Speech Thomas Is Keynote Speaker at APTA Rail Conference!
5/13/2024
APTA announces music legend Speech Thomas as the keynote speaker at the 2024 APTA Rail Conference, June 2-5 in Cleveland, OH.
Growing up in Milwaukee, WI, one of the most statistically difficult places for black youth, Thomas began “going against the grain,” allowing his challenges to fuel his positive impact. Thomas would focus on that spirit as he and his bandmates took group Arrested Development from humble and rural beginnings in Georgia to become a pioneering force in the music world.
“Tennessee” became the group’s first hit single, as well as being awarded Best Rap Song at the Grammys, and was named one of the “500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll” by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
At the Rail Conference, Thomas will use that same spirit to help attendees understand how to carve a path of Brave Leadership in public transportation and life.
The Rail Conference examines urban, commuter, high-speed, and intercity rail and features sessions on technology, operations, maintenance, safety & security, planning, finance, capital projects, workforce development, and more. The Products & Services Showcase will be home to the latest industry advances, and attendees will have the opportunity to join unique technical tours.