Reimagining Railway Assets as Drivers of Urban Transformation
The Station Managers Global Group (SMGG) of the International Union of Railways, in collaboration with SNCF and the Watford Group, invites you to an international conference evolving into a high-level training programme on the future of railway assets and the built environment—covering not only stations, but also technical centres, operational facilities, engineering structures, and architectural elements related to rolling stock.
Why This Training Matters
Railway assets are no longer just transport nodes or standalone facilities — they are catalysts for urban and territorial transformation, shaping connectivity, land use, sustainability and the overall performance and image of rail systems.
This programme brings together international experts to explore how station design, infrastructure, and operations shape cities, mobility systems, and sustainable development, while also covering broader design aspects of railway infrastructure and products in general.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Watford Conference
Originating in 1963, the Watford Conference has long fostered international exchange among architects, designers, and railway professionals.
Today, it evolves into a certifying training format, combining:
- Expert presentations
- International case studies
- Technical visits and on-site learning
- High-level peer exchange
What You Will Gain
- Advanced expertise in station development and management
- Insights into passenger experience and multimodal integration
- Exposure to innovative practices in sustainability and urban integration
- Access to a global network of professionals
Focus Theme
Railway Infrastructure and Urban Transformation
From city centres to suburbs, how rail shapes growth, regeneration, and mobility
The conference programme is divided into two parts: one dedicated to a fixed theme of current and shared interest, and another open to free presentations within the fields of station design, railway civil engineering, rolling stock, graphic design, and the management of architectural and design processes.
Paris as a Living Laboratory
📍 14 – 16 October 2026, Paris
Hosted at the heart of global railway cooperation, the training offers direct insight into one of Europe’s most ambitious urban and transport transformations, enriched by exclusive technical visits. The additional visits and networking opportunities will also be suggested around the conference, including the weekend.
Join the Conversation
This initiative marks a new step in strengthening international collaboration and expanding the railway stations community across disciplines.
The attendees are welcome to submit the presentations on all aspects of railway planning including: design, and construction with an emphasis on buildings, bridge and tunnel structures, rolling stock design, graphics, and corporate identity.
Be part of the dialogue shaping the future of railway stations and cities.
Registered participants are warmly invited to submit a paper related to the conference theme, Railway Infrastructure and Urban Transformation: From City Centres to Suburbs — How Rail Shapes Growth, Regeneration, and Mobility.
The 2026 conference aims to continue its legacy of peer-to-peer learning, where each delegate benefits from the experience and knowledge of fellow participants. Papers may address stations as well as wider railway assets, including technical centres, operational facilities, engineering structures, and rolling-stock-related architectural elements.
Please note that, in keeping with the Watford Conference tradition, speakers do not receive a reduced conference fee, as the event is conceived as an educational forum based on peer-to-peer learning and professional exchange.
Registration for the call for papers is available here.