Following insightful presentations by Todd Hale, former Nielsen Co. vice president, and Stephen Moore, Heritage Foundation distinguished visiting fellow, during the first two days of the IARW-WFLO Convention at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California, the 126th annual gathering of public refrigerated warehouse operators and logistics providers concludes on Tuesday, April 25, with two more thought-provoking speakers.
David SaxDavid Sax will address “How Shifting Consumer Preferences Shape Food Trends” during the 8:30 to 10 AM general session. The analyst of consumer behavior is also the author of “The Tastemakers: Why We’re Crazy for Cupcakes but Fed Up with Fondue,” which argues that food trends are not only a collection of photos on Instagram, but have an everlasting effect on the culture, workforce, economy, health, and day-to-day living. His talk will focus on how major food trends will impact the cold supply chain for logistics providers and food companies.
Jason DorseyDuring the 12:15 to 2 PM closing general session, Jason Dorsey, co-founder and chief strategy officer of the Center for Generational Kinetics, will deliver a presentation entitled “Crossing the Generational Divide: Unlocking the Power of Generations to Grow Your Business.”
Regarded as a leading Millennials and Gen Z researcher and speaker, Dorsey will address generational truths and differences that directly impact leaders, as well as share data, first-hand stories, and step-by-step actions to help drive communication, engagement and recruitment efforts.
“Our industry places tremendous priority on developing talent and positioning the cold chain for a successful future. We are very interested to learn new strategies from Jason as we work to transition the generational divide in the cold chain from a challenge to an opportunity,” said Corey Rosenbusch, president and chief executive officer of the Alexandria, Virginia, USA-headquartered Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), whose members include the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) and the World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO).
NextGen Award
Also on April 25, four of the industry’s up and coming young professionals will speak as they compete for the GCCA NextGen Award, which recognizes future leaders from around the world. Recipients of the following industry awards will make presentations:
- Matt Toogood, United States Cold Storage
Don Schlimme Future Leader Award – North America - Francois Smith, Sequence Logistics
Tony Lewis Cold Store Operator Award – South Africa - Graeme Lee, Polar fresh
Frank Vale Award – Australia - Cavan McKenna, XPO Logistics
UK Young Manager of the Year – United Kingdom
The 126th IARW-WFLO Convention brings together executives of temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics companies and industry suppliers eager to advance the cold chain business. Its educational program is designed for senior-level executives looking for solutions to key commercial challenges and opportunities. Social activities, receptions and a supplier showcase are also featured.
