Event
GCCA Cold Chain Connection – Toronto
Event Overview
Join us for the GCCA Canadian Cold Chain Connection this July in Toronto, where professionals from the temperature-controlled warehouse, logistics, transportation, and design/build industries will gather for networking and learning. The event kicks off on July 15 with a networking reception and standing dinner at the iconic Hockey Hall of Fame, followed by a half-day of educational programming and round-table discussions on July 16, covering topics like technology & innovation, advocacy, and association updates. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network, learn, and enjoy a truly unique experience.
See who’s attending here.
Schedule
Schedule subject to change
| Tuesday 15 July | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | Registration |
| 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Evening Reception & Standing Dinner at the Hockey Hall of Fame |
| Wednesday 16 July | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Association Update & Strategic Direction Panel |
| 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Economic Update/Market Outlook |
| 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Coffee Break |
| 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | Election Update & Political Outlook |
| 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Technology in the Warehouse Discussion |
| 12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Lunch & Round Table Discussions |
| 2:00 p.m. | Adjourn |
Program
Association Update & Strategic Direction Panel
Join us for an overview of association’s impact on your business, industry trends, advocacy efforts and new resource preview. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with GCCA, GCCF and CEBA leadership on the organization’s strategic priorities and direction.
Moderator: Sara Stickler, President & CEO, Global Cold Chain Alliance
Panelists:
Marko Dzeletovich, Immediate Past Chair, CEBA, & Founder & CEO, Coldbox
Greg Laurin, Past Chair, GCCF, & Chief Executive Officer, Conestoga Cold Storage
Tim Ludwig, Chair, GCCA Warehouse, & President & CEO, Bradner Cold Storage
Richard Patenaude, Chair, GCCA Transportation, & President, Congebec Transport
Economic Update & Market Outlook
In this session, Scotiabank will provide a comprehensive industry economic and market update, including the latest developments on tariffs and their potential impact.
Presenter: Shaun Osborne, Managing Director, Chief Currency Strategist, Scotiabank
Election Update & Political Outlook
This session will provide an update on Canada’s recent election, new Cabinet, and the shifting political landscape. It will highlight key developments and explore potential implications and opportunities in policy development for the cold chain.
Presenter: Phillip Baldwin, Principal, TACTIX
Technology in the Warehouse Discussion
More information to follow.
Round Table / Open Discussion
Interactive session for sharing insights, experiences, and best practices among attendees based on pre-determined list of topics based on the market. Not limited to list, attendees also can contribute additional topics they are impacted by in their businesses. Discussion topics include:
- Market Dynamics: Speculative Activity, Built-to-Suit, Current Capacity Needs/Issues
- Labor Market in Canada Recruitment, retention, training, etc.
- Energy: Cost Management, Types (renewable, micro grids, etc.)
- Regulation: Governments involvement in industry – Issues and/or opportunities
- Cyber Security & Data Management: How are you protecting your business? Threats, Impact, Customer
- Supply Chain Disruptions: How is it going out there? Equipment and components, etc.
- Customers & Industry Partners: Trends, Dynamics, Requirements, Programs, etc.
- Food Loss & Waste: Partnerships with customers, food banks, gov’t agencies, etc.
- & more regional specific topics discussed on site
Hotel Information
The Omni King Edward Hotel
37 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9, Canada
Room Rates
The deadline to book a room at our discounted rate has now passed. To be added to the waitlist should a room open up, please contact Lydia Barr, Manager of Programs and Events.
Any guaranteed reservation not cancelled 72 hours prior to arrival will be subject to a cancellation fee of the first night’s room and tax.
Registration Rate
GCCA Warehouse Member – $640 CAD
GCCA Associate Member – $740 CAD
Non-Member – $840 CAD
Cancellation Policy
There is a $100 CAD cancellation fee on or before June 16, 2025 There are no refunds after June 17, 2025, however, you can make attendee substitutions after this date. To make an attendee substitution at no additional charge, please call GCCA headquarters at +1 703 373 4300 or email us at email@gcca.org
Sponsorship
Benefits of sponsoring include:
- Logo recognition on event website and all event-related communications, including social media publications
- Brand exposure at event
- Direct access to a qualified audience of potential customers
- Unique insight into the trends and challenges pertaining to temperature-controlled logistics in the broader sense
- Ability to participate in roundtable discussions and meet with participating operators
- Receive list of participants
- Display banner at event
- Two registrations for the event
Sponsorship value
Cost of sponsorship is $5,000 USD
Sponsorship is available to GCCA and CEBA members only. Interested? Contact Holly Coughlan at hcoughlan@gcca.org.
Sponsors
