(Washington, DC) – You can take the bus to it, bike to it, walk to it and even drive to it (really) but what you won’t do is sit around watching a lot of PowerPoint presentations once you arrive. With more than 1,200 developers, business leaders, planners, and local, regional and national elected officials, transit operators, government officials, and others scheduled to attend, the 2011 Rail~Volution conference promises to be one of this year’s most comprehensive, hands-on and engaging events focused on transit and livable communities.

Rail~Volution 2011 is scheduled to take place at the Marriott Wardman Park in NW Washington, but a good portion of the meeting will happen out on the streets, throughout DC and neighboring communities. Mobile workshops will be held around the region, touring planned and new initiatives—such as the DC Streetcar along H Street/Benning Road NE—and visiting some of the region’s most successful projects, including the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor in Arlington County, VA.

The conference will also offer attendees the opportunity to participate in design charrettes and explore opportunities for transit-oriented development in areas such as Suitland, MD. For more information on the workshops, locations and how to sign up, visit http://www.railvolution.org/conference-program/schedule-of-events.

The DC region is a national leader in transit-oriented, pedestrian and bike-friendly green spaces and green buildings, which is why it is a natural choice to host Rail~Volution. To encourage local participation, DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray is offering a limited number of one-day scholarships for District residents and community leaders. You can learn more and submit your name for consideration online.

In addition to the workshops, charrettes and networking events, Rail~Volution, in conjunction with the Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG), will host a film festival featuring short films focused on transit and livable communities. Purchase Tickets in advance, grab your popcorn and enjoy some great entertainment.

Rail~volution is a conference where you get involved, be hands on, bring your ideas and make a difference. The conference will end with a DC-area local program from 2–5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19. This three-hour program is free and open to the public.

For more information about the conference and to register visit www.railvolution.org or go to www.railvolutiondc.com/local-program.html for more details about the local programs.