The 1st iaf Congress on Rail Infrastructure Works

from 17^th – 19^th May 2011 in Münster
"Network Improvement in Europe"
has been a great success!

Topic

"Network Improvement in Europe" was the topical theme of the first iaf Congress on Rail Infrastructure Works.

Experts and representatives of leading international railway companies came together for the first time in this form and discussed the further development of railway infrastructures within Europe.

The high-ranking participants of the panel presented ideas, concepts and new approaches to adapt to the requirements and raise the capacity of existing and future networks. The planning, construction and maintenance of urban, regional, national and cross-border rail networks for the increasing passenger, goods and high-speed traffic were presented by speakers who are confronted daily with these challenges.

The congress showed the latest findings and the very latest standard of technology in this field. At the same time it offered specialists, experts and interested persons the unique opportunity for networking and exchanging experiences in order to promote future European projects in a co-operative effort.

Exhibition

Besides the talks and discussions, firms demonstrated their latest developments in the exhibition accompanying the Congress in fascinating presentations.
There were technical demonstrations on the track on the outdoor area of Halle Münsterland.

Industry-specific dialogue

On 17^th May from 18:00 the visitors had been invited to a small buffet with the speakers and on 18^th May to a festive evening with a cultural programme.

The evenings and the break periods had been utilised for an intensive industry-specific dialogue with other participants.

The Congress offered countless opportunities for making contacts with the experts, speakers and other participating delegates, for networking and exchanging information.

Background

The International Exhibition for Track Technology (iaf) has long become established as the world's largest fair in the field of track technology. The next iaf will take place in 2013. To bridge the gap up to the next meeting of experts, it was decided to initiate the iaf Congress on Rail Infrastructure Works which, after 2011, will then be held every 4 years.