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

 

Facing the challenges

09:30 How to create the best volunteering experience - A Volunteering Charter

Chloe Keen, Head of Involvement and Experiences, National Trust

10:00 KPIs on what to do in difficult times

Accepting the challenge - Case studies on refocussing and reshaping a heritage railway

10:10 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 

 

Panel Session

12:00 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 Welsh 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

 

Opportunities

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

 

Spotlight

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.

BOOKINGS ARE NOW CLOSED

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.