Celebrating 120 Years of ARDA

Founded in Chicago in 1906, the American Railway Development Association proudly marks its 120th year. As we gather for the 2026 Annual Meeting, we return to the city where ARDA’s legacy began—a special homecoming that honors our history and celebrates the future of railway development.

Annual Meeting - Chicago

ARDA 2026 Annual Meeting

Chicago, IL

The 2026 Annual Meeting is just around the corner!

We're thrilled to announce this year's Annual Meeting will take place June 14-17, 2026, in Chicago, IL at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. We’ll kick things off with a Welcome Reception on Sunday, June 14th, setting the stage for a productive and engaging conference. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic lineup of presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions. The event will conclude on Wednesday, June 17th, with a convenient grab-and-go breakfast.

Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to mark your calendars—we can't wait to see you in Chicago!

ARDA Leadership

Coming Soon!

Click here for the registered attendee list. (Login required.)

HOTEL INFORMATION

FAIRMONT CHICAGO, MILLENNIUM PARK
200 North Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 565-8000

EMBRACE LUXURY IN THE HEART OF THE WINDY CITY

Steps from Millennium and Grant Parks, world-renowned shopping on The Magnificent Mile®, and the breathtaking Riverwalk, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park's premier location is ready to turn moments into memories. Discover Latin cuisine without borders at Toro Chicago, experience unmatched relaxation in Leaf Spa, and explore all this top-rated city has to offer.

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 PM

Parking:
Overnight Valet Parking: $86.00 per night
0-3 hours: $32
3-6 hours: $55
6 hours - 24 hours: $86
*plus tax

Book Your Room!
Fairmont Chicago Exterior
Hotel Lobby
Hotel Meeting Space

Program Information

Hover over the bottom of the agenda to click through the pages and explore all the details!

Transportation Options

Chicago O'Hare

  • Rideshare (Uber):
    Estimated travel time to the hotel is approximately 49 minutes depending on traffic conditions.(Uber Chicago)
Event Sponsorship

EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!

We invite you to take advantage of a unique marketing opportunity for your company by sponsoring one of the 2026 Annual Meeting events! We have several open sponsorship options. If your company would like to sponsor an event for the 2026 Annual Meeting, please submit the form and payment by May 15th.

If you have any questions, please feel free to let us know. We hope we can count on your generous support!

We are excited to see you in Chicago!

Sponsor Today!