SCOTlAND 2026.

Grab your name badge, breakfast and start your networking early.

Welcome to the event. We'll be kicking off shortly.

Katie Vollbracht will sit at the heart of the discussion on how funding is shaping the future of Scotland's rail network. She will outline the ambitious programmes driving procurement priorities, focused on connecting communities to essential services, advancing sustainable transport, and strengthening economic growth across the country.

This panel will explore Scotland's railway business plan, examining investment priorities, funding certainty, and delivery expectations. Industry leaders will share how plans are translating into programmes of work, what outcomes are expected from suppliers, and where the greatest opportunities sit across Scotland's rail network.

Discover how train-borne sensors, edge intelligence and AI-driven analytics are delivering continuous, in-service insights and what this means for improving rail reliability, reducing disruption and transforming maintenance planning across critical infrastructure.

David will outline the role ScotRail plays in Scotland’s economy, with a network which connects communities across the country and provides well-paid, highly skilled jobs. He will explore how ScotRail’s supply chain is helping ScotRail provide a safe, green, and reliable railway for everyone.

Grab a coffee, mid morning snack and a fist full of business cards during the first networking opportunity of the day.

Hear directly from LNER's Sustainable Procurement Manager on what rail buyers really want from their suppliers. Anna Barrett will reveal how sustainability credentials are shaping procurement decisions right now and what your business needs to demonstrate to get through the door and win contracts.

We've brought Scotland's most powerful supply chain directors together to share what great supplier partnerships look like, and what subcontracting opportunities are coming through 2029.

Jon Newton will outline Scottish Rail Holdings' major fleet renewal programmes, including EMU and BEMU replacements for the HST fleet, 69 new suburban electric and battery-electric trains, and the upcoming 10-year Caledonian Sleeper locomotive contract. Suppliers will gain visibility of live and forthcoming procurement opportunities.

Grab your lunch, talk to the speakers about how you can help with their challenges and network with new customers.

Mark will outline how Scotrail's investment in new technologies is helping deliver a better service for customers. Helping make improvements in the control room, when trains develop faults in service, and in the performance of services across the network.

Industry leaders will outline forthcoming investment pipelines, clarify procurement priorities, and define the capabilities, innovation, and partnerships the sector requires from suppliers. The session will give attendees direct insight into where opportunities lie, how frameworks will operate, and what suppliers must demonstrate to secure work across Scotland's transport infrastructure market.

Ross Moran will take to the stage to speak directly to the supply chain about Network Rail's procurement priorities and its plans to expand and strengthen its supplier base to drive greater innovation across the rail network.

Join Network Rail's SME Champions and the Tier 1 contractors holding Scotland's biggest framework contracts as they reveal exactly what it takes to break into the supply chain. From RISQS compliance to Social Value scoring, leave with an actionable roadmap to becoming an indispensable rail partner.

Join us for post-conference drinks — a great opportunity to connect with speakers and fellow delegates.

Continue the conversation over drinks at the evening networking reception.

Round off the day with dinner, the after party, and more networking into the evening.