Social Program

Make the most of your AusRAIL 2026 experience by attending our social events.

Please note: AusRAIL social events are currently available to registered conference delegates, sponsors and exhibitors, and to non registered ARA member organisations.

If you have already registered for the conference and wish to book social function tickets, please contact us.
If you intend to register, you can submit your conference registration and social function tickets during the same registration process.
If you just wish to attend any of our social functions, please refer to our policy for priority access to social function tickets.
All tickets must be purchased in advance of each social event – ticket purchases will not be available at the door.
Tickets for the Women in Rail Forum are available for purchase by anyone wishing to attend. If you would like to attend the forum as a standalone event, please contact us to arrange your ticket: registration@ausrail.com.

Women in Rail Forum

Leadership in action

The Women in Rail Forum returns in a refreshed, interactive format focused on Leadership in Action. Designed to move beyond conversation and into practice, the forum brings together leaders and emerging leaders from across the rail sector to explore what leadership looks like in real‑world settings.

The session combines focused presentations, afternoon tea and a hands‑on workshop, creating space for discussion, collaboration and shared learning. Participants will work through practical challenges, exchange experiences and explore tools and approaches that can be applied back in the workplace.

Tickets for the Women in Rail Forum are available for purchase by anyone wishing to attend. If you would like to attend the forum as a standalone event, please contact us to arrange your ticket: registration@ausrail.com

Time: 2pm - 5pm
Date: Monday 23 November 2026
Location: Plaza Terrace Room, BCEC
Tickets - ARA member rate: $110
Tickets - Non member rate: $165
Dress code: Business casual

Sponsored by

Downer

Women in Rail sponsor

Welcome drinks

Kick off your AusRAIL experience at the Welcome Drinks, a relaxed networking event bringing delegates together ahead of the conference program.

Held on site, this informal gathering is a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new contacts and settle into the week over drinks and light refreshments in a welcoming setting.

Time: 5pm - 6pm
Date: Monday 23 November 2026
Location: Great Hall 4, BCEC
Dress code: Business casual
Tickets: Included for registered conference delegates.
Additional tickets: $85

Young Rail Professionals Meetup

A 45-minute networking session in the Exhibition Hall (Networking Area 6), open to all attendees with a focus on AusRAIL first-timers and young professionals. The session will feature Rail Trivia proposed as ice breaker activity. It aims to provide a fun and relaxed networking opportunity.

Exhibition networking drinks

The exhibition networking drinks offer a vibrant opportunity to connect with exhibitors and industry peers on the exhibition floor. Enjoy drinks, food and conversation in an informal setting as the exhibition comes alive at the end of the conference day.

Time: 4pm - 6pm
Date: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Location: AusRAIL exhibition, BCEC
Tickets: Included for registered delegates, sponsors and exhibitors
Additional tickets: $99
Dress code: Business casual

South Bank Sundowners

Unwind at South Bank Sundowners, a three‑hour networking event set in a classic Queensland setting. Enjoy drinks, great food and relaxed tropical vibes as you connect with industry peers in a laid‑back environment designed for easy conversation and unhurried catch‑ups. Whether you’re catching up with familiar faces or making new connections, South Bank Sundowners is the ideal way to close out the first day of the conference.

Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Date: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Location: The Plough Inn, South Bank
Tickets - ARA member rate: $198
Tickets - Non member rate: $233
Dress code: Business casual
Transfers: The Plough Inn is an easy five minute walk from BCEC. A walking group will escort guests from the convention centre - details will be supplied to all participants closer to the event.

Sponsored by

Hitachi Rail

South Bank Sundowner sponsor

AusRAIL 2026 fun run and walk

Start your final AusRAIL day with a fresh perspective. Join fellow delegates for a guided 5km run or 3km walk along the Brisbane River – a relaxed, free activity and an easy way to enjoy the morning while connecting with colleagues.

Sponsored by

Acciona

Silver Sponsor, Concurrent session stream sponsor, Fun Run and Walk sponsor

SOLD OUT

Yellow Dinner

The Yellow Dinner is currently full, however guests can join the waitlist if tickets become available. If you are yet to register, you can join the Yellow Dinner waitlist during your registration process. Alternatively please email registration@ausrail.com with your request.

The Yellow Dinner is one of the most anticipated events on the AusRAIL calendar. Dress with a touch of yellow and enjoy a lively evening of networking, entertainment and great company as the rail community comes together for a truly memorable night.

Time: 7pm - 11:30pm
Date: Wednesday 25 November
Location: Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
Tickets - ARA member rate: $330
Tickets - Non member rate: $395
Ticket limits: Yellow Dinner tickets are limited to maximum 10 tickets per booking
Dress code: Business or smart attire, with a splash of yellow

Sponsored by

Alstom

First Nations Scholarship, Yellow Dinner sponsor

Seating allocation information:

Table reservations will be only be accepted for bookings in multiples of 10 and must be made by a designated group leader.
Tables will be reserved under the name of the organisation that made the reservation. Individual names for group bookings will not be assigned to the table allocation.
It is the responsibility of the group leader to communicate with the table guests and provide them with their respective table numbers.
The group leader must advise the AusRAIL team of any guest dietary requirements: registration@ausrail.com.
Individual bookings or bookings which do not meet the table allocation requirement for multiples of 10 will have tickets assigned randomly to tables. Requests to sit next to specific individuals or guests will not be accommodated.
Table numbers will be communicated to all registered dinner participants via email one day prior to the dinner.

Priority access for social function tickets

Due to the high demand for tickets to our social functions, AusRAIL 2026 delegates, sponsors and exhibitors will receive priority access to book tickets to AusRAIL social events. This is to ensure that those supporting and engaging at AusRAIL can secure social event tickets. 

Priority ticket bookings will apply to the following social functions:

Women in Rail Forum
Welcome Drinks
South Bank Sundowners
Yellow Dinner

Thursday 22 October 2026

Now closed. Priority ticket sales for registered delegates, sponsors and exhibitors remained open until close of business.

Friday 23 October 2026
Book social function tickets ↗

Now open. If tickets remain available for these events at this time, bookings will open to non registered ARA member organisations.

Monday 9 November 2026

If tickets remain after that point, sales will open to non registered non members.

We expect all the AusRAIL social events to sell out so encourage prompt bookings. Please note, those booking exhibition visitor passes will not be given priority access to book social event tickets.

Please note: Yellow Dinner tickets are limited to maximum 10 tickets per booking.

Secure your social event tickets by registering as a delegate and select the social event you would like to attend and be part of the unforgettable networking experience. If you are from an ARA member organisation and are not attending the conference, you can book social function tickets only.