Manufacturing and Engineering Magazine Volume 420 - September 2015 | Page 72

railtex.qxp_feature 2 05/08/2015 15:38 Page 70

RAIL RAILTEX
tations by leading industry figures was a
major highlight, with many sessions standing
room only and plenty of constructive
exchanges between speakers and audience.
With 468 of the rail industry’s leading
suppliers taking part, Railtex 2015 was the
biggest and busiest of these events for more
than a decade. A total of 7,449 trade visitors
attended the show. A further 2,700 people
were present as exhibitors, bringing together
some 10,150 rail industry professionals over
three days at the NEC. Of the 7,449 trade
visitors, over 73% were of senior manager
level or above and possessed purchasing
power. As a result, many exhibitors said
Railtex exceeded their expectations, with
show surveys indicating that 98% received
positive business enquiries.

EXTENSIVE SUPPORTING
PROGRAMME
While the event continued to fulfill its primary role as a showcase for the latest in railway technology, it also featured an extensive
and high profile range of supporting activities, providing further Railtex highlights.
These included technical seminars plus a full
programme of interactive sessions including
project updates, industry briefings and discussion forums. Many featured presentations
by leading figures shaping the UK rail sector
and all were free to attend.
The popularity of these sessions meant
that many were standing-room only, including
those by the recently formed Rail Supply
Group set up by the industry and government
to optimise the potential of UK companies.
The Group’s co-chairman Terence Watson
said: “Railtex provided the RSG with an unrivalled opportunity to engage with both the
industry and its customers. With access to

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over 2,700 representatives of exhibitors and
almost 7,500 visitors over the three days, we
were able to share the RSG’s vision for the
future; and also outline how businesses in the
supply chain, both large and small, could work
with us as we develop our Industrial Strategy.
Railtex will form a key part of our engagement
with the industry over the coming years.
More information on Railtex 2015 can
be found at www.railtex.co.uk. Meanwhile,
planning is now well under way for the next
UK rail show organised by Mack Brooks
Exhibitions - Infrarail 2016 covering railway infrastructure equipment and technologies will take place at ExCeL in London
from 12 to 14 April next year. It will be colocated with the company’s CITE – Civil
Infrastructure Technology & Equipment
event. Visit www.infrail.com and www.citeuk.com for details.

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