Autumn Conference 2023 - day two
The 2023 Heritage Railway Association Annual Conference will take place on November 7 and 8 at Crowne Plaza in Newcastle. Please reserve the dates and think about getting in early to book your travel and accommodation. Bookings for the conference will open soon.
With speakers being arranged from Network Rail, Historic England and from across the heritage rail sector, plus a special guest speaker from the USA.
09:00 Arrival, registration, refreshments and networking
Tea/coffee and refreshments
09:20 Welcome and introduction to the Day
Steve Oates, Chief Exec, HRA
09:30 Getting the best from Volunteers - A Volunteering Charter
Chloe Keen, Head of Involvement and Experiences, National Trust
10:00 KPIs on what to do in difficult times
10:10 Accepting the challenge - Case studies on refocussing and reshaping a heritage railway
Rebecca Dalley, Interim Chief Executive, Watercress Line
10:40 Gus Dunster. Managing Director, Severn Valley Railway
11:10 Break – Networking - Tea/Coffee
Tea/coffee and refreshments
11:30 Malcolm Holmes, General Manager, Great Central Railway
12:00 Panel Session - Staying on the Front Foot - Future-proofing our Heritage Railways
Rebecca, Gus and Malcolm are joined by Garry Mumford (North Yorkshire Moors Railway) and Paul Lewin (Ffestiniog and Weslh Highland Railways) to discuss how to balance the very real challenges of running a heritage railway, while highlighting heritage rail’s strengths and proudly talking-up our railways and tramways.
13:00 Lunch
And the opportunity to network with colleagues
14:00 Railway 200 - the opportunities ahead
Emma Robertson, Programme Manager Railway 200, GBRTT and Tim Dunn, Comms & Engagement Manager Railway 200
14:30 Gift Aid on Fares
Garry Mumford, Finance Director, North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Chief Financial Officer, Talyllyn Railway
15:00 Break – Networking - Tea/Coffee
Tea/coffee and refreshments
15:20 Understanding Audiences
Paddy McNulty, Railway Partnerships Manager, National Railway Museum
15:50 In Conversation …
… featuring two of heritage rail’s longest serving General Managers!
16:30 Round-up, Close and Depart
HRA Chief Exec, Steve Oates
Please note that these agendas are subject to change.
Tickets for the event are available to purchase online now.
Please Note: Tickets will be available for the conference only and do not include for hotel accommodation or any other costs attendees may incur in attending this event.