Dinner at the Roundhouse Thursday 22nd October 2026 at Vaillant Live - Derby

The Rail Industry's favourite networking evening

Mainspring's 'Dinner at the Roundhouse' is a chance for the biggest names in the rail industry to gather together and celebrate the last twelve months, forge new connections and look forward to the future.

Celebrating collaboration and innovation, Dinner at the Roundhouse brings together operators, manufacturers, constructors, consultants and partners from across the supply chain with national and local politicians to discuss the opportunities that the future can bring.

Keynote Speaker - Howard Smith OBE

Howard Smith OBE, the driving force behind the success of London’s Elizabeth Line, will take to the stage as keynote speaker at this year’s Dinner at the Roundhouse.

With a career spanning more than 40 years across rail freight, the Channel Tunnel and Transport for London, Howard has led some of the UK’s most high-profile rail operations, including the Docklands Light Railway, London Tramlink and the London Overground. His connection to Derby adds a personal dimension, having played a key role in supporting the future of the city’s rail industry.

Expect a keynote that combines strategic insight, real-world experience and a unique perspective from someone who has helped shape modern rail in the UK.

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Our Charity Partner - Railway Benefit Fund Supporting the heartbeat of the UK's railways for over 165 years.

At this year's Dinner at the Roundhouse, we're proud to support the Railway Benefit Fund (RBF), a charity dedicated to supporting the people who keep Britain's railways moving.

For more than 165 years, the Railway Benefit Fund has provided practical, emotional and financial support to members of the UK railway family facing some of life's toughest challenges. Whether it's illness, injury, financial hardship or unexpected circumstances, the charity is there to help when it's needed most.

Every four minutes, someone from the rail industry reaches out to the Railway Benefit Fund for advice or support. From train drivers and station teams to engineers, maintenance crews, the rail supply chain and countless others working across the sector, the charity exists to ensure those who dedicate their careers to our railways never face difficult times alone.

As an independent charity, the Railway Benefit Fund relies entirely on the generosity of supporters to continue its vital work.

Throughout the evening, we'll be raising funds to help make a real difference to the lives of railway people and their families. We hope you'll join us in supporting this incredible charity and helping ensure the UK railway family continues to receive the care and support it deserves.

Together, we can give something back to the people who give so much to our industry.

“The Dinner at the Roundhouse continues to be the Derby rail event of the year. The mixture of networking, speeches and music provides an unrivalled evening which is always one of the first dates in the diary.”

Stefan Rose, Chief Investment Officer at Porterbrook

“The 2024 Dinner at the Roundhouse was a truly unforgettable evening, filled with generosity, inspiration, and a shared commitment to transforming young lives. Organised by the incredible team at Mainspring, the event brought together an extraordinary group of supporters to raise vital funds for The King’s Trust.”

Abi White, Senior Head of Supporters & Events at The King's Trust

Optimise your brand exposure at the Rail Industry's favourite networking evening...

With a wide range of sponsorship options available from after dinner treats, to specially branded napkins to photobooths - we have a flecible range of options to help you maximise your experience at the Dinner.

View our sponsorship packages here

Thank You to our 2026 Supporters

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““Ford & Stanley are incredibly proud to have supported Dinner at the Roundhouse this event for over 10 years.

It has become a true highlight of the Ford & Stanley annual events calendar - not just as a sponsor, but as an active participant in bringing the rail community together.

The event represents everything we value as a business: collaboration, innovation, and long-term partnership across the industry. Each year it provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, share insight, and celebrate the people and progress that keep the rail sector moving forward."

Ford Stanley

“Serco RTS is proud to join the biggest names in the rail sector for yet another fantastic event showcasing valuable networking, achievement and collaboration to unleash the potential of rail”.

Serco

Dinner at the Roundhouse is digital!

The Dinner at the Roundhouse app which gives you the opportunity to make even more connections with outher guests - before, during and after the event.

With branding opportunites available, this is an opportunity which you will not want to miss!

Who attends?

Policymakers

Train Operating Companies

Rolling Stock Manufacturers

Leasing and Maintenance Companies

Rail Industry Suppliers

Construction Companies

Infrastructure Commissioners and Suppliers

Rail Promoters

Consultants

Local and National politicians

Local Authorities

Legal and Financial Organisations

Research Institutes

Safety and Regulatory Bodies

Network Operators

Academia

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Want to be a supporter of the 2026 Dinner at the Roundhouse?

Interested in showcasing your brand to an audience of key decision-makers, manufacturers and innovators? Take a look at our sponsorship pack to explore the ways we can help you bring your brand to the fore-front of the conversation at DATR24!

Visit our supporter centre