Metrics Set the Tone“Having worked with IDDBA for over a decade, GES has seen the need for temperature-controlled, accessible storage grow year-over-year,” shares Sean Maddock, GES cold storage operations lead and Vice President of Operations, West Division. “The 2024 show was no exception.”
- 635 Cold Storage Skids
- 40 Refrigerated Shipping Containers
- 22 Refrigerated Trailers
- 860 Exhibitors
Streamlined Processes = Unmatched Success
IDDBA onsite cold storage begins ten days before the show opens and six days before exhibitors arrive. Thanks to an exhaustive and detailed advanced warehouse and cold storage labeling system, GES can oversee the temperature requirements of everything from ice cream to cold cuts.
According to Jeremy Johnson, Vice President of Events at IDDBA, “Anything other than seamless temperature management isn’t an option for the premier industry-only show for dairy, deli, bakery and foodservice industries. Thanks to our longstanding partnership with GES, we have built a process that maintains peak product freshness prior to and throughout the show.”
The exhibitor service kit includes four color-coded labels with easy-to-follow instructions on how to mark shipments as frozen, perishable, refrigerated, or dry products. To ensure proper handling, exhibitors are asked to separate booth display materials from food and affix labels to all sides of a shipment. Once shipments arrive at the advanced warehouse, they are sorted according to their storage needs to optimize freshness and food safety.
While this targeted delivery process is both sound and successful, GES’ commitment to operational excellence meant that adding technology to the operation was essential. We created “FROSTI” (Frozen & Refrigerated Operations Status Tracking Inquiry), a proprietary software application that serves as a holistic system tracker and gives GES a comprehensive view of the 60+ cold storage trailers.
Additionally, GES has invested in FRIGGA temperature monitors for each container or trailer. This state-of-the-art technology offers real-time visibility into temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors like humidity, light exposure, and more. Pre-show and onsite, exhibitors can set up alerts via text, email, or the app to check on their products. Plus, the FRIGGA system offers a full picture of final analytics and long-term data storage.
“The complex food storage and handling needs of IDDBA have led technology, service, and operations innovations at GES,” states Phil Wargowsky, Sr. Director, Business Development. “We prioritize continuously developing and reviewing service programs that allow IDDBA exhibitors to have a successful experience."
The Value of Exhibitor Relationships
“We are committed to enhancing technology on IDDBA and all food shows to provide a safe and streamlined experience,” shares Maddock.
Increased safety measures include guaranteeing exhibitors of all sizes affordable access to temperature-controlled environments, which is why GES added cold storage to its small package services. In addition to simplifying the physical handling of food products, it’s also led to efficiencies in billing.
And it’s not just the here and now; GES has its sights set on further modernizing the workflow, like integrating FRIGGA into the online ordering system. They’re also investigating using more refrigerated shipping containers instead of reefer trailers, as the shipping containers offer better insulation and are more energy efficient.
“Maintaining a high service level is indispensable to our relationship with IDDBA and their members,” says Wargowsky.
Johnson agrees, “The partnership with GES has been an incredible benefit to our exhibitors. I don’t worry about them being dialed into our needs and those of our customers — they always are.”
Hungry For Help?
Need help establishing cold storage and food safety protocols for your next show? GES can help! Contact us to get started.
“The partnership with GES has been an incredible benefit to our exhibitors. I don’t worry about them being dialed into our needs and those of our customers — they always are."
Jeremy Johnson
Vice President of Events
