The Ultimate Unofficial Guide to ASLRRA 2025 in Denver
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) Annual Conference & Exhibition is the premier event for professionals in the short line and regional railroad industry. The 2025 conference is scheduled to take place from April 6-8 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential information to make the most of your experience at ASLRRA 2025.
Event Overview
Dates: April 6-8, 2025
Location: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver, CO 80202
Control Chief Booth: #1111
The ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition brings together industry leaders, suppliers, and stakeholders to discuss the latest developments, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions in the railroad sector. Attendees can look forward to a variety of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and an extensive exhibition hall.
Registration Information
All individuals planning to attend the conference must register. Registration fees vary based on membership status and registration date. It’s important to note that rates increase after each deadline, so early registration is encouraged. For detailed information on registration rates and deadlines, please visit the official ASLRRA registration page.
Venue Details
The Colorado Convention Center is a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of downtown Denver. It offers 584,000 square feet of exhibition space, 63 meeting rooms, and a 5,000-seat theater. The center is within walking distance of numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it a convenient location for conference attendees.
Accommodation Options
ASLRRA has secured room blocks at several hotels near the convention center. Booking within these blocks is recommended to ensure proximity and to take advantage of negotiated rates. Please be aware of potential hotel poaching scams and only use official booking links provided by ASLRRA. For a list of partner hotels and booking information, refer to the ASLRRA hotel information page.
Floorplan
Conference Schedule Highlights
The conference offers a robust agenda designed to provide valuable insights and opportunities for professional growth. Below are some key events:
Sunday, April 6:
- 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Train Excursion
- 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Committee Meetings and Breakout Sessions
- 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: First Timers Reception
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Reception
Monday, April 7:
- 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.: Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
- 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: General Session – Speakers & Awards
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: Breakout Sessions
- 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Lunch in Exhibit Hall
- 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Breakout Sessions
- 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Reception
Tuesday, April 8:
- 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: General Session – Speakers & Awards
- 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Brunch in the Exhibit Hall
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Breakout Sessions
- 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Lucky Strike Networking Event
- 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.: Closing Party
For a detailed and up-to-date schedule, please refer to the ASLRRA conference agenda.
Special Events
- Rocky Mountaineer Train Excursion: Experience a scenic journey departing from Denver, traveling approximately 20 miles west on the historic Moffat Tunnel subdivision. This excursion includes brunch and offers breathtaking views of downtown Denver and the surrounding plains. Space is limited, and participants must be registered for the conference.
engage.aslrra.org - Lucky Strike Networking Event: Join fellow attendees for an afternoon of networking and friendly competition at Lucky Strike, located just a few blocks from the convention center. Activities include boutique bowling, arcade games, billiards, and more. This event is complimentary for Class II and III railroad employees, but registration is required.
Where to Eat in Denver, Colorado while you’re at ASLRRA
Denver’s culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, offering a range of dining experiences to suit various tastes. Here are ten notable restaurants to consider:
1. Alma Fonda Fina
Address: 2556 15th St, Denver, CO 80211
Cuisine: Contemporary Mexican
Description: A Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Johnny Curiel, offering creative spins on heritage Mexican dishes. Michelin Guide
2. Beckon
Address: 2843 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Cuisine: New American
Description: An intimate, reservation-only restaurant providing a seasonal tasting menu that showcases contemporary cuisine. Michelin Guide
3. The Wolf’s Tailor
Address: 4058 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
Cuisine: Fusion of Italian and Japanese
Description: A Michelin-starred restaurant blending Italian and Japanese culinary traditions with a focus on sustainability. Michelin Guide
4. La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
Address: 2233 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Cuisine: Mexican
Description: Specializing in traditional pozole and an extensive mezcal selection, recognized among the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. Michelin Guide
5. Tavernetta
Address: 1889 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
Cuisine: Italian
Description: Offering authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Michelin Guide
6. Safta
Address: 3330 Brighton Blvd #201, Denver, CO 80216
Cuisine: Israeli
Description: Serving modern Israeli dishes in a stylish setting, highlighting Middle Eastern flavors. Michelin Guide
7. Guard and Grace
Address: 1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Description: A modern steakhouse offering a variety of prime cuts and an extensive wine list in a chic atmosphere. Michelin Guide
8. Sắp Sửa
Address: 2550 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Cuisine: Vietnamese-American
Description: A Vietnamese-American restaurant known for innovative dishes like brown butter and fish sauce scrambled eggs.
9. El Five
Address: 2930 Umatilla St #500, Denver, CO 80211
Cuisine: Spanish and Mediterranean
Description: A trendy rooftop restaurant featuring Spanish and Mediterranean small plates, craft cocktails, and stunning views of the Denver skyline. ediblebeats.com
These establishments represent a cross-section of Denver’s dynamic dining options, catering to a variety of culinary preferences.
Must See Attractions in The Denver Colorado Area While You’re at ASLRRA 2025
Denver offers a rich tapestry of attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. Here are eight must-visit spots to enhance your Mile-High City experience:
Colorado Railroad Museum
Located in Golden, just west of Denver, this museum showcases over 100 narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars. Visitors can explore extensive exhibits detailing Colorado’s railroading history and even enjoy train rides on select days. coloradorailroadmuseum.org
Georgetown Loop Railroad
A short drive from Denver, this historic narrow-gauge railroad offers scenic rides through the Rocky Mountains, complete with breathtaking views and guided mine tours. Georgetown Loop Railroad
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Famed for its natural acoustics and stunning rock formations, Red Rocks is both a concert venue and a park with hiking trails. The amphitheater provides panoramic vistas of Denver and the Rockies, making it a prime spot for sunrise or sunset views. Visit Denver
Denver Union Station
A beautifully restored transit hub that serves as a gateway to the city. Beyond its architectural grandeur, Union Station houses shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Visit Denver
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
This museum offers a plethora of exhibits ranging from prehistoric fossils to space exploration. It’s an educational haven for all ages, featuring an IMAX theater and a planetarium. Wikipedia
Denver Botanic Gardens
An urban oasis spanning 23 acres, showcasing diverse plant collections from around the world. The gardens offer a serene environment for leisurely strolls and seasonal events.
Forney Museum of Transportation
Home to an extensive collection of over 500 exhibits, including vintage automobiles, locomotives, and aircraft. Highlights include the Union Pacific ‘Big Boy’ steam locomotive and Amelia Earhart’s 1923 Kissel ‘Gold Bug.’ Wikipedia
Cranmer Park
Situated in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood, Cranmer Park offers expansive views of the Rocky Mountains, making it an ideal spot to witness breathtaking sunsets over the peaks. Reuters
These attractions provide a glimpse into Denver’s diverse offerings, from its rich railroad heritage to its natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
Visit Control Chief at Booth #1111
Control Chief is proud to be a part of ASLRRA 2025, bringing decades of experience in remote-control technology for rail operations. Booth #1111 is your destination to discover how our innovative solutions enhance safety, efficiency, and precision for short line and regional railroads.
Meet Our Experts
This year, David Tenney and Josh Laska will be at the booth, ready to connect with industry professionals, discuss operational challenges, and showcase how Control Chief’s wireless remote-control solutions can improve rail yard operations. Whether you’re looking for ways to enhance switching, loading, or remote locomotive control, David and Josh have the expertise to guide you to the right solution.
What You’ll See at Our Booth
- TrainChief® Plus+™ – A permanently installed wireless locomotive remote control system that increases efficiency and operator safety.
- MU&Go®Plus+™ – Our multiple-unit locomotive control solution for seamless remote operations.
- Load-Out Management System – A pedestal-mounted controller that allows operators to remotely position locomotives during load-out operations, enhancing efficiency and safety in coal, grain, and aggregate facilities.
Tips for First-Time ASLRRA Attendees
Plan Your Conference Strategy
With so much happening at ASLRRA 2025, reviewing the agenda ahead of time will help you maximize your experience. Identify key sessions, networking events, and exhibitors you want to visit to ensure you make the most of your time.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Colorado Convention Center is large, and you’ll be walking between sessions, networking events, and exhibitor booths. Comfortable shoes will make a big difference in keeping you focused and energized throughout the event.
Make Real Industry Connections
ASLRRA is a prime opportunity to meet railroad professionals, suppliers, and decision-makers. Bring business cards, be ready to exchange contact info, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself. Stop by Booth #1111 to connect with Locomotive Remote Control professionals and discuss solutions that can enhance your rail operations.
Get Hands-On with New Technology
The expo floor is filled with innovative rail solutions. Instead of just browsing, engage with exhibitors and ask for demonstrations. Many companies showcase cutting-edge locomotive control, switching, and yard automation solutions, so take the opportunity to see them in action.
Take Advantage of Networking Events
Make time for receptions and breakout sessions where you can connect with industry professionals in a relaxed setting. These informal interactions often lead to valuable business relationships.
Why Visit Control Chief at ASLRRA 2025?
- Hands-on Product Demos – See our technology in action and experience its ease of use.
- Expert Consultation – Talk directly with industry professionals about your specific rail operation needs.
- Exclusive Insights – Learn about the latest innovations in wireless control technology for rail.
Stop by Booth #1111 and explore how Control Chief can help streamline your rail operations with cutting-edge remote-control technology. If you’d like to schedule a meeting in advance, reach out to David Tenney or Josh Laska before the event! Give them a call at 814.362.6811
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