Explore what continuous improvement looks like in today’s temperature-controlled logistics market by sharing strategies for satisfying customer demands, reducing expenses and driving growth—all at the 123rd IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo. The show, which combines  the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) and World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO), will take place April 26-30 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, Calif.

The expo features a diverse group of industry suppliers, displaying the latest in products and services to help public refrigerated warehouse and logistics companies succeed. With more than 700 senior level industry professionals convening for this event, exhibitors will reach the largest gathering of refrigerated warehousing and logistics executives in the world.

Who exhibits? Anyone from curtain, door, insulated panel and refrigeration equipment manufacturers to engineering firms, flooring specialists, material handling equipment providers and more.

This year’s theme is “Continuous Improvement,” an intentional commitment to proactively innovate. Continuous improvement is about anticipating change and embracing it to identify inefficiencies and improve operational efficiency, customer service and overall business practices. In other words, continuous improvement is about always moving forward with efforts to make things better.

“This year’s event theme and an all-around smart business practice—Continuous Improvement—is an intentional commitment to innovate proactively,” says Corey Rosenbusch, president and COO of IARW and WFLO, core partners of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), Alexandria, Va. “At the 123rd IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo, we will explore what continuous improvement looks like in today’s temperature-controlled logistics market by sharing strategies for satisfying customer demands, reducing expenses and driving growth.”

Robert Tucker, president of The Innovation Resource Consulting Group, Santa Barbara, Calif., will be the keynote speaker, focusing on what works–-and what doesn’t–-when it comes to innovation. He’ll also focus on how companies can improve top and bottom line performance via systematic innovation.

Mark Sato, a master practitioner for The Wiseman Group, will be a keynote speaker for the closing session. Sato will present the five key qualities that multipliers (who make others feel smarter and more capable) possess and provide tips for learning and developing those qualities on your own team.

The continuous improvement theme will also be integrated into the education programs, many of which will be led by senior level refrigerated warehouse operators. Topics include:

• Business and market development. Create strategies for developing and expanding your business domestically and internationally.

• Liability and risk management. Protect your company and get the latest in warehouse law, risk management, liabilities and regulatory changes.

• Operations management. Improve productivity and your bottom line with the latest trends and tips in operational management.

• Human resources. Apply best practices, emerging trends and the techniques regarding human resources and talent management.

The convention will also host a reception aboard the historic USS Midway aircraft carrier, April 28, 6:30-8 p.m. And, the annual Golf Classic will take place April 29 1–7 p.m. at the Maderas Golf Club, Poway, Calif.

Be a part of the continuous improvement movement. To register to attend or exhibit or to learn more about the show, go to
www.iarw.org/convention

At a Glance

What: IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo

Where: Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, Calif.

 When: April 26-30