Keynote speakers and programming announced for April Global Cold Chain Alliance Convention

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) has announced four keynote speakers for the GCCA Convention 2026, which will take place April 25–27, 2026, at the Scottsdale Grand Hyatt Resort in Arizona.

For the first time since 2019, GCCA will host its Convention in the spring. Industry leaders in temperature-controlled logistics from around the world will gather to discuss emerging opportunities and pressing challenges. The event will feature a dynamic conference program, an inspiring Innovation Showcase, and multiple networking events.

This year’s keynote speakers will address customer perspectives, business success, the economy and trade, and impactful leadership:

Greg Creed served as CEO and Director of the Board of Yum! Brands and previously led Taco Bell. He will demonstrate how customer-centric thinking transforms business performance and explain how innovative approaches fuel sustainable growth across the cold chain.

Doug Ducey built one of America’s most recognized consumer brands as CEO of Cold Stone Creamery before Arizona voters elected him Governor in 2014 and reelected him in 2018. He will share insights on growing businesses internationally and explain how free trade drives economic growth and global competitiveness.

Drew Matus, chief market strategist for MetLife Investment Management (MIM) and former deputy chief U.S. economist at UBS Securities LLC, will outline the forces expected to drive U.S. economic growth and examine how global trade realignment is reshaping the business operating environment.

Lindsay Shookus, a seven-time Emmy-winning producer best known for her two-decade tenure shaping Saturday Night Live, will discuss how leaders navigate challenging circumstances and solve problems creatively through teamwork, resilience, accountability, and adaptability.

Educational sessions will explore key industry topics, including cold chain facility upgrade strategies, cyber and physical asset security, energy strategies, the future of temperature-controlled facility expansion, navigating changes in refrigerated transportation, and multimodal logistics in America. New in 2026, GCCA will introduce Deep Dive roundtable sessions that will examine cybersecurity and risk management, sustainability, and emerging industry issues in greater depth.

Additional features of the GCCA Convention 2026 include:

• An Innovation Showcase and Stage, where attendees can evaluate the latest tools and technologies.
• A Cold Chain Café, where participants will gather in small groups to discuss critical business challenges.
• Networking and social events, including meals, receptions, group activities, sporting events, and volunteer opportunities in the local community.

GCCA President and CEO Sara Stickler said, “The cold chain is critical infrastructure. 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. Our four distinguished keynote speakers will deliver powerful perspectives on business and leadership. Our Innovation Showcase exhibitors will spotlight advanced solutions. Connecting with and learning from old friends and new: this year’s program is truly outstanding.”