CHICAGO—November 20, 2024 (James Street Media Services)—The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) will host its annual Winter Meeting January 14–16, 2025 in Schaumburg, Illinois at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. The theme for the meeting is “Starting the New Year on Track."

This premier rail industry meeting will feature experts discussing their perspectives on the issues and trends currently impacting freight rail operations and shipping. The new location—convenient to O’Hare International Airport—will allow for expanded capacity as well as enhanced speaker and sponsorship opportunities. The schedule includes a day-and-a-half of presentations and several networking opportunities.   

“The great programming and participation by many key industry decision-makers at the MARS Winter Meeting has made it a ‘must-attend’ event,” says MARS President Matt O’Kray. “As a result, we are moving into the larger and more convenient new location, allowing for continued growth of and enhancement to this marquee event. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Chicago area once again.        

                                                                                    
The highlight of the Winter Meeting will be presentations from key industry leaders including:

• Christina Bottomley, VP Business Development & Real Estate, CSX
• Brandy D. Christian, CEO, Patriot Rail
• Katie Farmer, President & CEO, BNSF
• Larry Gross, President, Gross Transportation Consulting
• Anthony B. Hatch, ABH Consulting
• Ryan Higgins, Chief Commercial Officer, OmniTrax
• James Kornas, Executive Vice-President–Rail, Ozinga
• Patrick Lortie, Senior Vice-President and Chief Strategy Officer, CN
• Robert E. Primus, Chairman, Surface Transportation Board
• Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Union Pacific Railroad
• Paulina San Millan, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Intersect Illinois
• Jean Savage, CEO and President, Trinity Industries

Additional speakers will be announced later.

New this year, professional development elements will be included to help attendees effectively start 2025. An exercise class as well as breakout sessions on goal setting and healthy nutritional habits will also be available.

Keynote speaker will be Dr. Chris Kuehl, Managing Director/Founder, Armada Corporate Intelligence to discuss economic trends and forecasts. 

Exhibit tables and sponsorships are now available. 

Registration fee for the meeting is $380 until December 15. After that date, it is $430. Onsite registration will be $500. 

A block of hotel rooms is available at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel at the $164 rate until December 20 or until room block is full. Reservations are now available online.

ABOUT MARS
The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) is one of five regional North American associations under the North American Rail Shippers (NARS) national organization. Headquartered in the Chicago area, MARS provides an open forum for discussion and resolution of rail transportation issues by bringing railroads, shippers, receivers, and rail supply companies together twice annually for formal meetings in the Chicago area. To review the most recent meeting presentations, and to inquire about MARS membership, please visit the MARS website at www.mwrailshippers.com.

Note to editors and reporters: Please let us know if you would like free registration to attend the meeting.

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