2025 GCCA Convention
General Sessions
Tuesday, September 16
Opening General Session & Breakfast | 8:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Keynote Presentation: Monetary Masala
Anirban Basu, Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, Economic Forecasting Expert
Is the US economy headed for recession, or can America weather emerging trade wars, associated cost increases, and uncertainty? This presentation focuses on US and regional economic performance with an eye toward identifying emerging risks to what has been the world's most envied economy. Among variables of interest are interest rates, employment growth, real estate valuations, and a variety of leading economic indicators.
Dr. Anirban Basu is Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group and one of the nation’s leading economists, advising top organizations across sectors including construction, banking, real estate, and government. He has served in prominent roles such as Chair of the Maryland Economic Development Commission and Chief Economist for several major associations, including to Associated Builders and Contractors. A dynamic speaker known for blending deep economic insight with engaging commentary, Dr. Basu has been repeatedly recognized as one of Maryland’s most influential and powerful business leaders.
General Session | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Panel Presentation: Global Policies, Regional Strategies: GCCA Advocacy Update
In this session the team will provide an overview of the major policy and regulatory themes shaping the world of cold chain and outline how the Global Cold Chain Alliance is positioned to influence the major debates in key regulatory spheres around the world.
Wednesday, September 17
General Session | 9:00 a.m. - 10: 00 a.m.
Keynote Presentation: Who Hacks, Wins - Managing Cyber Security
Matthew Devost, CEO of OODA LLC, Technologist, Entrepreneur, and Expert Hacker
Gain a detailed understanding of the cyber threat and proven strategies and approaches for managing cyber risk in your organization. From criminals to nation state sponsored attacks, modern adversaries are targeting your networks, your data, and your people. Understand the tactics they are using and effective cyber defense countermeasures you can deploy today to thwart the attackers of tomorrow.
Matthew Devost is a renowned technologist, entrepreneur, and international security expert with over 25 years of leadership in cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and global risk management. As CEO and Co-Founder of OODA LLC and founder of the Hack Factory, he guides organizations in navigating complex security and technology challenges while fostering innovation and strategic resilience.
Closing General Session | 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Closing Keynote: Confronting the Reality of Change
Geoff Colvin, Fortune Senior Editor-at-Large
When change comes at us from every direction, it can feel like our only option is to play defense. “Not so,” says Geoff Colvin of Fortune. “The best leaders I’ve reported on have found ways to embrace a world of continuous disruption and build a powerful competitive advantage in the process.” Geoff is optimistic about the future as he unpacks step-by-step how we can all respond faster to change and even get ahead of it as individuals, teams, and enterprises. Geoff provides actionable takeaways to help leaders face change smarter.
Geoff Colvin, longtime Fortune editor and bestselling author, is one of business journalism’s sharpest voices on leadership, innovation, and the forces transforming the global economy. Drawing on decades of reporting and direct access to top CEOs and policymakers, Geoff reveals how winning organizations confront reality, embrace change, and invest in the future.
Focus Sessions
Explore, Engage, Excel: A Closer Look at GCCA Focus Sessions
While the main stage provides broad inspiration, our Focus Sessions offer a unique opportunity to drill down into the critical details that impact your daily operations. Complementing the keynote addresses and general conference programming, these sessions provide targeted learning on a variety of industry-specific topics.
Engage directly with industry leaders and discover the latest insights and actionable strategies that are transforming the cold chain. Come prepared to ask questions, share challenges, and capture the transformative ideas that will help your business excel. Check out the GCCA Focus Session schedule and plan which expert-led discussions you'll attend.
Tuesday, September 16
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 17
10:15 a.m - 11:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Cold Chain Café
Tuesday, September 16
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
The Cold Chain Café is a roundtable discussion component of the program where attendees will participate in valuable dialogue with their peers. Participants will engage in up to 3 fast-paced, 15-minute discussions and choose from over 14 different topics.
Topics will include:
AI Integration in the Cold Chain
Capital Equipment Upgrades and Planning
Construction Trends
Cyber Security
Energy and Sustainability
Food Safety Regulations
Food Waste Reduction/Food Security
Global Trade, Tariffs and Supply Chain Disruptions
Legal and Insurance Trends
Macroeconomic Trends and Impact on Cold Chain
Practical HR: Benefits, Programs, and Hiring Sources
Women in Cold Chain Workshop
Wednesday, September 17
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
This high-impact, experiential program is crafted specifically for women executives, senior leaders, and high-potential emerging leaders in the cold chain industry. “Leadership Aura: Your Presence Is Your Power” is a 3-hour interactive leadership experience that empowers participants to define, embody, and elevate their leadership presence. Brought to you by GCCA, Americold, and presenter Pegine Echevarria; participants will explore their unique aura—the energetic, emotional, and reputational impact they have on others—and develop strategies to consistently lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Open to confirmed Conference registrants only on first-come, first-serve basis. RSVP is required.
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