AREMA Young Professionals Experience

The AREMA Young Professionals Experience has been designed to give three young professional railroaders the opportunity to attend the AREMA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo for FREE.  The Young Professionals Experience will provide a professional 40 years old and under the chance to attend the AREMA Annual Conference & Expo for the first time, network and learn alongside other professionals in the railroad industry.  In addition to an onsite Conference experience, winners will receive a 2025 AREMA Membership to continue growth within AREMA.  If you or someone you know could benefit from this opportunity, please share the below information and encourage them to apply. 

AREMA Young Professionals Experience Package Includes:

  • Full Conference Registration to the AREMA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo
  • Three nights hotel accommodations (single occupancy). Sunday, September 15, through Tuesday, September 17 (hotel assigned by AREMA)
  • Meals included during event hours
  • Participate in the AREMA Young Professionals Event  
  • Chance to meet the AREMA President and Executive Director/CEO
  • 2025 AREMA Membership
Experience does not include seminars in conjunction with the Annual Conference, incidentals, meals outside the event, transportation (including airfare and all other ground transportation).   

Qualifications to Apply:

  • First time attendee at the AREMA Annual Conference in-person
  • Current full-time employment with a railroad or rail transit agency
  • 40 years old and under
  • Employed in the railroad industry full time at least three (3) years
  • Complete Application below by July 19, 2024
  • AREMA Membership not required (however you will be required to create a user account online) 

Criteria for Selection:

The Review Committee will select individuals whom they believe are most likely to leverage this learning opportunity and apply the knowledge gained to benefit their careers and organizations.  

Important Dates:

Deadline for Submission is July 19, 2024 - We are no longer accepting applications
Winners will be notified on or about August 1, 2024  

Requirements Once Selected:

  • Provide a copy of your travel arrangements.
  • Provide a headshot of yourself to be included in marketing materials (website, social media, etc.).
  • Must be willing to sign a release form to be featured in Conference promotions. 
  • Complete a post-Conference statement regarding your experience.  
"Thank you again for the opportunity to experience such a fantastic event and I look forward to the opportunity to work and network with everyone in the future."
~William Clements, 2023 Young Professionals Experience Winner
 
"Thank you for the opportunity to attend the AREMA Annual Conference and for the great conference experience. I had an amazing time and learned so much from other railroads around the country."
~ Colin McGrane, PE, PMP, 2023 Young Professionals Experience Winner 

“It was an honor to have been selected to attend the AREMA Conference this year. The networking and knowledge gained throughout the conference will serve me well throughout my railroad career! It was awesome to see what great things are happening within the industry. “
~ Adam Schildhammer, 2022 Young Professionals Experience Winner
“The AREMA conference was a great opportunity to learn from industry professionals and make new connections with other railway agencies, railway manufacturers and suppliers. I am able to apply this experience and knowledge in my current role at Metrolinx on our ongoing projects.”
  ~ Sahand Jafarian, 2022 Young Professionals Experience Winner