ARISO Rail Safety Conference 2026

The 2026 ARISO Rail Safety Conference arrives at a critical time for advancing the nation’s strategic approach to rail safety standards, productivity, harmonisation and interoperability. Continuing Australia’s flagship rail safety conference previously delivered under the RISSB name, from 2026 onwards it will be hosted by the Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO), reflecting the organisation’s evolution and expanded role across the rail industry.

About the conference

The ARISO Rail Safety Conference brings together rail transport operators, engineers, safety professionals, investigators, project leaders and senior executives from across Australia and New Zealand.

The event continues to provide a forum for sharing insights, learning from real-world experience and exploring opportunities to improve safety, performance and interoperability across the rail system.

The 2025 conference theme, “Maintaining the Focus on Rail Safety While Driving Ambitious Industry Reform”, set the tone for an industry ready to move forward together with greater alignment across government and industry. Change has been rapid, and the 2026 Conference will explore the theme “The New Standards Era“. 

Tickets: Book your tickets now 

ARISO members receive a 20% discount on their conference tickets. Further discounts are also available for group bookings, for more information please email enquiries@informa.com.au.  

2026 focus areas

The establishment of the National Transport Commission’s three-tiered national rail standards framework that will be led by ARISO as the new industry-led technical standards setting body, comes at a time when the sector is simultaneously navigating unprecedented infrastructure investment of $15.9 billion in FY25, critical workforce challenges with 8.7% projected growth by 2034, and rapid digital transformation across signalling, communications, and autonomous systems.

With new interoperability regulations now in place and major projects like Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel, Sydney Metro and Cross River Rail reshaping our networks, rolling out these standards across Australia’s evolving freight and passenger systems presents both opportunities and learning curves for all stakeholders.

Join us to find out how changes to rail governance and the National Rail Standards Framework will drive safety and efficiency across Australia’s railways.

New in 2026

The Great Debate
While safety is industry’s shared priority, some topics continue to spark passionate discussions. Join us as we bring together top industry advocates to tackle one of the most pressing and divisive issues facing industry. Witness the clash of ideas, weigh the arguments, and cast your vote to decide the winning team. Don’t miss this dynamic and thought-provoking new session!

Press Play on Networking
Networking is at the heart of innovation and collaboration. This year, we’re excited to introduce new networking activities designed to spark the exchange of ideas, experiences, and solutions. Kick things off with a Speed Networking Session during Monday’s Rail Safety Welcome Reception. Then dive into the action at our interactive Game Changer Lounge and enjoy a variety of engaging stage activities throughout the event.

The Rail Safety Welcome Reception is included in all conference registrations.

For details and registration, click to visit the 2026 Rail Safety Conference webpage.