History of Annual Meetings

A Legacy of Collaboration: ARDA’s Annual Meetings Through the Years

Since 1906, ARDA has brought together the railway industry’s professionals, offering a unique forum to address the economic, regulatory, and technological issues shaping the future of railways. The first Annual Meeting, held at Chicago’s Stratford Hotel, laid the foundation for a tradition of unity and cooperation that still thrives today.

In the words of ARDA’s first president, W.H. Manss, these gatherings were "a child of the times"—born from the need for mutual understanding and collaboration. Rival industrialists, who once competed for influence, came together to sit at the same tables, share their visions, and find common ground. As Manss recalled, “We talked over things, looked into each other’s hearts, and found a bond of affection." These early meetings weren’t just about business—they were about building trust and fostering a spirit of cooperation that transcended competition.

Through the years, ARDA’s Annual Meetings have continued this legacy, serving as a platform for leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships that drive progress in the railway industry. Even in the face of wartime interruptions, the tradition has endured, cementing ARDA’s role as a cornerstone of collaboration and innovation in railway development.

ARDA Annual Meetings

To explore more about ARDA’s origins and the lasting impact of those early meetings, click here to read George F. Weston’s detailed chronicle.

Read the Full History

Recent Annual Meetings

Year
Location
President
Company
2024
Minneapolis, MN
Alanna Strokhecker
AECOM
2023
Washington, DC
Matt Cangiolosi
CSX Transportation, Inc.
2022
Salt Lake City, UT
Devin Sprinkle
Canadian National
2021
Virtual
Mike Ray
BNSF Railway
2020
Virtual
Doug Morrison
HDR, Inc.
2019
Nashville, TN
Mark Holder
HDR, Inc.
2018
New York, NY
Gary Rozmus
GEI Consultants
2017
Memphis, TN
Alan Sisk
Norfolk Southern Corp.
2016
Las Vegas, NV
Stephanie Johnson
Florida East Coast Railway
2015
Denver, CO
Elizabeth (Brown) Steele
Kansas City Southern Railway
2014
Calgary, AB
David Drach
Canadian Pacific Railway
2013
San Francisco, CA
Leo Thorbecke
AECOM
2012
Orlando, FL
Kevin Keller
HDR, Inc.
2011
Seattle, WA
John Rider
BNSF Railway
2010
Savannah, GA
Richard Sibley
CSX Real Property, Inc.
2009
Annapolis, MD
Roger Bennett
Norfolk Southern Corp.

For a comprehensive look at ARDA’s Annual Meetings and a full list of our distinguished Past Presidents, we invite you to download the complete archive here. Explore the legacy of leadership that continues to shape the future of railway development.

Download the Full Archive