Global Cold Chain Alliance announces speakers and programming for 2026 convention on cold chain opportunities and challenges
Key takeaways
- GCCA Convention 2026 brings global cold chain leaders together to share insights on logistics, trade, and temperature-controlled operations.
- Keynote speakers will provide strategies on customer focus, economic trends, leadership, and international business growth.
- Educational sessions and roundtables cover facility upgrades, cyber and physical security, energy efficiency, and multimodal refrigerated transport.
The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) recently revealed its keynote speakers and conference programming for the 2026 GCCA Convention. The alliance, which represents professionals in temperature-controlled logistics, will host the event April 25–27 at the Scottsdale Grand Hyatt Resort in Arizona.
GCCA will offer educational sessions, networking events, and an Innovation Showcase to address key industry challenges. For the first time since 2019, the convention will be held in the spring, drawing leaders from around the world to discuss emerging opportunities and trends.
Keynote speakers:
- Greg Creed: Former CEO of Taco Bell and Yum! Brands will discuss customer-centric business strategies and sustainable growth across the cold chain.
- Doug Ducey: Former CEO of Cold Stone Creamery and current CEO of Citizens for Free Enterprise will share insights on international business growth and the role of free trade.
- Drew Matus: Chief market strategist for MetLife Investment Management will examine economic growth drivers and global trade realignment.
- Lindsay Shookus: Award-winning TV producer will discuss leadership, teamwork, resilience, and creative problem-solving.
Educational sessions will cover cold chain facility upgrades, cybersecurity and asset protection, energy strategies, refrigerated transportation changes, multimodal logistics, and temperature-controlled facility expansion. New Deep Dive roundtable sessions will focus on cybersecurity, risk management, sustainability, and emerging industry topics.
“The cold chain is critical infrastructure,” Sara Stickler, GCCA president and CEO, stated. “For 135 years, the GCCA Convention has brought together global leaders to share knowledge, address common challenges, experience innovative technologies, and explore new opportunities in temperature-controlled storage and transportation. At this year’s convention, experts will reinforce that message and provide strategies to modernize facilities, maximize energy efficiency, and navigate logistics challenges.”
