LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers has cancelled its summer meeting, which had been scheduled for July 20-21 at Lake Geneva.
“This was not an easy decision,” MARS president Stefan Loeb said in a message to association members. “We understand our members enjoy and appreciate the education and networking opportunities the meeting offers as much as we enjoy hosting the event. But again, MARS first priority is protecting the health and safety of our partners. … MARS plans to create the best Winter Meeting every in January 2021, and we look forward to reconnecting with you then.”
MARS meetings traditionally have featured a prestigious lineup of rail professionals including regular visits by Class I CEOs. The 2020 winter meeting included Canadian National CEO JJ Ruest, Kansas City Southern CEO Patrick Ottensmeyer and Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz. The next winter meeting will be held Jan. 19-21, 2021, at the Westin Chicago Lombard in Lombard, Ill.
The National Association of Rail Shippers had previously canceled its annual meeting, set for May in Kansas City. It will hold its 2021 annual meeting May 12-14 at the Sheridan Grand Chicago.
