Registration Now Includes Access to the Early Career Railroader (ECRR) Workshop

February 21, 2025, Pueblo, CO – The Association of American Railroads (AAR) and
MxV Rail announces that Erik Gotlund, AVP Engineering and Research at TTX, will deliver the keynote address at the highly anticipated 30th Annual AAR Research Review, which will take place from April 29 to May 1, 2025, in Pueblo, Colorado.

This annual meeting is the premier platform for rail industry professionals, engineering researchers, and technology innovators. It brings together the best minds to address the rail sector’s most significant technical challenges while showcasing advancements that shape its future.

Erik Gotlund brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the stage, anchored by his 21 years of experience in the railroad industry with TTX. A graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, Erik’s storied career has spanned various engineering roles, from field service and structural testing to overseeing research and development, including new product initiatives. His current leadership involves steering TTX’s critical engineering efforts, ensuring the development of reliable and efficient railcar designs to meet long-term freight rail needs.

“Erik exemplifies the cutting-edge, forward-thinking leadership we need to drive rail safety and efficiency into the future,” said Scott Cummings, MxV Rail’s AVP Research & Innovation. “The work TTX is doing now on reliable fleet solutions, optimizing car build and car maintenance specifications, and exploring technology integration is relevant to all our industry stakeholders and will be an energizing opener to the conference.”

Register Now—Early Career Railroader (ECRR) Workshop Access Now Included

Registration now includes a seat at the Early Career Railroader (ECRR) workshop on April 29 at no additional cost. The annual event includes the tradition of connecting early career railroaders with industry professionals and mentors via the ECRR Workshop. This year’s agenda includes an overview of the industry’s diverse research topics, from track construction to metallurgy and software programs, understanding the art and science of instrumentation, and updates on artificial intelligence in the railways. There will also be time for attendees to grow their professional peer networks of stakeholders in railway research.

5 Reasons to Attend AAR Research Review in 2025 

1. Exclusive SRI Program Insights – AAR’s Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI) program will lay out the vision for a new digital twin of the FAST® loop operation and report from across its research portfolio.
2. MxV Rail Facilitated Experiences – MxV Rail experts will guide you to key locations of the FAST track walk and discuss their research projects underway in this unique rail test environment.
3. Networking Opportunities – The industry’s collective investment in SRI research continues to drive results for railway safety, reliability, and efficiency—and you’ll hear it here first.
4. Hands-On Learning for Early Career Railroaders – Early career railroaders benefit from sessions designed to deepen your expertise in vehicle/track interaction, simulation software, and more.
5. Sponsorship Opportunities – Sponsors have multiple opportunities to socialize with attendees, present capabilities, and increase your brand visibility.

We have a growing list of sponsors and networking opportunities. Contact MxV Rail now to secure your spot and showcase your brand to a global audience of rail professionals.

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