project of the Year, Transport Leader in Skills Development, Freight and Logistics Company of the Year, African Transport Operator of the Year as well as Transport Original-Equipment Manufacturer of the Year.

“In two decades, Africa Rail has become the undisputed leader. It is an unrivalled platform for the continent’s railways industry to come together to learn, to network and to do business. With a consistent annual increase, it is for good reason that Africa Rail has been called “the must attend event in the rail industry”, the company concludes.