FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Propel: A Leadership Summit for High-Potential Rail Professionals to Premiere in Chicago This October

MILWAUKEE, WI — September 24, 2024  — Propel: A Leadership Summit for High-Potential Rail Professionals, is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 7, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT at Convene, located at 311 W Monroe St in Chicago, IL.

Sponsored by RailTrends, Propel is an evolutionary experience for rail professionals seeking to grow their roles within their existing organizations. Attendees will engage in hands-on skill-building sessions, thought-provoking panel discussions and round tables, and invaluable networking opportunities — all designed to enhance the value of their roles within their organizations and in the rail industry.

Propel’s comprehensive agenda ensures that participants are seamlessly integrated into this outcome-focused setting, maximizing their professional growth throughout the summit. The day begins with registration and breakfast at 8:00 AM, followed by a kickoff session and icebreaker to set the stage for interactive learning. The morning will also feature a skill-building session on “Building Strong Teams,” where participants will explore strategies for creating high-performing teams and establishing trust-based relationships.

Following a break, the summit will present a Fireside Chat with notable figures in the rail industry, including James Carey, Assistant Vice President of External Relations at Union Pacific, and Jacob Elium, Vice President of Network Planning and Operations at Norfolk Southern Corporation. Pat Foran, Editor-In-Chief of Progressive Railroading Magazine, will moderate this insightful discussion.

Both Carey and Elium are among Progressive Railroading Magazine's 2024 class of Rising Stars Award winners. The annual award recognizes rail professionals under the age of 40 who have achieved excellence early in their careers.

Attendees will enjoy a networking lunch before diving into the “Propel Experience: Career Conversations” session. This interactive segment will allow participants to engage in focused discussions with industry leaders and peers, exploring best practices and strategies for career advancement. The afternoon will continue with another skill-building session titled “The Enterprise Mindset,” which will address effective leadership and collaboration within cross-functional and matrixed environments. The day will conclude with a wrap-up session and a cocktail reception, offering a final opportunity for networking and reflection.

Matt Meuleners, Executive Partner and Leadership Trainer at FOCUS Training, will facilitate the summit. With over 24 years of experience in leadership development, With over 24 years of experience in leadership development, Meuleners brings extensive expertise in program design, training audits, and leader coaching. His role at Propel will be to guide attendees through sessions aimed at enhancing their professional skills and leadership capabilities.

“We see Propel as a surefire way for rail organizations to train and nurture their next generation of leaders,” said Wendy Dietzler, Senior Director of Events at Trade Press Media Group (TPMG), producer of Propel. “After an amazing day of training, Propel participants will return to their office ready to add value and innovate.”

Registration for Propel is now open, with options available for both individual and team registrations. The registration fee includes access to all sessions, training materials, breakfast, lunch, all-day beverage service, and the evening cocktail reception. For more details on pricing and to secure your spot, visit railtrends.com/propel/. 

About Progressive Railroading

Progressive Railroading is a leading information resource for the North American rail industry, providing timely news, insights, and analysis. It features the acclaimed Progressive Railroading Magazine, published 12 times a year, which covers all disciplines of the railroad market. Additionally, RailPrime offers a subscription-based platform that provides a more in-depth look and analysis of critical industry topics, including mergers and acquisitions, workforce development, and global freight challenges. The organization also provides educational webcasts and resources to enhance industry knowledge and practices. Furthermore, Progressive Railroading hosts prominent industry events, including Propel and RailTrends, fostering networking opportunities and discussions on emerging trends. For more information, visit www.progressiverailroading.com.

About RailTrends

RailTrends is an annual conference that gathers key stakeholders from the North American rail industry to discuss the future of rail transportation. The event features engaging presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and market trends. RailTrends provides a collaborative platform for industry leaders, including the compelling perspectives of notable Class Is, Regionals and Shortlines, to exchange ideas and insights, helping participants refine their business strategies and improve operational effectiveness. For more information, visit www.railtrends.com.

About Trade Press Media Group, Inc. (TPMG) 

Proudly celebrating over 100 years, Trade Press Media Group (TPMG) is a market-leading, growth-oriented B2B media company based in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. TPMG is dedicated to meeting the business and information needs of our customers while fostering a fulfilling work environment for its employees and actively contributing to the community. Owned by FORUM MEDIA GROUP, an international media company headquartered in Merching, Germany, and a holding company of leading professional publishing houses, TPMG is recognized for award-winning editorial excellence, top-notch events and valuable business-building opportunities. The company publishes six business-to-business Magazines, hosts market-leading trade shows, manages multiple industry websites, produces educational webcasts, offers informative email newsletters, and develops a diverse range of media products. TPMG brands are considered "best-in-class" by subscribers, event attendees, advertisers, and exhibitor customers. To learn more, visit www.tradepress.com.