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IDDBA: Cold Storage is a Hot Topic

June 9 to 11, 2024 | George R. Brown Convention Center – Houston, TX

When the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) noticed a nearly 15% increase in cold storage requests from the prior year, they prioritized meeting demand. Together, IDDBA and GES formulated a plan that kept everything cool amidst the blazing Houston heat.
IDDBA 2024 Houston_ShowFloor
The Challenge

Hungry For Help

As the premier industry-only show for dairy, deli, bakery and food service industries,  temperature-controlled, accessible storage is critically important. So, when IDDBA noticed a nearly 15% increase in cold storage requests year-over-year, they called in longtime partner GES to enhance technology, ensure proper handling and guarantee all exhibitors affordable cold storage access.
IDDBA 2024 Houston_ColdStorage5
The Solution

Streamlined Process

With cold storage opening ten days before the show opens (six days before exhibitors arrive), its essential food items are managed with precision. To ensure this accuracy, GES took the following steps:

  • Introduced a four-part labeling process to differentiate frozen, perishable, refrigerated or dry products when shipments are delivered.
  • Built a proprietary software application (FROSTI) for up-to-the-minute tracking during initial delivery, at the show and through move-out.
  • Added cold storage small package services to exhibitors of all sizes.
  • Integrated FROSTI in online ordering to encourage exhibitor pre-planning and create operational efficiencies.
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The Approach

Efficiency Meets Excellence

The conversations between GES and IDDBA generated a review and development of all service programs to ensure that all IDDBA exhibitors had a successful show, regardless of size. By simplifying the physical handling of food products, GES and IDDBA not only met the increased cold storage demands but also created billing efficiencies and improved attendee safety.
IDDBA_Houston_2024_Exhibit

quick stats

With a nearly 15% increase in cold storage requests year-over-year, how do you keep everything cool amidst the blazing Houston heat?

  • 635 cold storage skids 
  • 40 refrigerated shipping containers 
  • 22 refrigerated trailers 
  • 860 exhibitors
  • 225,400 NSF
GES’ operational excellence means exhibitor products maintain peak freshness prior to and throughout the show.
Jeremy Johnson
Vice President of Events at IDDBA