IRSE Annual Dinner and Global Industry Awards 2026
Sheraton Grand, Park Lane, London UK
7 May 2026
We are delighted to launch the IRSE Global Industry Awards at our 60th Annual IRSE Dinner
The IRSE Global Industry Awards represent a unique opportunity to showcase your organisation's expertise in the field that keeps trains moving safely around the world. Whether you have implemented ground-breaking train control systems on mainline infrastructure, deployed innovative telecommunications solutions in complex metro environments, developed next-generation signalling technologies that enhance asset performance, or demonstrated excellence as an employer in the field; the IRSE Global Industry Awards provide the perfect platform to gain recognition within the global Railway Signalling, Telecommunications, Train Control and Traffic Management community.
The IRSE Annual Dinner is an opportunity for the railway control engineering industry worldwide to meet and celebrate their successes over the previous year, and plan to collaborate on more work in the forthcoming ones.
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7th May 2026, 6pm to midnight
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Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
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Black tie
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Tables are offered to groups of x10, or individuals (with IRSE member and non-member pricing available). View our tickets & tables page for prices and booking links.
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Visit our FAQ page for more information.
The IRSE is committed to advancing the science and technology that define modern railway operations, ensure safety and drive innovation.
The IRSE Global Industry Awards provide the perfect platform to gain recognition within the global signalling and telecommunications community.
Our sponsorship packages are designed to increase visibility, develop brand awareness and position your organisation at the forefront of the industry.
Award Categories
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This category recognises outstanding projects that are ongoing or have been successfully delivered and provided demonstrable benefits before 1 March 2026.
* Mainline includes passenger, freight, mixed traffic and heavy haul lines.
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This category recognises outstanding Metro and Light Rail projects that are ongoing or have been successfully delivered and provided demonstrable benefits before 1 March 2026.
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This category recognises innovations in products, software, or systems relating to train control and/or management, communications, or worker/public safety. Eligible innovations may already have been deployed on projects or must be demonstrably capable of doing so in a way that improves overall project outcomes.
Research projects are also welcome in this category, provided that their potential benefits have been demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt.
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This category recognises outstanding employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their workforce within Railway Signalling, Telecommunications, Train Control and Traffic Management, including organisations working with heritage systems. The award celebrates employers who create environments where engineers thrive through professional development, innovation support, and inclusive workplace cultures that drive both individual growth and organisational excellence.
Keynote Speaker
Professor Andrew McNaughton FREng CEng FICE
Non-Executive Chair, Network Rail (High Speed) Ltd
Andrew McNaughton is Professor of Infrastructure Engineering at the University of Southampton and Chair of Network Rail (High Speed) Ltd, the infrastructure manager and operator of the HS1 railway. He acts as Independent Advisor to the UK Government on cost efficiency of projects including the Transpennine Upgrade programme.
From 2009 to 2018, Andrew led the design and specification of HS2 and acted as Principal Witness in Parliament. He was Chair of the World Inter City & High Speed Rail Committee 2016-19.
Andrew has acted as Strategic Advisor to the Governments of the Czech Republic and Australia on new line and conventional route upgrade development.
Andrew is an Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham on Rail Engineering and lectures at Cambridge University on client impacts on capital cost.
Between 2000 and 2009, Andrew was Chief Engineer of Network Rail and chaired its renewals and enhancement investment panels. He chaired the EU Rail Research Advisory Council, the European Rail Infrastructure Forum and was Vice Chair of the EU Transport Advisory Group. His railway career started in 1973.
Photo credit: GOV.uk
Our Charity Partner
We are pleased to be supporting the Railway Benefit Fund as our nominated charity at this year's event.
The Railway Benefit Fund, also known as RBF, is a charity which provides support to current, former and retired railway people and their families across the UK. From financial grants and confidential advice, to online tools and a legal helpline, they provide a range of services designed to support current and former railway people through life’s unexpected events. Their assistance extends not just to those working in passenger rail, but also to the wider rail supply chain, including freight and supporting staff.