IFT FIRST 2022 in Chicago IL

Conference

IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo

IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo is the place where science of food professionals gather to debate and discuss science and new innovations, explore ingredients and technologies for the future, and collaborate on key issues impacting the global food system.

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IFT FIRST - Food Improved by Research, Science and Technology
This year’s event theme – “Innovation in a Time of Crisis: Can We Future-Proof the Food System?” - is an experience you don’t want to miss as thousands of innovators, product developers, scientists and company leaders will be in attendance live and in-person at IFT FIRST.

attendees

17,000+

Attended in 2022

Maximize your time to connect, learn, and see innovation firsthand at IFT FIRST.

scientific session

100+

Sessions & Conversations

Come together to forge innovative solutions to future-proof the food system.

expo floor

800+

Exhibitors

See, taste, hear, smell, and feel what’s happening in the science of food.

Why Attend IFT FIRST?

Careers are long. Time is precious. You can maximize your time to connect, learn, and experience innovation firsthand at IFT FIRST. Here are some stats from those who attended in 2022:

  • 2/3 of 2022 attendees said they would return to IFT FIRST in 2023
  • Nearly 70 countries were represented at IFT FIRST
  • More than 6,000 attendees visited the Scientific posters area
  • Startup Pavilion was a hit - with nearly 7,000 people spending an average of 29 minutes

What Can You Expect in 2023?

  • A Food Expo featuring more than 800 exhibitors offering the latest in food science intelligence, non-stop food tastings, and exposure to food tech innovation
  • More than 100 scientific sessions and multi-disciplinary discussions focused on ground-breaking science and solutions in novel technology and innovation, sustainability and climate, food safety, and more.
  • Nearly 500 posters featuring cutting-edge science and research impacting the future of food.
  • Multiple opportunities for high-value, intentional networking with science of food professionals who can help you achieve your goals. Set up your own meetings with your colleagues and participate in Braindates for peer-to-peer engagement. Be sure to attend to the Monday Night Professional Networking event featuring 19 division socials.
  • Fireside chats and Business FIRST sessions on the Expo floor offering attendees 20- to 30-minute case studies and presentations on trends, ingredients, and applied science.
  • 100 food and food tech startups plus a multi-day pitch competition in the Startup Pavilion.
career dev

Kickstart Your Career

From certification, to courses and webcasts, to mentorship, to finding your next job—IFT can help you get your career on the right track.

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community

Get Connected

Connect with IFT’s vibrant community of scholars, innovators, visionaries and doers all working together to advance the future of food.

IFT Connect (Member Login Required)