Celebrating 10 years of RIN

Antoinette Stevenson, Marketing and Events Manager at Jobson James Rail, reflects on the success of Rail Infrastructure Networking and how it highlights the enduring value of bringing the rail industry together.

The rail industry has never been more connected. Teams calls have become commonplace, procurement platforms continue to evolve, and digital marketing allows organisations to engage with customers and prospects every day.

Yet despite the growth of technology, one thing that remains consistent is the fact that business is still built on relationships.

Whether it’s Network Rail seeking innovative solutions, a Tier 1 contractor strengthening its preferred supplier network or an SME looking to secure its next opportunity, meaningful connections remain at the heart of successful project delivery. While digital channels have transformed the way we communicate, there is still no substitute for meeting people face-to-face.

Perhaps that’s why, 10 years after it first began, Rail Infrastructure Networking (RIN) Events continue to attract thousands of rail professionals every year. It was never intended to become one of the UK’s leading rail infrastructure trade shows.

The concept was founded by Keven Parker, Head of Rail at Jobson James Rail, who recognised that many organisations across the rail sector faced similar challenges but rarely had the opportunity to connect directly. His solution was simple: invite a small group of clients and suppliers together for coffee, encourage introductions and create opportunities for collaboration.

The first event welcomed just 14 organisations into a small Birmingham venue. Today, RIN Events attract thousands of rail professionals annually and have become recognised fixtures within the rail industry calendar. Yet despite the growth, the objective remains exactly the same as it was 10 years ago: creating opportunities for businesses to meet, share knowledge and build valuable commercial relationships.

Keven, Founder of RIN Events, said: “The goal wasn’t to create a leading trade show. It was simply to get good rail businesses in the same room and help them start conversations. The scale has changed, but the principle remains exactly the same today.”

What makes RIN particularly relevant in today’s market is efficiency. Time is one of the most valuable resources available to any rail professional. Building relationships across the industry can often involve weeks of diary planning, lengthy travel commitments and multiple individual meetings. A single visit to RIN provides an opportunity to meet suppliers, buyers, Tier 1 contractors, infrastructure organisations and industry peers, all under one roof, in just four hours.

For visitors, that means gaining valuable market insight, discovering new products and services, and making connections that could otherwise take months to achieve. For exhibitors, it provides direct access to a highly targeted rail audience actively looking to engage with the wider supply chain.

The continued demand for this approach was evident at RIN Derby earlier this year. The event welcomed more than 1,000 registered attendees, 180 exhibiting organisations and 12 Tier 1 companies conducting more than 120 pre-arranged procurement meetings during the popular Meet the Buyer session.

However, statistics only tell part of the story. The real value of the event is reflected in the experiences of the businesses that continue to support it.

Jake Sollis, Head of Operations – Rail, Matchtech, said: “We have attended RIN events for several years and consistently find them to be a valuable opportunity to build new industry relationships while catching up with existing contacts. After exhibiting for the first time in London earlier this year, we were keen to return in Derby.

“The event was a great success, both on our stand and through networking across the venue. RIN provides valuable insight into the rail industry and gives us the opportunity to engage with organisations and individuals we may not otherwise have the chance to meet.”

Another factor behind RIN’s continued success is its commitment to remaining accessible to businesses of all sizes. Unusually, RIN is organised by Jobson James Rail, the specialist rail insurance broker, rather than an events company. The events are delivered on a not-for-profit basis, helping to keep exhibitor rates competitive and encouraging participation from across the entire rail supply chain, from major contractors and infrastructure organisations through to specialist SMEs and emerging innovators.

As the rail industry looks ahead to 2027, maintaining strong connections across the supply chain will remain as important as ever. New technologies, major projects and evolving industry priorities will continue to create opportunities for organisations that are visible, engaged and connected to the wider market.

Before attention fully turns to next year, however, there is one final opportunity to connect in 2026.

On 12 November, rail professionals from across the UK will gather at the Great Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate, for the final RIN Event of this milestone anniversary year. For many organisations, it represents one last opportunity to meet prospective customers, engage with buyers, strengthen existing relationships and identify new opportunities before business development plans turn fully towards 2027.

The projects may differ, the organisations may change, but bringing the rail industry together at RIN Events continues to create valuable opportunities.