WWW.RAILTEX.CO.UK now live Infrarail succeeds again
By the time this year’s highly successful Infrarail show closed on 3 May, it had attracted over 4,500 decision makers, managers and engineers. When exhibitors’ stand personnel are included, the number of participants rises to over 5,600. And while the exhibition primarily has a UK focus, attendance by rail industry professionals from 36 countries underlines the important international appeal of Infrarail. In this review of the show, which took place at the NEC in Birmingham from 1 to 3 May, we pick out some of the highlights of an event that is now well established not only as a showcase for innovation in rail infrastructure products and services, but also as an important forum for learning about the direction the industry is taking. Contributing to this was a lively seminar programme that included keynote speeches by industry leaders, among them Transport Minister Theresa Villiers MP, who also opened the show and toured many of the stands. See our report on page 5. Added to this was an innovation this year, The Platform, a programme of open panel discussions on key issues facing the rail industry. The number of Infrarail exhibitors totalled 212. They
included numerous leading established suppliers as well as many first time exhibitors, bringing innovation and new products to the rail market. Industry engagement with the event was strengthened by the support of the Railway Industry Association and by the Rail Alliance networking organisation, and importantly by Network Rail. Our new feature, The Yard, was well received by exhibitors and visitors. Devised in collaboration with the Rail Plant Association, this saw the creation of a display area for vehicles and larger items of plant for rail infrastructure construction and maintenance. We aim to develop this further at future shows.
CONTENTS Seminars at Infrarail ....................................... 5 Exhibition review ............................................ 8 Infrarail Awards report ................................. 12 Looking ahead to Railtex 2013 ..................... 15
www.infrarail.com
Official Media Partners Sponsors
Supporting Organisations Very positive comments by exhibitors
during the show are backed up by more formal feedback received since – 98% of companies that responded to our satisfaction survey reported that they had wholly achieved their aims in taking part. Analysis of visitors revealed that 66% possessed purchasing authority and there was also valuable business done between exhibitors. Our second Infrarail Awards proved a great success both
by recognising exhibitors’ achievements and by providing a memorable evening. We congratulate the winners – our picture report appears on pages 12 and 13. Along with our well attended Networking Reception this made sure that there were plenty of opportunities for those taking part in Infrarail to get together. Commenting on the success of the show, Exhibition
Manager Heidi Cotsworth said: “The positive and supportive feedback we received during Infrarail and remarks made since indicate that this was a very successful event. We warmly thank everyone who contributed to this success – exhibitors, visitors, speakers at the seminars and participants in The Platform panel discussions, as well as all our show partners, supporting organisations and sponsors. We hope to see many of you again at Railtex 2013.” Planning for Railtex, which takes place at Earls Court
in London from 30 April to 2 May next year, is now well underway. You will find more information on this event later in this review. Why not make plans now to be part of it?
The Infrarail Team
Infrarail 2012 Review – Advertisement Index ArcGen Hilta
Axis Communications (UK) Ltd Bosch Rexroth Ltd
Frauscher Sensortechnik GmbH Healthcare Connections Ltd Holdfast
ICEE Managed Services Ltd Invensys Rail Ltd Moxa Europe GmbH Rail Media Group Railway Gazette Visul Systems
Windhoff Bahn- und Anlagentechnik GmbH York EMC Services Ltd
Permanent Way
Institution
© Mack Brooks Publishing Ltd 2012 Editor – Ken Harris
Production – Julie Oakley Design
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, Mack Brooks Publishing cannot accept liability for any statement or error contained herein.
WWW.RAILTEX.CO.UK now live INFRARAIL 2012 SHOW REVIEW 3
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