Railway Interchange to feature retired Navy SEAL O'Neill as keynoter

Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Robert O'Neill will be the keynote speaker at the Oct. 5 opening general session of the Railway Interchange 2015 in Minneapolis, the associations hosting the conference announced Thursday.

Now a motivational speaker, O'Neill held combat leadership roles in more than 400 missions in four different theaters of war. He is probably best known as a member of the Navy SEAL Team 6 that killed Osama bin Laden in May 2011. In November 2014, O'Neill identified himself in media interviews as the person who fired the fatal shots at bin Laden.

To be held Oct. 4-7 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Railway Interchange exhibition will showcase the latest technology, services and research by members of the Railway Supply Institute (RSI), Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), and Railway Systems Suppliers Inc. (RSSI). The event also will feature technical presentations and discussions by members of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and the Coordinated Mechanical Associations (CMA).

O'Neill, who has trained more than 800 special operations and tactical operators, will share his unique expertise with Railway Interchange attendees. He translates his elite SEAL team training into high-impact, actionable insights on leadership, decision-making, operating in uncertain environments and how to become "the best of the best," Railway Interchange planners said in a press release.

O'Neill will speak on the topic of his mantra, "Never quit," which he views as the single most important factor in determining success, they said.

"I know that our more than 8,500 expected attendees will be inspired by his experience and will benefit from his advice on how to thrive in today's competitive business environment," said AREMA Interim Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Larry Etherton.

The opening general session will begin at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 5; O'Neill is scheduled to speak at 8 a.m.

Conference and exhibition sponsorships are still available and registration information for the conference is available.