Every year, the IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo explores challenges and issues facing today’s temperature-controlled industry. However, this year’s theme—Delivering Value— puts a spotlight on the role logistics companies play within the cold chain around the world. Anyone from curtain, door, insulated panel and refrigeration equipment manufacturers to engineering firms, flooring specialists and material handling equipment providers can benefit from attending the 124th annual IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo, April 26-29 at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Fla.

The expo, which is hosted by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), Alexandria, Va., features a diverse group of industry suppliers, displaying the latest in products and services to help public refrigerated warehouse and logistics companies succeed. Attendees will explore:

• The bigger picture of the cold chain worldwide.
• How each company can increase their positive impact in the global cold chain.
• How companies can maximize their services to address total customer needs.
• Strategies to deliver greater value to customers.

The conference will kick off with keynote speaker Jack Uldrich, a renowned global futurist, speaker and author of 11 books. Uldrich’s speech, “Foresight is 20/20,” based on his book Foresight 20/20: A Futurist Explores the Trends Transforming Tomorrow, will explore what the world of 2020 might look like and how cold storage companies and their leaders can respond to the inevitable business changes that will occur.

Paul Mercurio, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian, will deliver the closing keynote address. Mercurio maintains a resumé that includes award-winning comedy writing and performing for The Daily Show With Jon Stewart and multiple appearances on The Late, Late Show on CBS, Late Night with Conan O’Brienand more. He’s famous for leaving a career as a Wall Street mergers-and-acquisitions lawyer and investment banker to pursue comedy full-time with the encouragement of Jay Leno, who hired him to write jokes for The Tonight Show.

The WFLO Learning Lounge will return, featuring dynamic, young cold chain industry leaders from all over the world, sharing insights on attracting and retaining young professionals to the industry.

IARW and WFLO also present Focus Sessions, which are concurrent, strategy sessions that provide the latest on the industry’s most important trends and issues. Attendees can choose from one of four 45-minute sessions.

And, the Scientists Speak Session returns with presentations and round-table discussions on the latest in food science and safety.

Continue to deliver value to both your company and your customers. To register, exhibit or to learn more about the show, go to www.iarw.org/convention.

At a Glance

What: IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo

When: April 26-29

 Where: Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Fla.