Brisbane hosts 3,000 international and national rail leaders

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) welcomed more than 3,000 attendees at AusRail 2022, 5-7 December which was focussed on the future of the AUD$30bn Australian rail industry.

The success of the Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), reflects the resilience of the rail industry and is further evidence of the continuing strong recovery of Australia’s business events sector.

Chief executive officer of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), Caroline Wilkie, said ARA was delighted to be in Brisbane for AusRail 2022.

“The industry response to the event surpassed our expectations, with more than 3,000 delegates, exhibitors and visitors attending. We were thrilled to be able to showcase the latest innovations, projects and advances in rail at the BCEC  to cap off a busy year for the industry.”

The Conference and Exhibition was held on the doorstep of Brisbane’s Cross River Rail development, and provided an opportunity to discuss the many projects underway across both Australia and New Zealand, as well as the key issues of technology, innovation and sustainability.

Stephanie Bee, operations director at MCI Australia said Ausrail 2022 marked a triumphant return to face-to-face business events and had been a resounding success by every definition.

“With an abundance of visitor interactivity and exhibition activations, networking and collaboration has been a true highlight of the event. We utilised the BCEC in every way possible – with 6,000sqm of exhibition space, plenary sessions in the Great Hall as well as multiple sold out delegate functions. As this is the first time MCI has supported the delivery of Ausrail, the overwhelmingly positive feedback from delegates, sponsors and exhibitors alike has been cause for both celebration and reflection on the great contributions that events such as this can deliver for all involved.”

BCEC general manager, Kym Guesdon congratulated organisers on achieving such high levels of participation. “The Centre is committed to delivering the best possible outcome for business events and the subject of transport is of paramount importance to us all. Sustainable, efficient and safe rail networks are essential for a strong economy and shaping our communities.”