Trailblazers 2026

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is excited to be bringing you the next Trailblazers Networking Reception. The Reception will take place on 11 June 2026 at the KIA Oval in London, from 5:30 - 8:00pm. This initiative and event support the vision of the EDI Charter launched in November 2020 by RIA and Women in Rail and the work currently undertaken by the EDI Charter Working Group. Previous years have seen over 250 people from across the industry attend this networking reception - it is not one to be missed!

Our Trailblazers initiative brings together young and experienced professionals from across the industry, to enable them to learn from each other, make new connections, and celebrate a vibrant and diverse rail workforce. We encourage attendees to bring a 'plus one' - if you are a senior professional we encourage you to bring a junior colleague or mentee; and if you are a more junior professional we encourage you to bring a senior colleague (although this is not compulsory).

Agenda

17:30 - Arrival, registration and networking

18:30 - Speeches

• Introduction: Darren Caplan, Chief Executive, RIA
• Host: Rose Garber, Member Relations Director, RIA
• Guest speakers: Tracey Barber, Co-Chair of the EDI Charter for Rail

18:45 - Networking recommences

20:00 - Event Closes

Speakers

Tracey Barber, Co-Chair, EDI Charter for Rail Working Group

A proud Mancunian with a heart of gold and a long-standing commitment to driving lasting, meaningful change across the rail industry. Tracey joined rail in 2013 and has since held a number of senior leadership roles across the sector, building a reputation as a passionate advocate for equality, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. Now working as Senior EDI Business Partner at LNER, Tracey leads with both expertise and lived experience, championing underrepresented groups and tackling long-standing challenges such as gender imbalance, visibility of role models and psychological safety. She is particularly focused on empowering people and employee networks to become agents of meaningful change, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. As Co-Chair of the EDI Charter for Rail, Tracey brings energy, authenticity and a relentless drive for progress. A vocal supporter of STEM, mental health and inclusive leadership, she believes that glass ceilings are made to be smashed—and that sometimes a helping hand is all that’s needed. Married with two daughters, Tracey is deeply motivated by creating a fairer, more equitable future for the next generation and for rail as a whole.

Supporting Sponsor

L. B. Foster

Sponsorship 

For sponsorship and partnership information please email [email protected]


We are now fully booked and operating a waiting list. If you would like to be added onto the list, please email [email protected].