More than 600 leaders in the temperature-controlled logistics industry gathered Tuesday to hear from Sara Stickler, the new chief executive of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), at the start of the 2024 GCCA Convention in Bonita Springs, Florida.
GCCA is the international association representing temperature-controlled warehousing, logistics, and transportation. GCCA’s members are based around the world, storing and transporting temperature-sensitive products such as food and pharmaceuticals at national, regional, and global levels. Over three days, this year’s convention will welcome speakers and delegates from North America, Europe, South America, and Africa to discuss key opportunities and challenges for the global cold chain.
“At a time of ongoing instability in our global economy and society, the cold chain has proved its value and resilience,” Strickler said in a news release. “I am proud of the way that our industry has met the challenges of a global pandemic, geo-political tensions, and changing climate. Time and again, our members show their ability to solve problems, innovate, and invest. These characteristics of our industry stand us in good stead for the coming decade, when we expect demand for temperature-controlled logistics to grow alongside fast-changing populations in a warming world.
“GCCA is a vital organization providing a forum for cold chain professionals. We are proud to provide the global cold chain with a voice. We will continue to champion the needs of temperature-controlled logistics as we educate policymakers and regulators about the importance, value, and unique characteristics of temperature-controlled logistics and seek the conditions that will allow businesses to innovate, foster new talent, and invest in the cold chain of the future.
“I also look forward to working with members to increase the value and relevance of our membership offer, providing world-leading events and networking, advisory services, and market intelligence.”
Stickler joined GCCA as president and CEO on Sept. 3, following six years leading WTS International.
Other speakers scheduled for the GCCA Convention include Jason Schenker (chairman of The Futurist Institute and the president of Prestige Economics, ranked one of the most accurate financial forecasters and futurists in the world), Rachel Wilson (director of cybersecurity at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, and former head of counterterrorism operations and the National Security Agency), Xinnan Li (cold chain analyst at Rabobank) and Nicola Twilley (New Yorker journalist, and author of ‘Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves’).
