Education

Education & Networking Opportunities

Food Logistics Forum

The Food Logistics Forum, co-hosted by the American Frozen Food Institute and the Global Cold Chain Alliance, provides the solutions and connections needed to navigate today's increasingly complex cold chain. Frozen food industry leaders from production, foodservice, retail, and 3PL providers gather annually for this essential event.

Global Cold Chain Alliance Assembly of Committees

Held annually in Washington, DC, the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Assembly of Committees is where members from every sector of the cold chain unite to solve critical industry problems and strategize for the future. Each committee is dedicated to addressing issues that impact one particular area of the cold chain and require association response or direction.

WFLO Institute

IRTA member companies are entitled to register one employee at the WFLO member rate to participate in the only comprehensive cold chain training program in the world. The Institute curriculum provides an overview of key aspects of the refrigerated warehousing and logistics business and offers invaluable networking opportunities.

ICE (India Cold Chain Expo)

The India Cold Chain Expo, also known as ICE, was the first cold chain conference to be held in India. The program includes educational sessions and popular expo and provides an invaluable opportunity for Indian cold chain professionals to connect with their international counterparts.

Webinars

Periodically, the association offers webinars that cover current cold chain trends or new technologies. These one hour webinars are often free or offered at a very low –cost and provide members a convenient educational opportunity.

Online Training

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Online Training Library, powered by DuPont Training Solutions, offers a convenient and efficient way to train employees in safety management, human resources compliance, and other operational best practices. The GCCA Online Training Library delivers 80 individualized, self-paced courses that can be accessed on-demand, 24/7. Courses are available to members for only $35 per access.

Marketing

Marketing & Communications

Global Cold Chain Directory

IRTA members receive a listing in the annual Global Cold Chain Directory. Published in conjunction with the other GCCA Core Partners, the directory includes over 500 pages of cold chain providers and is the sourcebook for over 3,000 cold chain professionals and customers searching for cold chain solutions. A searchable, electronic format is also available online.

Advertising and Sponsorships

IRTA members have the opportunity to advertise in the Global Cold Chain Directory and receive daily exposure for an entire year to a readership tailored to their companies' services. Additional advertising opportunities are available throughout the year in COLD FACTS magazine and Cool Moves eNewsletter. Sponsorship opportunities are available at many association events. Members are also invited to submit press releases, contribute white papers, write articles, or submit article ideas for inclusion in association publications.

IRTA Logo

All members may use the association's member logo on their website(s), stationery, advertising or other printed material as a visible "seal of quality." All members also receive a set of membership plaques to display onsite.

COLD FACTS Magazine

The bimonthly COLD FACTS magazine is a direct link to 3,000 of the top decision-makers in the international cold chain. COLD FACTS is the definitive resource for the Core Partners of the Global Cold Chain Alliance, delivering association news, member news, market intelligence, and reports on the latest cold chain trends and advances.

Cool Moves eNewsletter

Periodically, all members receive the Cool Moves eNewsletter, which contains articles on business to business opportunities, industry news, government and legal matters, and association news and events.

Technical

Technical Resources

Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

IRTA members have access to the distinguished food scientists serving on the WFLO Scientific Advisory Council (SAC). SAC is a select body of eminent scientists, each a leader in a specific area of food technology, food science, food economics, or logistics. SAC members are called upon to advise members about the proper storage and handling of refrigerated and frozen products. In 2005, IRTA added a specialist in perishables transportation to this prestigious panel.

Inquiry Service

Send your questions dealing with any aspect of the cold chain operations — from legal matters to food science—directly to headquarters where staff works with industry experts and scientists to provide answers, typically within one business day.

Government

Government Affairs

Monitoring

The IRTA staff monitors both Congressional and regulatory activity, as well as selected state and local jurisdictions. Through contacts on Capitol Hill and at federal agencies, IRTA keeps members abreast of issues including regulatory compliance, food safety, energy, tax, small business matters, security requirements, and other topics which impact the temperature-controlled logistics industry through articles and educational programs.

Advocacy

IRTA gives members a voice in Washington, DC, liaising with government decision makers and providing members with tools to proactively influence public policy impacting the cold chain industry. IRTA also actively participates in coalitions in Washington and works closely with allied organizations to promote policies beneficial to the temperature-controlled logistics industry. IRTA staff is on call to respond to questions and help members through the regulatory maze, working to ensure that the temperature-controlled logistics industry is not subjected to onerous and unreasonable requirements.

International

International Outreach

Cold Chain Development

Through government-funded projects, and in partnership with WFLO, IRTA actively contributes to increasing awareness of cold chain issues. With assessments, training, design and feasibility studies, the organizations work to ensure the growth of a strong global cold chain industry. A strong industry means higher quality and volume of product, and a greater number of business opportunities.

Consultancy Opportunities

With a growing number of development projects to implement, WFLO and IRTA regularly seek short-term technical assistance from member companies. Participating members gain invaluable insight into the state of the cold chain in developing countries, as well as the opportunity to make industry contacts in nations with growing economies.