Register Now and Receive an Early Bird Discount for 2026

December 8, 2025, Pueblo, CO – The Association of American Railroads (AAR) and its subsidiary MxV Rail today announced that Dr. Rand Ghayad, AAR’s Senior Vice President of Policy and Economics, will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming 31st Annual AAR Research Review. The premier industry conference is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30, 2026, in Pueblo, Colorado.

Dr. Ghayad will open the conference by sharing valuable insights about the pressing policy and economic issues shaping the rail industry. His address is expected to be a significant highlight of the event, providing attendees with expert analysis on the broader economic landscape and its impact on railroad operations and strategy. Given the rapid pace of technological and economic change, Dr. Ghayad’s perspective will offer a crucial framework for understanding the future of rail.

Formerly the Head of Economics and Global Labor Markets at LinkedIn, Dr. Ghayad brings a wealth of experience analyzing complex economic trends. His distinguished career also includes senior roles at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he advised on international economic policy, and the Brattle Group, where he consulted on financial and regulatory matters for diverse industries, including railroads. His extensive background uniquely positions him to address the challenges and opportunities facing our industry today.

The Annual AAR Research Review is the premier industry conference bringing together Class I and short line railroads, university faculty and students, early career engineers, and suppliers from around the world to address our most pressing technical challenges. The 2026 program features an Early Career Railroader Workshop, technical workshops highlighting the latest findings from the Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI) program, and a tour of the FAST loop track to showcase new experiments.

Early bird registration offers the best value for the conference, with a $100 discount off the standard registration.

 Follow the MxV Rail Conferences page and News for updates.

 About MxV Rail: MxV Rail is a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads established to provide vital support to the nation’s rail industry as the premier research and engineering partner. Through focused funding and strategic planning, MxV Rail is making key investments in its people and facilities to undertake new technological challenges in the rail industry and beyond. Building on its legacy of excellence, the team offers a full suite of advisory and research services including consulting, testing, research, maintaining standards, and training. Learn more at www.mxvrail.com.

Contact:        Niki Toussaint, Senior AVP Marketing & Education,  niki_toussaint@aar.com, 719-671-8676