Chicago



RSSI C&S Exhibition
July 9&10, 2003
Navy Pier Convention Center

"Great Show" and "Another Good Show" are just two of the comments made during and after the July 9-10 exhibition in Chicago. Although railroad attendance was down slightly, overall attendance set a new high (1573). The supplier to customer ratio of 1.4 to 1 (although not quite equal to the record setting 1.08 to 1 set at the 2002 show in Louisville) is certainly something in which we take great pride. Our goal remains to reach a 1 to 1 ratio or better.

A total of 133 RSSI member companies (a new record) occupied 306 booth spaces (also a record). Exhibitors responded to the railroad's suggestion by having technical people available in their exhibits. A supplier technical person in conversation with customer "hands on people" is a plus for both parties.

An added attraction this year was the panel discussion "Passengers & Freight: The Winning Debate!" which took place on Tuesday afternoon. The discussion centered on passenger trains on freight railroads. Panelists included: Matthew Rose/Chairman, President & CEO Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad; Robert Anestis/Chairman Florida East Coast Railway Co.; Phil Pagano/Executive Director Metra Rail; Joe McHugh/Vice President Government Affairs Amtrak. Media representatives included: Don Phillips, Washington Post; Pat Foran, Progressive Railroading; and Bill Vantuono, Railway Age. The discussion was moderated by Mike Pracht, Chairman of the RSI Passenger Transportation Committee.

Attendees received some insight regarding the tens of millions of dollars in business this massive cooperative effort could mean to communication and signal suppliers in the near future!