Rail Forum is delighted to announce the return of its highly anticipated Annual Conference, taking place on Thursday 9th October 2025 at the iconic Doncaster Racecourse. This flagship event promises a day packed with insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and a showcase of cutting-edge innovation.
Delegates can expect dynamic speaker sessions and the opportunity to engage with thought leaders from both within and outside the rail sector as they explore the future of rail, digital advancements, and cross-industry learnings.
Confirmed speakers include Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive at Network Rail, Laura Shoaf CBE, Chair of Shadow Great British Railways, and Claire Mann, Chief Operating Officer at Transport for London. Further speakers will be announced on our social media channels over the coming weeks.
Incorporated into the event, and enhanced from 2024, is Rail Forum’s Annual Conference Expo where attendees will discover the latest products and services from members, with refreshments conveniently located within the Expo area to make networking effective and enjoyable.
New to this flagship event is a Drinks Reception where members and guests can wrap up the day with a relaxed and informal networking session. The Drinks Reception offers the perfect setting to connect with industry peers and adds even greater value to both exhibitors and delegates alike.
Elaine Clark OBE, CEO at Rail Forum, said: “We’re thrilled to return to Doncaster for what promises to be another standout conference. With a rich line-up of speakers and topical sessions, we’ll explore what’s next for our sector – including how digitalisation will transform rail, what we can learn from other industries, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. There’s truly something for everyone.”
Rail Forum is proud to have Mitie as our Headline Partner and Fishbone Solutions as our Drinks Reception Partner. We are grateful for the support of event partners as this enables the Rail Forum to deliver high quality events which remain free for members to attend.
Kelly Parish, Director of Transport and Aviation at Mitie, said: “We see this as a fantastic opportunity to bring together partner organisations from across the rail industry with an aim to collaboratively share knowledge, ideas, and experiences to drive innovations and future strategies throughout our sector and beyond.
“At Mitie, we are transforming places with our technology, innovation, and passion for excellence. When we look after places, we’re looking after people and communities. And when communities prosper, we all succeed – and that’s what inspires us every day; better places, thriving communities. We look forward to seeing you all there!”
Liz Gray, Head of Business Development at Fishbone Solutions, said: “As an engineering and data-driven solutions provider to the transport, energy and infrastructure sectors, it seemed only fitting that Fishbone should support the Rail Forum’s Annual Conference.
“Now firmly established as the go to event for examining the future of rail, mass transport and its associated supply chain, as a sponsor we’re looking forward to taking part in the day’s discussions. We’re particularly interested in those which are focussed on the use of data and will be taking the opportunity to explain how our own information-driven solutions are being used as game-changers for the industry.”
More information about the Annual Conference can be found on the Rail Forum website here. All Rail Forum members are entitled to one free place, with additional spaces available to Premium and Patron members. Non-members may purchase a ticket to attend. Bookings will close on 22nd September, with joining information issued on 25th September.
We look forward to welcoming members and industry colleagues to this prestigious event.