International Industry Events in Rail Transport 2026

Technical Events in Rail Transport

Rail transport is characterized by complex projects, long development cycles and high technical and regulatory requirements. Professional events, trade fairs and conferences therefore continue to play a central role in personal exchange, the classification of technological developments and the early coordination of projects. For system suppliers, developers, planners and decision makers, they offer the opportunity to better understand market requirements, assess international perspectives and support projects at an early stage.

The following overview focuses on events that play a special role in our work in international rail transport. There are also numerous other formats, particularly in the area of infrastructure, which are not the focus here.

Industry events 2026 at a glance

Railtech Europe

Subject: Technical event with a focus on technological developments in rail transport, in particular digitization, innovation and system integration
Appointment: 4-5 March 2026, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Railtech Europe is aimed primarily at trade visitors from the fields of technology, development and system integration. The focus is on new technological approaches, digital solutions and the exchange of views on current challenges in the European rail market. In addition to lectures and discussion formats, the event offers space for classifying technological trends and their relevance for future vehicle and system concepts.

UITP Summit

Subject: International Summit for Public Transport with Focus on Operator Perspectives, System Solutions and Urban Mobility
Appointment: 21-23 April 2026, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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The UITP Summit brings together operators, manufacturers and system providers from all over the world. The thematic focus is on strategic issues, technological developments and international best practices. The event provides a global view of requirements and solutions in public transport.

Red Cabin USA

Subject: Technical conference focusing on vehicle interiors, design, materials and user experience
Appointment: May 12—14, 2026, Washington, United States of America
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Red Cabin USA is aimed at decision makers, planners and developers who deal with the interior of rail vehicles. The focus is on conceptual approaches, new materials and the integration of technical components. The conference format promotes professional exchange in early project phases and enables in-depth discussions away from traditional trade fair formats.

Raillive 2026

Subject: Conference on Infrastructure, Operations and Technological Developments in the Rail Sector
Appointment: 17—18 June 2026, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
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Raillive is designed as a conference format and addresses strategic and operational issues. In addition to technical topics, regulatory and organizational aspects play a role. The event provides insights into the British market and promotes international exchange on current challenges in rail operations.

Rail Business Days

Subject: Trade fair focusing on rail vehicles, components and systems in Central and Eastern Europe
Appointment: July 9—11, 2026, Ostrava, Czech Republic
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Rail Business Days have established themselves as an important platform for the Central and Eastern European market. OEMs, suppliers and operators use the trade fair to discuss projects and exchange information on current vehicle and system solutions. The event is particularly important for regional market requirements and networks.

Railtransexpo

Subject: International Trade Fair for Rail Transport with Focus on Vehicles, Infrastructure and Operations
Appointment: July 3-4, 2026, Bharat Mandapam, India
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Railtransexpo Addresses a growing market with its own technical and organizational framework. The event provides insights into ongoing projects, technological developments and future requirements in the Indian rail sector and serves as a platform for international exchange.

InnoTrans

Subject: Leading International Trade Fair for Transport Technology with a Focus on Rail Vehicles, Systems and Infrastructure
Appointment: September 22-25, 2026, Berlin, Germany
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Die InnoTrans Is considered the world's most important trade fair for transport technology. It covers the entire spectrum of rail vehicle and system development and brings together OEMs, operators and system suppliers. In addition to product presentations, the focus is on project discussions, system integration and technological developments.

APTA Conference & Expo

Subject: Trade Fair and Conference for Public Transport in North America
Appointment: October 4—7, 2026, Chicago, USA
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Die APTA Conference & Expo Is a central meeting place for operators, manufacturers and suppliers in the North American market. The thematic focus is on operation, technology and future requirements for public transport. The event provides a comprehensive overview of developments and projects in the USA.

Red Cabin Railway Innovation Summit

Subject: Innovation Conference for Vehicle Interiors in Rail Transport
Appointment: Novembre 17—19, 2026, Lille, France
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The Red Cabin Railway Innovation Summit Focuses on interior solutions, design, materials, and system integration. The format promotes intensive professional exchange and is aimed at decision makers and developers from the interior sector.

Classification from an industry perspective

The overview shows the range of formats within the rail industry — from major leading international trade fairs to specialized conferences and networking events. While trade fairs such as InnoTrans provide a comprehensive market overview, smaller and thematically focused formats offer space for in-depth professional exchange and early project discussions. Taken together, these events form relevant meeting points along the entire project cycle.

Outlook for 2026

In 2026, these events offer a wide range of opportunities for professional exchange, project discussions and the classification of technical developments in an international context. An overview of other topics and services offered by SBF can be found on our website:
www.sbf-germany.com/services

If you would like to have a conversation as part of or independently of an event, you can always use our website to Make an appointment.