The IRSE Convention has its origins in the Institution’s early years, with the first summer meeting held in London in July 1921. As recorded at the time, members from abroad were welcomed and there was a clear intention that the event would become a regular gathering, rotating around the British Isles and beyond.
From these beginnings, the Convention became a central part of the Institution’s calendar. It was held annually for many decades, with only limited interruptions. Plans for 1930 were cancelled due to cost, and meetings were suspended between 1940 and 1945 during the Second World War.
The Convention quickly developed an international character. By 1925 it had already travelled to Brussels, and over time it has been hosted across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia, and North America. Locations have included the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong SAR China, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, India, Singapore and Malaysia, South Africa, Thailand, and the United States.
The format has evolved alongside its reach. A guest programme was introduced in 1926, and the Convention has long combined technical visits with professional exchange and social connection. More recently, it has moved to a biennial cycle, alternating with the ASPECT conference series.
Today, the IRSE Convention remains a distinctive event in the calendar, bringing members together to share knowledge, build connections, and experience railway systems around the world.