Press Release

Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines confirmed as keynote speaker at RIA Annual Conference & Dinner 2023

23 June 2023

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is pleased to announce that Network Rail CEO, Andrew Haines OBE, will address its award-winning RIA Annual Conference & Dinner 2023, taking place 1-2 November at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London.

In addition to his Network Rail position, Andrew Haines has also been tasked with establishing interim arrangements for the creation of Great British Railways, and will give an update on progress in both of his roles.

This year’s conference theme focuses on “Promoting the case for rail and investment in uncertain times”. Over the space of two days, the programme will combine keynote speeches, panel discussions, interview sessions, spotlight exhibitor pitches and unique networking opportunities for rail suppliers, clients, policy makers and influencers, stakeholders and media. 

Alongside Andrew Haines, a number of major keynote speakers have also been confirmed for the conference, including Beth West, CEO, East West Rail, Steve White, MD, Southeastern, Maggie Simpson OBE, DG, Rail Freight Group, Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive, Transport for the North, and Emma Porter, MD, Story Contracting, with many more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Anyone who would like to attend RIA Annual Conference & Dinner 2023 can purchase Early Bird tickets by 30 June.

RIA Marketing & Events Manager, Grace Smithen, said: “We’re delighted to announce that Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines OBE will be a keynote speaker at RIA’s Annual Conference & Dinner 2023. Andrew Haines’s voice is one of the most respected and important in the railway industry, and he will no doubt offer a fascinating analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing rail over the coming months and years, in what are uncertain times and with a General Election due next year.

“So we’re really excited for this year’s RIA Annual Conference & Dinner, which will once again offer attendees the opportunity to listen to a first-class range of speakers, take advantage of unrivalled networking opportunities and enjoy some fantastic entertainment. The conference will also include some brand new features, such as spotlight sessions, where exhibitors will be able to showcase their products.

“Tickets traditionally sell fast for this event and the Early Bird Rate is only available until the end of June. So we urge anyone who wants to attend to book now to avoid disappointment!” 

1. About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 350 companies in membership in a sector that contributes £43 billion in economic growth and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 710,000 people. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK; for every £1 spent in rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk