SNCB Holding and the International Union of Railways (UIC) are organising “Next Station”, the 3rd international conference on Railway Stations on 17 and 18 March in Brussels.
Following the success of the previous editions in Rome (2005) and Paris (2007), “Next Station” has become a worldwide reference for benchmarking and exchange of information and best practice on all strategic issues related to the development and management of railway stations.
The programme, including round tables and workshops, will feature leading industry figures from around the world speaking on subjects of topical significance.
Themes such as the station of the future, station operations, intermodality, the station in a business context – project development and financing – accessing trains and stations and new technologies for customers, and stations meeting the challenges of railway liberalisation, are the main issues that will be addressed over the two days.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Jannie Haek, CEO, SNCB-Holding
- Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, Director-General, UIC
- Sophie Boissard, CEO, Gares & Connexions, SNCF
- Vincent Bourlard, General Director Stations, SNCB-Holding
- Tetsuro Tomita, Executive Vice President, JR East
- Carlos Ventura, Director of Passenger Stations, ADIF
- Dr. André Zeug, CEO, DB Station&Service AG, DB
- Antoine Hurel, Deputy General Director, Veolia Transport
- Kristoff De Winne, Head of Airport Development and Regulation, Brussels Airport Company
- Said El Khadraoui, Member of Transport Committee of the European Parliament
- Fabio Battaggia, CEO, Grandi Stazioni, FS
- Simioni Paolo, CEO, Centostazioni, FS
Technical Visits
Two technical visits to Belgium’s internationally-renowned railway stations: Antwerp Central and Liège-Guillemins will be held on Friday 18 March.
Both rank among the top ten most beautiful stations in the world, according to various specialised magazines and websites and are fantastic examples of this new dynamic of substantial investments in railway stations of SNCB Holding.
Belgian Stations are converted into multifunctional service points where the traveller can use his time efficiently; where he can even make up for lost time by accessing all types of services under one roof, including shops, post offices, pharmacies… The stations also form an integral part of the urban fabric and there is always something to see or do. SNCB Holding has translated this new station philosophy into a brand: “la Gare/het Station”. Over the coming years, SNCB Holding will continue to invest heavily in its stations. A great many large-scale projects are already underway or will be starting shortly.
“Next Station” is the definitive event for anyone involved in the station sector, representing the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in station management with regard to mobility in years to come.
The conference website providing information on the conference programme, practical information, registration and payment, media contacts, etc. is now on online:
http://www.nextstation2011.com
