2024 GCCF Cold Chain Institutes Recap

2024 Cold Chain Institutes 

2024 was the biggest year for the Cold Chain Institute yet. The Institutes saw record number of students, female participants, and graduates. The Institute was held in 6 locations, two of them for the first time ever. The Cold Chain Institute was also a recipient for the ASAE Power of Associations Gold Award for Industry and Professional Advancement. In preparation for the 60th anniversary of the Institute program next year, a task force was formed to review the curriculum and make significant changes to the program for the upcoming programs in 2025.  

Cold Chain Institute East – Atlanta, GA 

The Cold Chain Institute East program saw strong participation this year, with over 240 students in attendance, including 40 Year 3 graduates who completed their final year. The program was supported by more than 30 faculty members and advisors, and it was encouraging to see that over 20% of our attendees were female, highlighting the Institute’s efforts toward greater diversity. 

As we approach the 60th anniversary of the US Institutes in 2025, we’re reflecting on nearly six decades of industry leadership and education. This year’s keynote speaker, Robyn Benincasa, delivered a compelling talk on teamwork and leadership, sharing practical insights on how to navigate and overcome challenges together. 

Cold Chain Institute West – Tempe, AZ 

The Cold Chain Institute West program had a strong turnout, with over 230 students attending and 80 Year 3 graduates completing their final year. The program was supported by more than 35 faculty members and advisors, with over 20% of the attendees being female, reflecting our ongoing focus on inclusivity within the industry. 

The Past Chairmans Council also convened during the Institute, taking time on the final day to visit various home rooms, speak with students, and share their experiences from past years. The keynote speaker, Robyn Benincasa, provided valuable insights on teamwork and leadership, emphasizing the importance of collabo 

ration in achieving success. 

Cold Chain Institute Australia – Melbourne 

GCCF held the third Cold Chain Institute in Melbourne, Australia in May with nearly 80 attendees. The largest Australia Institute to date had over 50 students and 30 faculty members in attendance. We were thrilled to celebrate our three Year 3 graduates who began their Institute journey in 2019. This year was particularly special as it marked the debut of the third-year curriculum in the region. The program was a resounding success, with robust participation from industry leaders, GCCA, and RWTA members. We are now actively planning the 2025 Cold Chain Institute in Melbourne for next May. 

Cold Chain Institute Latin America – Mexico City  

GCCF held its 11th annual cold chain institute Latin America in Mexico City this past July. This was the first graduating class in over 2 years due to covid. The program saw close to 70 students, 18 of which were Year 3 students graduating from the program. The program had 14 instructors and participants from 11 countries. Chairman Mickey Hoffmann attended along with other Board members. The program was well received, and the attendees are looking forward to the 2025 program  

Cold Chain Institute Brazil – Sao Paulo  

GCCF held its first ever Cold Chain Institute in Sao Paulo, Brazil in August 2024. The program was taught fully in Portuguese with a Year 1 curriculum. Over the last year and a half, the Brazil Task Force reviewed the course content for Year 1 classes and adjusted the curriculum and translations to fit the market. The program had 35 students in attendance and 11 faculty members. Many of the attendees had never been to Sao Paulo or traveled on a plane before so the program was a first in many ways. The Brazil Institute will be held in 2025 with a Year 2 curriculum.  

Cold Chain Institute Europe – Rotterdam  

The Cold Chain Institute Europe was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands in September 2024 for the first time. The program had 35 students in attendance for Year 1 and 13 instructors. The program was taught in English and had participants from 12 different countries. The European Institute Taskforce reviewed the Year 1 curriculum and modified the course content for the region. They will meet again in 2025 to review the Year 2 curriculum for the returning students next year. GCCF Chairman Mickey Hoffmann welcomed attendees at the General Session as well as taught two Year 1 courses. Attendees were very excited to have a program like this in Europe and are looking forward to attending next year.