Event
GCCA Cold Chain Connection – Canada
Event Overview
Join Us for the Cold Chain Connection Canada
Join us for the GCCA Cold Chain Connection Canada 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 with facilitated networking round tables and an evening reception, followed by a half-day of educational programming, 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.
Who Attends
Designed for operators, public, private, and investors alike, the program highlights where infrastructure, regulation, and capital can best support resilient, efficient food systems. You’ll explore ways to reduce food loss and improve efficiency, along with the latest cold chain technologies, from modern warehouse management systems and cybersecurity to advanced fire protection for high-value facilities.
This event is open to GCCA Members, and non-members.
Wednesday, 8 July
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 1:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Warehouse Executive Leadership Round Table Invitation Only |
| 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Canadian Government Affairs Committee Meeting Invitation Only |
| 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Cold Chain Café Roundtable Discussions All Attendees Welcome |
| 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Reception |
Schedule subject to change
Thursday, 9 July
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Association Update |
| 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. | Trends & Business Impact Panel: The Forces Reshaping Cold Chain and Food Logistics |
| 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. | Coffee Break |
| 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | A Conversation on Canada’s Cold Chain Policy & Regulatory Landscape |
| 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Food Rescue Partnership Panel |
Schedule subject to change
Program Details
Trends & Business Impact Panel: The Forces Reshaping Cold Chain and Food Logistics
Panelists
Greg Laurin, CEO, Conestoga Cold Storage
Xinnan Li, Senior Analyst – Packaging & Logistics, Rabobank
Janice Holzscherer, CFA, Managing Director of Agriculture and Business Owner of Digital Platforms at Scotiabank
Moderator
Tim Ludwig, Chief Commercial Officer, Congebec, and Chair, GCCA Board of Directors
A Conversation on Canada’s Cold Chain Policy & Regulatory Landscape
Shane Brennan, Senior Vice President, Global Policy, Projects & Partnerships, GCCA
Jean-Michel Laurin, Principal, TACTIX Government Relations and Public Affairs
Join a fireside chat exploring the latest developments in cold chain policy and advocacy in Canada. Hear from GCCA’s Head of Global Policy alongside its Canadian partner, Tactix, as they unpack emerging regulatory priorities, share insights on industry representation, and discuss what’s next for the Canadian cold chain landscape. This engaging session offers a unique opportunity to stay informed and be part of a dynamic, forward-looking conversation.
Food Rescue Partnership Panel
Panelists
Lori Nikkel, CEO, Second Harvest
Caleb Wilson, Fresh/Frozen Transportation Manager, GTW Tiger Trucking
Alicia Gouveia, Director of Corporate Development, Everest Cold Storage
Moderator
Eben James, CEO, Trenton Cold Storage
This session highlights how collaboration across the cold chain can drive meaningful community impact. Panelists from food banks, warehouse operators, and transportation providers will share how partnerships help navigate regulatory challenges, reduce food waste, and support food rescue efforts. Learn how organizations are aligning sustainability goals with operational realities while making a difference in their communities.
Registration Fees
| Registration Type | Rate CAD |
|---|---|
| GCCA Warehouse Member | $585 |
| GCCA Associate Member | $685 |
| Non-Member | $985 |
Venue & Room Reservations
The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto
We are pleased to offer a discounted room rate of $339 CAD + tax. Hotel cancellation policy states that cancellations received within 72 hours prior to arrival will incur in one night’s room and taxes charge. The discounted rate is available through Monday, June 15, 2026. Access the room block here.
Sponsor Cold Chain Connection
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.
Sponsorship is $5,250 USD and is available to GCCA Members.
Interested in sponsoring or joining? Contact Holly Coughlan.
Can’t make it to Toronto? 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
