UIC’s Station Managers Global Group (SMGG), in collaboration with the French National Railways (SNCF) and the Watford Group, is preparing an international gathering in Paris on 14-16 October 2026 that marks a new step for the long-running Watford Conference tradition. Founded in 1963 as a discussion space for architects, designers, and railway professionals, the Watford Conference has built a reputation for connecting operational reality with design and planning aims. The 2026 edition continues that legacy while moving to a more structured, high-level training programme with a certification aspect.
At its heart is a message that resonates across the sector: railway facilities should no longer be understood merely as functional interfaces for transport. They are becoming strategic urban and industrial assets – places and systems where mobility choices, land use, passenger and staff experiences, operational performance, and sustainability objectives meet.
Against this backdrop, the Paris training course will explore how the design, delivery, and operation of railway buildings and infrastructure influence cities and mobility systems, while also addressing broader design aspects related to railway products and rolling stock environments.
A programme designed for learning and comparison
The format is built around a combination of expert presentations, international case studies, and high-level peer-led discussions, complemented by technical visits and on-site learning. By bringing together perspectives from different countries and disciplines, organisers aim to move beyond “best practice” narratives and instead compare approaches, constraints, and implementation pathways.
Participants can expect sessions covering the planning, development, and management of a wide range of railway assets, including how to enhance user experience (passengers and staff), integrate multimodal connections, and embed sustainability, resilience, and maintainability into planning and delivery. The programme also aims to strengthen professional networks across the railway built-environment community, connecting operational leaders with planners, designers, engineers, and infrastructure specialists.
Focus theme: Railway infrastructure and urban transformation
The 2026 theme “Railway infrastructure and urban transformation” will set the tone for discussions on how rail shapes growth and regeneration, from central districts to suburban areas. The goal is to look beyond stations and consider the entire railway ecosystem (stations, technical centres, depots and maintenance facilities, bridges, tunnels, interfaces with surrounding neighbourhoods, and architectural components associated with rolling stock) as part of a wider system that can influence urban form, accessibility, and economic activity.
Paris as a “living laboratory”
The event will be hosted in Paris, at the heart of global railway cooperation. Therefore, the training course will offer direct insight into one of Europe’s most dynamic areas in terms of transport and urban change. Exclusive technical visits will be part of the programme, with additional visits and networking opportunities also being offered around the event, including at the weekend.
Call for contributions
Professionals interested in sharing their experience and projects will be invited to submit presentations on a broad range of railway planning and delivery topics, including design, construction, and operations – with particular attention being paid to railway buildings and facilities (including technical centres), engineering structures (bridges and tunnels), architectural and interior rolling stock-related components, as well as graphics and corporate identity.
Registration is now open on the event page at: https://uic.org/events/56th-watford-conference-to-be-held-from-14-16-october-2026-in-paris
Information about the call for papers will also be available on the website from 20 May 2026.
