Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026
Every year, the short line and regional railroad industry converges in one place to learn, connect, and shape the future of regional railroading.
That place is the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition, hosted by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
If you’re attending in 2026 — whether as a railroader, supplier, exhibitor, or first-timer — this Ultimate Unofficial Guide will help you get the most value out of your time.
What Is the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition?
The ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition is the largest gathering in North America dedicated specifically to short line and regional railroads and the companies that support them.
It combines:
- Educational sessions
- General sessions and keynotes
- A large exhibit hall
- Networking receptions and special events
In short: it’s where the short line and regional railroad industry goes to do business.
2026 Event Basics
- Event: ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition
- Dates: April 12–14, 2026
- Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
- Host Organization: American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association
Expect thousands of attendees representing short lines, regional railroads, holding companies, contractors, and technology providers.
Why This Event Matters
For Short Line & Regional Railroads
- Practical education focused on real operational challenges
- Regulatory and compliance updates
- Safety, maintenance, and infrastructure best practices
- Exposure to new technologies and vendors
For Vendors & Solution Providers
- Direct access to decision-makers
- Face-to-face relationship building
- Live product demonstrations
- Lead generation with high-intent prospects
Unlike massive general-industry expos, this conference is tightly focused on the needs of short line and regional railroads.
What You’ll Find on the Exhibit Floor
The exhibit hall is where most hands-on discovery happens.
You’ll find:
- Locomotive and railcar technologies
- Track and infrastructure solutions
- Safety equipment
- Software and data systems
- Maintenance tools
- Communications and control systems
If you’re responsible for operations, safety, or mechanical systems, plan to spend significant time here.
Control Chief Corporation at ASLRRA 2026
Control Chief will be exhibiting at the 2026 ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition with a focus on locomotive remote control systems designed to improve safety, efficiency, and yard operations.
👉 Visit Control Chief at Booth 838
If you’re curious how remote locomotive operation actually plays out in the field, stop by and take a look. The Control Chief team will walk through real scenarios, show how the system works, and talk through how railroads are using it during daily operations.
What the 2026 Conference Schedule Looks Like (At a Glance)
Here’s an early view of how the conference is structured over the three main days of the event: April 12–14, 2026. Full session titles and times will be released closer to the event on the official conference page.
📅 Sunday, April 12, 2026
- 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. — Registration Open
- 1:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. — Education Sessions begin
- 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — First-Timers Orientation & Networking
- Evening — Opening networking/reception (typical for past conferences)
📅 Monday, April 13, 2026
- Full day of education sessions, breakouts, and workshops across multiple tracks
- Exhibit Hall open with product demos and vendor showcases
- Networking breaks, meals, and opportunities to connect with peers
📅 Tuesday, April 14, 2026
- Continued breakout sessions and general sessions
- Exhibit Hall experience continues
- Often includes special events or closing receptions like the Topgolf event — a fun industry social hosted by ASLRRA for attendees and members to connect in a relaxed setting.
🧠 What This Schedule Means for Your Planning
- Don’t miss the first-timers session on Sunday — it’s a great way to orient yourself if it’s your first ASLRRA conference.
- Sunday afternoon slides into networking events even before the exhibit hall fully opens.
- Monday and Tuesday are your core learning + exhibit days — make sure to map out the sessions you want to attend.
- Special social events on Tuesday evening are usually included with registration and are ideal for deeper conversations outside the hall.
🔗 Where to Find the Full Schedule
The official, minute-by-minute program is typically published by ASLRRA several weeks before the event on their official conference schedule page:
Exploring Minneapolis While You’re in Town
If you’re traveling to the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition, it’s worth carving out a little time to experience Minneapolis. The downtown area near the convention center offers excellent dining, walkable attractions, and easy options for informal networking over a good meal.
Great Places to Eat Near the Convention Center
Here are some local favorites within easy reach of the convention center:
🍽️ Dining Highlights
- Manny’s Steakhouse – Classic Minneapolis steakhouse with upscale steaks and seafood, perfect for client dinners or team celebrations.
- The Capital Grille – Elegant steak and seafood restaurant with an acclaimed wine list and business-friendly atmosphere.
- Murray’s – Historic family-run steakhouse serving classic American fare since 1946.
- Jax Café – A relaxed, all-day option for seafood, brunch, or casual dinner outside the core downtown area.
- Porzana – Modern steak and empanada spot with creative dishes and upscale flair.
- St Pierre Steak And Seafood – Cozy steak and seafood restaurant with craft cocktails nearby.
- P.S. Steak – A contemporary steakhouse with seasonal menus and a lively vibe.
Pro Tip: During major conventions, downtown reservations fill up quickly — secure evening plans early.
Things to See & Do in Minneapolis
Whether you have a free morning, an afternoon break, or some time after the exhibit hall closes, these spots are worth checking out:
🏙️ Local Attractions
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – A free, expansive outdoor space featuring iconic artwork like Spoonbridge and Cherry.
- Stone Arch Bridge – Historic pedestrian bridge with stunning views of the Mississippi River and downtown skyline — fully reopened and ideal for a riverfront walk.
- Mill City Museum – Explore the history of Minneapolis’ milling industry and enjoy panoramic views from the museum’s observation deck.
- Target Field (MLB home of the Minnesota Twins) – Even if you can’t catch a game, the area around this downtown ballpark is great for strolls.
- Minnehaha Falls Regional Park – A short ride from downtown, this natural park features scenic waterfalls and walking paths.
Minneapolis blends stunning urban design with art, nature, and history — making it easy to explore between sessions or after the exhibit hall closes.
Using the City for Networking
Some of the best business conversations happen outside the exhibit hall.
Consider organizing:
- Breakfast meetups at a local café
- Dinner reservations for client get-togethers
- An early-morning walk across the Stone Arch Bridge
- Casual drinks to close out the evening
A relaxed environment can lead to productive conversations most won’t have inside a crowded expo floor.
Getting Around Minneapolis
Minneapolis is a very accessible city for conference travel, with straightforward options for flying in and moving around downtown.
✈️ Flying Into Minneapolis
Most attendees will arrive through Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), which is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the U.S. for ease of navigation and on-time performance.
- MSP is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis by car
- Major domestic and international airlines serve MSP
- Rental cars, taxis, and rideshare services are readily available
🚆 Light Rail
Minneapolis has an easy-to-use light rail system that connects the airport to downtown.
- The Blue Line (METRO Blue Line) runs directly from MSP to downtown Minneapolis
- Trains run frequently throughout the day
- Cost is inexpensive compared to rideshare or taxi
This is a solid option if you’re staying near downtown or close to the convention center.
🚗 Rideshare & Taxis
Uber and Lyft operate extensively throughout Minneapolis.
- Reliable for airport transfers
- Convenient for evening dinners and offsite meetings
- Typical downtown rides are short and affordable
🚶 Walking Downtown
The area around the Minneapolis Convention Center is walkable, with many hotels, restaurants, and attractions within a few blocks.
If you choose a hotel near the convention center, you may not need ground transportation at all during the conference.
Pro Tips for Attendees
Walk the Floor Early
Mornings on day one are usually the quietest. Visit priority booths before crowds build.
Come With a Short List
Identify 5–10 vendors you definitely want to talk with.
Schedule Key Meetings in Advance
If you know who you want to meet, reach out before the conference.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will walk more than you think.
Take Notes Immediately
After each meaningful conversation, jot down what you discussed.
Choosing Education Sessions
Not every session is equally valuable for every role. Look for topics aligned with:
- Safety programs
- FRA compliance
- Mechanical and maintenance strategies
- Workforce development
- Technology implementation
If a session helps you reduce risk, save time, or avoid costly mistakes, it’s likely worth attending.
Networking Is the Real ROI
Products matter.
Sessions matter.
But relationships create long-term value.
Some of the best conversations happen at:
- Receptions
- Coffee breaks
- Hallway conversations
- Dinners after show hours
Leave margin in your schedule for unplanned interactions.
Who Should Attend?
- Short line & regional railroad executives
- Operations managers
- Mechanical managers
- Safety professionals
- Engineering and maintenance leaders
- Procurement and purchasing teams
- Industry vendors and suppliers
If you touch railroad operations in any meaningful way, this conference belongs on your calendar.
Final Thoughts
The ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition is one of the few places where the short line and regional railroad industry comes together to have real, practical conversations.
It’s where people compare notes, see what others are doing, and get a clearer picture of what’s working across the industry.
Go in with a plan. Make time for the right conversations. Walk the exhibit hall with intention.
And if you’re evaluating locomotive remote control, stop by Control Chief at Booth 838. It’s a chance to see how it’s being used in real operations and talk through what it could look like in your environment.
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