The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) will host its annual Winter Meeting January 13–15, 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. The theme for the meeting is “Fast Track to the Future."

This premier rail industry meeting will feature experts discussing their perspectives on the issues and trends currently impacting freight rail operations and shipping. The schedule includes a day-and-a-half of presentations and several networking opportunities.

"The high value of our Chicago-area January meeting is evident in the list of rail industry decision makers who will be on this year's program," says MARS President Steve Blinn. "Major rail shippers, five railroad C-level executives, technology leaders, and other expert speakers will provide key insights in today's fast-moving business environment."

The highlight of the Winter Meeting will be presentations from key industry leaders including:

  • Mike Barth, Vice President, Transportation & Logistics, United Sugar Producers & Refiners Cooperative
  • Keith Creel, President & CEO, CPKC
  • Janet Drysdale, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, CN
  • Katie Farmer, President & CEO, BNSF Railway
  • Anthony Hatch, Founder/President, ABH Consulting
  • Ian Jefferies, President & CEO, The Association of American Railroads
  • Katie Beardslee Kloentrup, Senior Digital Mine Engineer, Carmeuse
  • Dr. Christopher Kuehl, Founder/Managing Director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
  • James Pearce, Vice President, People Solutions, Savage
  • Alex Peiffer, Chief Operating Officer, Intramotev
  • Christian Rowe, Vice President, Development, Savage
  • Michelle Schultz, Vice Chair, Surface Transportation Board
  • Lorie Tekorius, President & CEO, The Greenbrier Companies
  • Jim Vena, Chief Executive Officer, Union Pacific

We are thrilled to also honor our first recipient of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers’ Bill Schauer Industry Impact Award to exceptional individuals or teams whose work has significantly influenced and improved transportation across the Midwest. This award honors our long-time Executive Director, Bill Schauer.

Exhibit tables and sponsorships are now available.

Registration fee for the meeting is $395 through December 12. After that date, registration will increase to $450. Onsite registration will be $500.

A block of hotel rooms is available at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel at the $174 rate until December 22 or until room block is full. Reservations are now available online.