NCTA continues to offer “Conferences with Character” as it stages its 52nd Annual Business Meeting and General Conference, September 21-23, 2026, at La Fonda on the Plaza in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico.

VENUE
Located along the Santa Fe Trail, La Fonda on the Plaza takes pride in its part in a 400-year history of exceptional hospitality. It is our pleasure to provide authentic, full-service lodging in Santa Fe, New Mexico, featuring coveted amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, bottled water, a 24-hour business center, concierge service, and bell service. Notably, unlike many other Santa Fe hotels with pools, our property offers these premium amenities without a resort fee.

September is an excellent time of year to enjoy Santa Fe!  Take advantage of the great group rate from September 16th to 27th, 2026.

NCTA 52nd Annual Program

The NCTA 52nd Annual Program
Conference speakers will address the rapidly shifting energy and environmental policy landscape, what the transcontinental Class I railroad merger may mean to you and how to prepare, current domestic and international coal market conditions, updates on the rail sector, the macroeconomic outlook, and emerging coal technologies.

Speakers include:

• Michelle Schultz, Vice Chair, U.S. Surface Transportation Board
• Transcontinental Rail Merger Updates:
  • Reed Janousek, AVP Bulk, Union Pacific Railroad
  • Adam Weiskittel , VP, Marketing & Commercial Support, BNSF Railway
• Rob Russell, Managing Partner, Russell Kroese
• Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director, Power the Future
• Rick Paterson, Publisher, "The State of the Rails"
• Andrew Kolesar, Partner, Slover & Loftus LLP
• Ken Hoexter, Managing Director, BofA Global Research

SCHEDULE

Monday, September 21  
All Day: Packets at Hotel Check-In 
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm: NCTA Welcome Reception

Tuesday, September 22
8:00 am – 11:30 am: General Session 
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Lunch by Individual Arrangement 
1:00 pm – 3:45 pm: General Session 
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: NCTA Annual Business Meeting for Members 
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm: NCTA Reception

Wednesday, September 23
8:00 am – Noon: General Session 
Adjournment

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES

• NCTA Members
  $999.00, after 8/29/2026 at 5:00 pm MDT - $1099.00
• Railroad & Non-Member Conference Sponsors or Advertisers
  $1295.00, after 8/29/2026 at 5:00 pm MDT - $1395.00 
• Non-Members
  $1,495.00, after 8/29/2026 at 5:00 pm MDT - $1595.00 Non-Utility   
• Government or Academic Attendees
  $795.00, after 8/29/2026 at 5:00 pm MDT - $895.00

ROOMING

The NCTA room rate is $329.00++ for a single/double.  The NCTA negotiated room rate cut-off is August 29, 2026. Reservations may be made by calling 800-523-5002 and referencing the NCTA block or by using the booking link.  Please book a room even if you are unsure if you will be able to attend.  Our room rate is significantly lower than the rack rate and even Expedia's.

YOUR ROOM FEATURES  Blackout shades, Pillows Down and foam filled, allergy-free pillows, Lighted make-up mirrors and Microwaves (available upon request), Nespresso coffee makers, hot tea pots, Nightly turndown upon request, Iron and Ironing board, Plush Robes, Bottled water, Hair-dryer, Luxury toiletries, 50" Flat Screen Televisions, Individual WiFi points, USB ports, Safe, and Extra charging cables upon request

Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

Thank you for your support!