Prize-winning journalist, railroad executive to speak at the 2006 ASME Congress

Two authorities in two very different fields — journalism and freight rail transportation — have been picked to speak at this year's ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition this Nov. 5–10 in Chicago.

On Monday, Nov. 6, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David A. Vise will give the keynote presentation at the Congress, which will be held at the Hilton Chicago. The next day, Andrew F. Reardon, president and chief executive officer of TTX Co., will speak at the event's Rail Transportation Reception and Luncheon.

Vise, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The Washington Post and author of four books, will focus his keynote discussion on what drives innovation in successful enterprises. During the presentation, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 6, Vise will refer to his latest book, "The Google Story," to explain how the popular media company, powered by the world's most advanced search technology, has revolutionized access to the vast world of information.

As Vise says in the book, "Not since Gutenberg invented the modern printing press more than 500 years ago, making books and scientific tomes affordable and widely available to the masses, has any new invention empowered individuals or transformed access to information as profoundly as Google."

Admission to the keynote session, which will be followed immediately by the opening of the show floor at the Exposition, is free for Congress registrants.

The next day, Andrew Reardon will address the attendees of the Rail Transportation Reception and Luncheon, which begins at 12:10. Tickets for the luncheon are $54.

During his presentation, Reardon will take a look at his company TTX Co., which has begun a program to design a new-generation railcar to accommodate buses, car carriers, and other types of large vehicles commonly hauled by long distance trucks. In addition to ordering new railcars to do the job, the Chicago firm wants to retrofit some of its existing fleet of 48-foot cars to include redesigned suspension systems to accommodate the growth of 53-foot trailers and containers for domestic commerce.

In his speech, Reardon will cover various topics ranging from the state of the industry and new technology directions, to the outsourcing of engineering resources (a program that is not practiced at TTX) and the role of TTX at the railroad industry's Transportation Technology Center.

In his presentation at the ASME Congress, Reardon also will identify the needs and shortcomings in the industry. He believes the industry together with the public must work at improving the rail infrastructure — including signaling and crossings, as well as other major projects — to enable the consistent movement of goods. "The biggest challenge in the industry is to manage capacity with maximum efficiency," Reardon said.

To find out more about these and other events at the 2006 Congress, or to register, visit www.asmeconferences.org/congress06.



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