*Open to Cold Storage Development Forum Members Only

Bus departs 12:30 p.m.
Ticketed event; $135 USD / $189 CAN

Tour one of the newest cold storage developments in the Dallas-Fort Worth market at Burleson Cold Storage Phase II, a Class A cold storage campus developed by Saxum Real Estate. Located along Interstate 35W south of Fort Worth, the project was designed to support growing demand for modern temperature-controlled logistics and distribution space. Attendees will get a firsthand look at the facility’s flexible and specialized design, operational capabilities and development approach, while hearing how developers are navigating today’s cold storage market, tenant requirements and evolving supply chain needs. Designed to showcase both the operational realities and investment potential of cold storage development, this is a must-see project for anyone looking to better understand where the sector is heading next.

Boxed lunch included.  

Bus departs 1:45 p.m.
Ticketed event; $125 USD / $175 CAN

Tour Cold Summit Dallas II, a newly delivered 364,000-square-foot Class A cold storage facility designed for multi-tenant flexibility and modern cold chain operations. Developed as part of the larger Cold Campus™ concept, the project features convertible temperature zones ranging from -20°F to 55°F, move-in ready office space and infrastructure designed to support a wide range of food and logistics users. See how developers are approaching flexible cold storage at scale, including suite configurations for multiple users, high-capacity dock operations, trailer storage, advanced refrigeration systems and operational design features tailored to today’s distribution requirements.

Bus departs 2 p.m.
Ticketed event; $125 USD / $175 CAN

Join Alston Construction for a tour of their state-of-the-art cold storage facility build-out for Halperns’ Steak and Seafood. Delivered within an existing shell, the project includes specialized production space, temperature-controlled warehouse areas, office buildouts and operational features tailored to food distribution and processing, including a live lobster tank. Gain insight into the complexity of adapting cold storage space for highly specialized users, including operational planning, tenant improvements and the evolving demands of temperature-controlled food logistics.

Ticketed event; $50 USD/$70 CAD

The best leaders read the table, take calculated risks and know when to go all in. Through this engaging, interactive 90-minute experience, learn how to think like a CEO, negotiate like a pro and make confident decisions. You will learn how poker’s strategic elements translate into practical leadership skills and enjoy additional time building connections with other conference attendees.

Open to DL members only.

What do the analysts who cover the cold storage sector see ahead for the industry? This candid discussion brings together leading Wall Street analysts to share their perspectives on the trends, risks and opportunities shaping the sector. Representing distinct viewpoints and investment ratings, speakers will discuss public market performance, capital allocation, supply and demand fundamentals, development trends and the factors influencing investor sentiment. This session offers attendees a rare opportunity to hear how Wall Street evaluates cold storage real estate and where analysts see the market heading next.

How are leading food distributors adapting their supply chains to meet growing demand, evolving customer expectations and an increasingly complex operating environment? In this candid conversation, a leading operator will provide an inside look at the strategies, challenges and priorities shaping one of the nation's largest temperature-controlled supply chain networks. From network expansion and facility planning to transportation, technology and resilience, speakers will discuss how their approach continues to evolve and what those decisions mean for cold storage developers, investors and service providers. Gain a rare operator perspective on where demand is heading and the real estate and infrastructure needed to support future growth.

This session will feature the practical execution of development projects with an emphasis on design and construction. Two case studies will be presented to examine the processes and challenges from design through delivery across different project types including a cold storage facility and a box-in-box project. Explore a range of topics including design, the intended use, procurement timelines, construction timeframes, and problem anticipation and correction.

The first case study in this session will focus on build-to-suit.

This session will feature structuring deals for second-generation leasing and build-to-suit projects. Two case studies will be presented by brokers to examine the financial, operational and strategic decision-making behind each transaction. Topics include negotiating complex lease agreements, underwriting and navigating market constraints.

The second case study in this session will focus on build-to-suit.

Cold storage facilities are among the most complex industrial buildings to construct, requiring every trade, system and stakeholder to work in lockstep. In this interactive session, a panel of experts will walk attendees through a real-world cold storage project, illustrating how refrigeration, structural, electrical, flooring, insulation and other systems must be coordinated to deliver a successful facility. Panelists will discuss how project teams are assembled, how subcontractors are selected, and where communication breakdowns most often occur. Gain a clearer understanding of how coordination between trades, the general contractor, owner and developer can minimize delays, avoid costly change orders and ensure all building systems perform as intended.

Hear from the developers of two real-world projects that reflect how cold storage development is adapting to today’s rapidly evolving market conditions in a slower speculative environment. Speakers will share an adaptive reuse conversion of an existing industrial asset to meet immediate occupancy needs while managing costs, alongside a manufacturing-attached build-to-suit development driven by specific user requirements. Together, these case studies offer practical insights into how developers are tailoring real estate solutions to meet the diverging needs of different sectors of the market.

This case study examines a highly automated, rail-served regional distribution facility designed to support the total warehouse needs of large quick-service restaurant networks. Get an inside look at how this custom-built facility for McDonald’s uses automation, inventory management systems and integrated freezer, cooler and dry storage operations to improve efficiency, accuracy and throughput. Gain insight into the design, technology and operational strategies that enable a single facility to manage everything from frozen and refrigerated products to packaging and restaurant supplies, delivering a true end-to-end food distribution solution.

Wrap up the conference with a final round of drinks and conversation. This is your last chance to reconnect with peers, meet new contacts and follow up on the ideas and insights shared at I.CON Cold Storage. Whether you're solidifying a new partnership or just swapping stories over a cold one, don’t miss this laid-back networking finale.

Location: 1530 Main St. STE 100, Dallas, TX 75201 (Inside the Joule Dallas Hotel)

Close out I.CON Cold Storage 2026 at Saxum Real Estate's signature gathering at Midnight Rambler. Unwind with craft cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres and curated music in a vibrant setting designed for connection and conversation. Gather with industry peers, forge new relationships and celebrate the conclusion of an impactful conference.

RSVP BY Aug. 19, 2026

*Please note that this is a sponsor-hosted party and is not officially part of the CREDA I.CON Cold Storage conference and is not sponsored by CREDA.