Event
GCCA Cold Chain Connection Northeast – Philadelphia
Event Overview
Join Us for the GCCA Cold Chain Connection Northeast – Philadelphia
Join us for the GCCA Cold Chain Connection this October in Philadelphia, where professionals from the temperature-controlled warehouse, logistics, transportation, and design/build industries will gather for networking and learning.
The event kicks off with an evening reception, followed by a half-day of educational programming, covering topics like technology & innovation, advocacy, and association updates with a closing lunch and round table discussion. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network, learn, and enjoy a truly unique experience.
This event is open to GCCA Members, and non-members.
What to Expect
This year’s program is designed to give you the knowledge and connections you need to thrive in the North American temperature-controlled supply chain sector in the coming years. Here is a preview of what you can expect:
| October 14 | Session |
|---|---|
| 5:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Reception |
| October 15 | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. | GCCA Warehouse & Logistics Member Regional Forum Warehouse & Logistics Operators Only |
| 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Association Update Sara Stickler, President & CEO, GCCA |
| 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Trends & Business Insight Panel |
| 10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | Coffee Break |
| 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. | Protein Markets & Agribusiness Outlook |
| 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Technology & Innovation Panel |
| 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Cold Chain Café Roundtable Discussions & Lunch |
Schedule subject to change.
Program Details
GCCA Warehouse & Logistics Member Regional Forum
A candid, peer-to-peer discussion for GCCA warehouse and logistics members on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the cold chain, including market outlook, AI and technology, operational challenges, customer needs, industry data and benchmarking, and other topics relevant to your business and market. The forum will also provide an opportunity to share input on what data, research, programming, and advocacy would be most valuable from GCCA
Association Update
Sara Stickler, President & CEO, GCCA
Join us for an overview of association’s impact on your business, industry trends, advocacy efforts and new resource preview.
Trends and Business Insights Panel: The Forces Reshaping Cold Chain and Food Logistics
Mickey Hoffmann, EVP Commercial Strategy & Development, United States Cold Storage
Zach Derstine, CEO, EZ3PL/Derstine’s Inc.
Join warehouse and logistics operators for a discussion on how the cold chain market continues to evolve as businesses navigate excess capacity, shifting food manufacturing trends, and workforce challenges. The panel will explore the key market forces shaping the industry and share practical strategies for adapting to changing business conditions, labor dynamics, and customer demand.
Protein Markets & Agribusiness Outlook: Trends Shaping the Cold Chain in the Northeast
David J. Williams, PhD, Head of Agricultural Research & Strategy, MetLife Investment Management
Gain valuable insights into the forces influencing today’s protein and agribusiness sectors. This session will explore market trends, supply and demand dynamics, trade developments, and economic factors impacting the protein industry, while highlighting what these changes mean for cold chain warehousing, logistics, and food supply chain operations.
Technology & Innovation Panel: Optimizing the Cold Chain Through Emerging Technologies
Bob Tippmann, President, QuickFreeze
Charles Tuck, Co-Founder, VP of Energy & IoT Solutions, ndustrial.io
Technology is reshaping every aspect of the cold chain, from warehouse operations to customer service. This panel will explore how companies are leveraging AI, automation, data analytics, and other emerging technologies to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, strengthen customer relationships, and drive operational excellence.
Cold Chain Café
An interactive, peer-to-peer format where participants choose from a variety of industry topics and discuss with different groups. Each conversation is designed to share ideas, tools, experiences, and practical solutions. At the end, each table shares its key takeaways so all attendees can benefit from the discussions.
Registration Fees
| Registration Type | Rate USD$ |
|---|---|
| Warehouse & Transportation, Member | $449 |
| Warehouse & Transportation Non-Member | $749 |
| Industry Solutions Provider, Member | $549 |
| Industry Solutions Provider, Non-Member | $749 |
Venue
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
We are pleased to offer a discounted room rate of $199 + tax & fees. You can access the discounted rate here. The discounted rate is available through Thursday, September 24, 2026. Hotel cancellation policy states that deposits are refundable if cancellations are made at least 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival.
Cancellation Policy
There is no cancellation fee before August 30, 2026. There are no refunds after August 30, 2026. However, you can make an attendee substitution at no additional charge, please contact Lydia Barr for assistance.
In addition to canceling your registration, please be sure to contact the hotel directly to cancel your room reservation.
Sponsor Cold Chain Connection Philadelphia
Position your brand at the forefront of the cold chain industry. This event gathers influential professionals working in the temperature-controlled sector – warehouse, logistics, transportation, food, supply chain, and design/build industries. Benefits of sponsoring include:
- Recognition as a sponsor on event website, and pre-event marketing emails.
- High-impact signage at the event.
- Distinctive ribbons to identify your staff as key event partners.
- 2 complimentary event registrations.
| Opportunity | Rate USD$ |
|---|---|
| Cold Chain Connection Sponsor (Non-exclusive) | $5,250 |
Sponsorship is available to GCCA Members.
Interested in sponsoring or joining? Contact Holly Coughlan.
Free Resource – Justification to Attend Letter
Ready to secure your spot at the upcoming event but need your manager’s approval? We’ve made the process incredibly easy with our free, customizable Justification to Attend letter template. Download it today to clearly outline the value, costs, and return on investment of your attendance so you can get that “yes” in no time.
>> Justification to Attend Letter
Can’t make it to Philadelphia? Explore our full GCCA Events Calendar to find an event near you.
GCCA Event Registration, Cancellation, and Code of Conduct Policies
By submission of your conference registration, you (Registrant) and/or the persons you are registering acknowledge acceptance of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Code of Conduct and Event Policies.
Sponsors
