Date: 16 October 2026
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2026 PWI Convention Details
Rail Reimagined: Digital Innovation for a Sustainable Future
This year’s convention will challenge Australia’s rail sector to evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The Australian rail industry faces a unique set of challenges — higher costs to build and maintain assets; a lack of harmonisation across states and the
impact this has on the efficiency and transferability of skills and resources; ageing infrastructure; asset sprawl across a vast geographic footprint; and the ongoing difficulty of implementing change while maintaining live operational rail services. The advancement of
technology and innovation is increasing at pace – with Artificial Intelligence being a prime example of a new frontier of computerised advancement and processing power that can perform complex tasks at a pace far greater than any human can achieve – the opportunity to be more efficient and effective in the delivery of projects and rail operations has never been more prevalent. But are we ready for this change? Can the rail industry – a notoriously slow turning ship when it comes to accepting and implementing change – leverage these
opportunities? Do we have the knowledge and capability to adapt?
This year’s convention will seek to challenge the thinking that often stifles progress in our industry. The Convention will examine how emerging technologies — including Artificial Intelligence, automation, digital engineering, predictive analytics, digital twins, cybersecurity, and driverless systems — are reshaping the way railways are planned, operated, maintained, and enhanced. We will explore how digital capability can help
overcome traditional industry barriers, accelerate decarbonisation and sustainable investment outcomes, improve operational performance, and support smarter infrastructure decisions that extend beyond short term political cycles. By learning from both Australian experience and global trends, the 2026 PWI Convention will provide a platform for collaboration, innovation, and strategic thinking to help shape a more connected and sustainable rail future for Australia.
Additional Information
Corporate Convention Discount codes
Please note: discount codes will be emailed to financial enhanced corporate members (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Corporate) by 1 September – if you don’t receive your code, please contact us at info@pwinsw.org.au
About the PWI
The PWI was founded in the United Kingdom in 1884 as a forum for railway staff at all levels. An independent NSW section was established in 1974, and today is one of the largest independent chapters in the world. Whilst our original focus was on the technical aspects of
the permanent way, we have since broadened our focus to cover rail infrastructure more generally, including civil, structures and electrical.
The PWI NSW is a not-for-profit membership organisation, and we are grateful for the support of our members – these include over 70+ corporates (from Tier 1 contractors and consultants to industry supplier and manufacturing SME’s) and over 400 independent members (from blue collar field workers to white collar executives). We also enjoy strong support from Sydney Trains, TfNSW and Sydney Metro, with key executives such as Howard Collins OAM and Matthew Longland just two of the executive level industry leaders that actively support our activities and events (including our flourishing Cadetship program). We also have active chapters in QLD and SA, and more recently established new chapters in VIC and WA. Our objective is now to become a National Institution over the coming 12-24months, strengthening our relationship with other state and national industry bodies including the Australasian Railway Association.
Our focus as an industry body is on four key pillars:
• Community – fostering a diverse rail community, giving our members a sense of
belonging and unity, nurturing and embracing the belief that we are a “rail family”.
• Knowledge Share – supporting opportunities to share technical knowledge, growing technical expertise, learning about our industry, learning from and about our members.
• Relevance – working with our industry partners and colleagues to support and drive the rail agenda, maintaining a relevant and informed membership, making sure we have a sustainable long-term industry.
• Pathways – supporting the development of career pathways and growth for our rail community, increasing training and technical competency, creating an environment for people to connect.
The PWI Convention is the largest event in our annual calendar, attracting in the region of 300+ delegates, and focuses on embracing the four pillars noted above through presentations and technical papers, and networking and engagement opportunities.
Membership
To attend PWI NSW functions you must be a current financial member or corporate representative or guest. Please refer to the membership page for all memberships including corporate membership.
If you are not currently a member of PWI NSW you can join via our Membership page. Upon joining you will receive a Login ID and password to register for events.
For any queries please contact info@pwinsw.org.au
