20th Anniversary
UK Light Rail Conference
2026
Join the UK light rail sector in Nottingham | 30 June – 1 July 2026 | Nottingham Trent University for a landmark 20th anniversary edition of its most established and influential conference.
Returning to the city where it all began, this special edition brings together the people, projects and ideas that have shaped the past and will define the future.
Over two days, connect with 350+ industry professionals across operations, policy, engineering and the supply chain.
Created within the industry, for the industry - this is where the conversation truly happens.
A Milestone Worth Being Part Of
In an industry that rarely pauses, this is a rare opportunity to reflect and move forward together.
For 20 years, this is the conference professionals return to year after year. From just 80 attendees in its first year to over 350 today, the UK Light Rail Conference has grown alongside the sector itself.
What started as a small gathering is now the largest annual meeting of the UK light rail supply chain.
And in 2026, it returns to Nottingham - where the journey began.
Why This Year Matters
Theme: Past. Present. Future.
This year’s conference captures the full arc of the industry:
How far light rail has come
The challenges shaping today’s networks
The innovations driving the next generation
With cities investing in sustainable transport and integrated mobility, the conversations happening here will help shape what comes next.
2026 - A Different Kind of Conference
What sets this event apart isn’t just the content - it’s the atmosphere.
“There’s a very strong family feel to the event… a warm, open environment where people genuinely want to share ideas and help each other.” - Matt Johnson, CEO Mainspring
This is where:
Long-standing industry leaders reconnect
New entrants build their networks
Real conversations happen beyond the stage
If you’ve never attended before, this is the year to start.
New to the Industry? Start Here
There’s no better place to understand the sector.
Meet the people behind major UK systems
Learn how projects are delivered in practice
Build connections that accelerate your career
Many in the industry had their first conversations here.
Haven’t Attended in a While?
A lot has changed.
New systems. New technologies. New challenges.
The 20th anniversary offers the perfect moment to reconnect, see what’s evolved and where the sector is heading next.
Be Part of the 20-Year Story
As we mark 20 years of the UK Light Rail Conference, we’re inviting you to help tell the story.
This is more than a conference, it's a shared journey of progress, people and projects.
We’re asking:
What did your organisation look like 20 years ago?
Where are you today?
What does the future look like?
Share with us:
Photos (then vs now)
Reflections or testimonials
Something creative - even a poem
Selected entries will feature in a live conference montage, celebrating the people behind the sector.
One standout entry will be commissioned as a piece of artwork.
Get involved: hello@mainspring.co.uk.
What to expect in 2026
This will be the most exciting programme to date, including:
Keynote sessions from industry leaders
Round-table discussions for deeper insight
Depot tour offering behind-the-scenes access
A brand-new 20th anniversary programme and event experience
Across two days, expect a balance of insight, debate and meaningful connection.
Who attends
Join professionals from across the UK and international light rail ecosystem:
Operators & transport authorities
Manufacturers & suppliers
Consultants & engineers
Contractors & infrastructure specialists
Policy, legal & planning professionals
Academia & new entrants
Exhibition & Sponsorship Opportunities
Position your organisation at the centre of the UK light rail sector.
Engage directly with decision-makers
Showcase your solutions
Build relationships that lead to business
Choose from:
Exhibitor: This package provides you with all the basics that you need to be seen, heard and network within the Conference
Exhibitor Plus: Combining exclusive features as well as ways to boost your exposure during the conference, this is our most popular package to date.
Exhibitor Premium: This package secures you exclusive access to all of our delegates - before, during and after the Conference - to ensure you gain the optimum ROI.
Last call for speakers:
We’re inviting thought leaders, innovators and changemakers to join our speaker lineup. If you’ve got a story, study, or solution that can help shape the industry, we want to hear from you.
Contact us for more information
Our Sponsors - 2026
Venue
Nottingham Trent University – City Campus
Right in the heart of Nottingham, just minutes from:
NET tram network
Major rail connections
City centre hotels and restaurants
Travel & Accommodation
Getting There
Nottingham is one of the UK’s best-connected cities, making it easy to attend from across the country and internationally.
By Tram: Nottingham Express Transit (NET) provides direct access across the city, including routes serving Nottingham Trent University
By Rail: Regular services connect Nottingham to London, Birmingham, Manchester and beyond
By Air: East Midlands Airport is just 30 minutes away
By Road: Easily accessible via the M1 and major regional routes
The conference venue is located in the city centre, within walking distance of key transport hubs.
Helpful travel links:
Parking:
There are several car parks a short walk from the venue, but Talbot Street car park is the closest (postcode: NG1 5GG). It has a height restriction of 6’ 3”. The car park is just a few minutes’ walk from the Newton Building and they offer event delegates 45% off their car parking when it is pre-booked:
Unique Code: CCNTTBST45. Please note that this must have been pre-booked.
Crowne Plaza Hotel (postcode – NG1 5RH), Trinity Square (postcode – NG1 4BT) and Curzon Street (postcode – NG3 1DG) also offer nearby parking.
Accommodation
We recommend booking early, as demand is expected to be high for the 20th anniversary event.
Should you wish to book a hotel, Meet in Nottingham has arranged a discounted delegate rate at a selection of nearby hotels.
Please click the below link for details:
(There are other hotels nearby with availability, however, the ones on the link above have been able to agree discounted rates for delegates).
What do our clients have to say about the UKLRC?
“As the premier gathering for the sector, the UK Light Rail Conference gave us the opportunity to share our innovative technologies which are helping to create integrated and sustainable mobility networks around the world, as well as exchanging knowledge with our peers.
“Across a packed schedule, the debate was diverse and engaging and the organisation and networking opportunities were excellent."
Siemens Mobility
"As the sector’s leading annual gathering, the past two days in Gateshead have been very valuable to us in showcasing our own ambitious plans in the North-East, at the same time allowing us to learn from others and share experience as we all strive to create greener, more attractive, more sustainable integrated transport networks.”
Martin Kearney, CEO, Nexus
"The presentations, networking, logistics and atmosphere were excellent. There was common agreement among the participants that the UK Light Rail Conference is one of the best in the industry."
Simcha Orenstein - CTO, Jerusalem LRT Transit Masterplan
" I thought the whole two-day conference was brilliant. Extremely enlightening and informative, with a great depth and variety of key speakers and exhibitors from a diverse part of the sector. Terrific discussions, debates and sharing of ideas throughout and the passion in the room was incredible. The evening networking lunch was a superb night, made even better sat outside 😊"
Chartered ICES
"I recently had the pleasure of attending the UK Light Rail Conference in Leeds, organized by Mainspring. The event was exceptional, offering two days filled with insightful and diverse presentations from industry leaders, including Authorities, Operators, and Suppliers. It was not only an informative experience but also a fantastic opportunity to network with professionals across the sector. I am already looking forward to next year's event!"
Keith MacHale - CEO Transit9
FAQS
The event is designed for professionals across the light rail sector, including operators, authorities, suppliers, consultants, contractors and those new to the industry.
Absolutely. The conference is known for being welcoming, with a strong mix of experienced professionals and those entering the sector for the first time.
Your ticket includes access to all conference sessions, networking opportunities, exhibition areas, evening reception and the conference app.
Why choose Mainspring events?
17 years of experience in organising and running events
World-leaders in LRT networking events
Promotional opportunities through our newsletter and SM channels
Bespoke sponsorship packages available for any budget
Depot tours and evening networking opportunities
Your promotional material available to every delegate
Support from your personal agent from booking to the event date
Positive reviews and reactions year after year from our customers