Industry Leaders Prepare for Fourth Annual Summit
The fourth-annual Women in Rail Conference is set to take place on October 6-7, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, Illinois. Organized by Railway Age and RT&S, the event aims to address the evolving landscape of the freight, passenger, and transit rail sectors by highlighting leadership skills, technological integration, and industry sustainability.
This year’s programming introduces expert-led breakout sessions for the first time, designed to provide actionable intelligence for professionals navigating a complex industry environment. The conference will feature a range of topics, including strategies for launching new businesses, the intersection of technology and ethics, and the management of modern rail projects with a focus on balancing efficiency and cost.
Focus on Leadership and Professional Growth
The “Leadership’s New Playbook” session serves as a cornerstone of the 2026 agenda. Broken into two segments, it will address overcoming industry “status quo” biases and navigating professional adversity. Pauline Lipkewich of The Rail Way™ and Karen Adams of the Short Line Safety Institute will lead discussions on building stronger safety cultures and resilient leadership frameworks. Additionally, Carrington Barnes from BNSF will conduct a hands-on workshop focused on “People Leader Training,” emphasizing clear communication and accountability—skills refined through BNSF’s internal development programs over the past 25 years.
The speaker lineup features high-ranking executives from major rail entities, including Christina Bottomley (CSX), Pam Arpin (CPKC), and Yvonne Hill-Donald (MTA Metro-North). These leaders will participate in “fireside-chat” sessions, offering attendees personal accounts of their career trajectories and insights into the future of American railroading as it approaches its bicentennial.
Awards and Industry Recognition
A key element of the conference is the recognition of excellence within the field. The annual luncheon will honor winners of the 2025 and 2026 Women in Rail Awards from Railway Age and RT&S. For the first time, the event will also recognize recipients of the 2026 International Railway Journal (IRJ) Women in Rail awards. Barbara Wilson, CEO of Eagle Railcar Services, will present the awards, highlighting the contributions of women who have played pivotal roles in breaking down systemic barriers within the sector.
Registration remains open, with early-bird rates having been available through late August. The conference has received broad sponsorship support from industry stakeholders, including CN, Norfolk Southern, GATX, and Trinity Rail, signaling a collective commitment to fostering professional development and diversity across the North American rail network.