On the right track

Global event organiser Terrapinn will launch a new UK rail exhibition for the railway sector next year, bringing together suppliers and innovators across the entire spectrum of the railway supply chain. Launched in conjunction with lead partners HS2, Transpennine Express and East West Rail, UK Rail is anticipated to attract over 3000 visitors, filling the gap left by the indefinite postponement of Railtex earlier this year.

“We are confident that the time is right for a rail show for the UK that provides proper networking opportunities and highlights some of the great success stories of our industry,” says Terrapinn’s commercial partnerships director Adam Hayward. “‘This new initiative is backed by senior figures across the UK rail and infrastructure landscape, following a series of positive meetings with key clients and stakeholders. It will feature a high-level conference alongside a solutions-focused exhibition, designed to showcase the latest in rail technology, infrastructure and innovation, with the UK market placed firmly at its core.”

The addition of the UK Rail exhibition brings the total number of events in the Terrapinn portfolio to 97. The launch is not the organiser’s foray into the rail sector, with related events including Rail Live (hosted in Madrid, Spain) Asia Pacific Rail (Bangkok, Thailand) and Africa Rail (Johannesburg, South Africa) already firmly established within the railway sector.

The UK Rail exhibition will showcase around 100 exhibitors and will be supported by a content-rich programme of seminars and workshops designed to engage and inspire. Confirmed speakers include representatives of First Group, East West Rail, ScotRail, LNER and Eurostar.

Terrapinn now organises a total of 28 trade exhibitions and conferences in Europe, with a further 69 exhibitions across four continents. Transport is a particular focus for the organiser, with other industry sectors including energy, finance, education, telecoms, health, hospitality, retail and telecoms.

UK Rail will launch at the NEC on 13-14 May 2026, and Smart Display will be working with exhibitors to create a sustainable and impactful exhibition stand. Brands looking to exhibit at the event are invited to get in touch with Smart Display for a no-obligation proposal detailing how their exhibition presence could look for 2026 and beyond #wemakeevents