Description

Registration for the 2027 RTA Conference Opens Jan. 15, 2027!

• VIEW 2027 CONFERENCE AGENDA
• CONTACT RTA ABOUT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
• VIEW EXHIBITOR SHIPPING DETAILS
• VIEW PHOTOS FROM 2026 CONFERENCE
  

RTA is excited to announce that the 2027 Railway Tie Association (RTA) Conference will be held Oct. 17-20 at the JW Marriott Nashville in Nashville, Tenn. Registration will open on Friday, Jan. 15.

We have incorporated attendee feedback into this year's agenda and are looking forward to bringing together wood tie industry professionals, railroad representatives, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the wood tie supply chain for educational sessions, networking, and discussions on the issues shaping North America's freight railroad industry.

The conference will feature expert presentations on railroad engineering, wood tie markets, research and innovation, and industry trends, along with exhibits, networking events and off-site activities. Attendees will gain valuable market insights, strengthen business relationships, and connect with colleagues from across the wood tie supply chain.

All RTA members are invited to attend the R&D Committee Meeting at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 17, followed by a Welcome Reception at 4:30 p.m. Conference activities will wrap up on Tuesday, October 19, with a lively "Boots & Bling" themed closing reception. Wear your boots, don your cowboy hat, and don't forget to throw in some extra bling for the evening.

AREMA Committee 30 subcommittee meetings will take place in RTA-reserved meeting rooms beginning at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Optional activities include:

• Golf at Gaylord Springs Links: $350 (Max 72)
• Country Music Hall of Fame Trio Experience: $300 (Max 40)
• Spouse/Guest Meet & Greet - Cake Decorating Experience: $200 (Max 26)

FUN OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Country Music Hall of Fame Trio Experience: Prepare for an unforgettable afternoon exploring Nashville's legendary country music heritage! This exclusive off-site experience begins at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with Stories Behind the Songs, offering a fascinating look at the music and the stories that inspired it. You will then enjoy 90 minutes to explore the museum at your own pace before heading to historic RCA Studio B, where some of country music's most iconic recordings were made. From legendary artists to the stories behind their hits, this is a Nashville experience you won't want to miss! Sign up at registration. Space is limited to just 40 participants.

Gaylord Springs Golf Links: Get ready for a great afternoon of golf at Gaylord Springs Golf Links, one of Nashville's premier golf destinations! Set along the banks of the Cumberland River, this scenic 18-hole course offers beautiful views and challenging play. The annual RTA Golf Tournament is a great way to connect with colleagues while experiencing one of Music City's finest courses. The tournament begins with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start and is limited to 72 participants. Sign up at registration.

Music City Rooftop Rendezvous: From 1-4 pm, on Tuesday, Oct. 19, join us at the JW Marriott Nashville's rooftop pool for an afternoon of great company, drinks, and a little friendly competition! Everyone is invited to enjoy the poolside games and views of the Nashville skyline. It's a great opportunity to catch up with fellow RTA attendees and enjoy some time together outside the conference sessions.

Spouse/Guest Meet & Greet - Cake Decorating Workshop: This year's Spouse/Guest Meet & Greet interactive activity will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 18. A hands-on cake decorating workshop, where guests can get creative with colorful buttercream and piping bags as they decorate their own cakes, will feature guidance from the JW Marriott Nashville's pastry chef. Enjoy light bites, beverages, and plenty of conversation as you reconnect with familiar faces and make new friends. No cake decorating experience necessary, just come ready to have fun! Limited to 26 participants.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Sunday, Oct. 17, 2027

Noon-5 pm - Exhibitor Setup

Noon-6:30 pm - Registration Open

3:30-5 pm - R&D Committee Fall Meeting

4:30-6:30 pm - President's Reception with Heavy Appetizers, Drinks and Open Mic Night

6:30 pm - Dinner on Your Own

Monday, Oct. 18, 2027

7-7:45 am - Breakfast Buffet in Exhibit Hall

7:45-8 am - RTA Business Session

8-8:45 am - Railroad Executive Keynote Address

8:45-10 am - Railroad Engineering Panel

10-10:15 am - Networking Break/Broad Axe Award Ceremony

10 am-Noon - Spouse/Guest Meet & Greet - Cake Decorating Workshop

10:15-10:45 am - Government Affairs

10:45-11:30 am - Research & Innovation - Day 1

11:30 am-1 pm - Lunch Buffet in Exhibit Hall

11:45 am-6 pm - RTA Golf Tournament at Gaylor Springs Links with Golf Awards (Meet in lobby by Noon for bus departure and 1:30 pm shotgun start)

Noon-5 pm - Networking/Private Meeting Rooms Open

1-5 pm - Off-Site Activity: Country Music Hall of Fame Trio

6 pm - Dinner on Your Own/No Reception

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2027

7-8 am - Breakfast Buffet in Exhibit Hall

8-8:45 am - Tie End of Life Solutions

8:45-9 am - Hardwood Market Report Update

9-10 am - HMA Hardwood Marketplace Perspectives

10-10:15 am - Networking Break/Branding Hammer Award Ceremony

10:15-11 am - Research & Innovation - Day 2

11 am-Noon - Shortline and Class I Railroad Procurement

Noon-1 pm - Lunch Buffet in Exhibit Hall

Noon-5 pm - Networking/Private Meeting Rooms Open

1-4:30 pm - AREMA Committee 30 Meeting

1-4 pm - Music City Rooftop Rendezvous (Open Bar/Pool/Games)

5-7 pm - "Boots & Bling" Closing Reception/Silver Saw Award Ceremony with Drinks, Heavy Appetizers & Featured Artist Chris Cole

Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2027

8 am-4 pm - AREMA Committee 30 Subcommittee Meetings

CANCELLATION POLICY
Registration cancellations received on or before October 1, 2027, are eligible for a refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after October 1, 2027. Substitutions may be made after this date by calling (770) 460-5553 or emailing ties@rta.org.

CONSENT FOR USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES
Registration for, attendance at, or participation in RTA meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to RTA’s use and distribution (now and in the future) of the registrant’s or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions, and audiotapes of such events and activities.

ANTI-TRUST STATEMENT
RTA reminds its members that the following practices are not permitted:

• Agreeing to fix or set prices, markups or terms of a sale.
• Agreeing to fix territories or allocate customers.
• Promoting a boycott of any producer or supplier.
• Agreeing to limit the quantities of products.

The purpose of this policy is to encourage the free exchange of information and to ensure compliance with all applicable laws or regulations. Any member who has a question about any activity or communication is encouraged to bring concerns to the attention of the Association and to consult appropriate counsel.

EXHIBIT BOOTHS & SPONSORSHIPS
If you are interested in securing a sponsorship or exhibit space, please contact Dr. Nate Irby at nirby@rta.org as soon as possible, as exhibit space is limited.

• Friend of RTA Sponsorship: $600
• Tabletop Exhibit Space: $1,295
• Exhibit booths and sponsorships are billed separately from registration.
• Exhibitor shipping instructions can be found HERE.