Cactus IFT Suppliers Night is a networking and tabletop expo that brings together food industry professionals, suppliers, researchers, and students to discover innovations, build connections, and engage with the food science community.
Protein Division
Protein Division is a platform for science of food professionals and students to connect, collaborate, and learn the science and technology of proteins including animal-, plant-, cellular-, biomass-, and precision fermentation-based. We thrive to connect our community and develop tools and resources to educate professionals and students who are interested in the science and technology of proteins.
Chairperson
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1250+
Members
2015
Year Founded
Protein
The word protein has been used since 1883.
Noteworthy Programs
Proteins of the Future Challenge Competition
Infographics
Check out infographics created by the Protein Division, published in Food Technology.
(1) U.S. Consumer’s Appetite for Plant-Based Proteins
(2) How Protein Sources Measure Up
Division Accomplishments/Recognitions
The Outstanding Volunteer award honors a current Division member who provided exemplary volunteer work to the Division in the current year. The 2024-2025 recipient is Thilini Dissanayake.
The Outstanding Service award honors current Division members who have demonstrated a history of service to the Division or field. The 2024-2025 recipient is Serap Vatansever.
Division Oral Competition Finalists
First: Thilini Dissanayake, University of Manitoba, Canada: Low Temperature Induced Hemp Protein Gels as Encapsulation Wall Materials: Effects of Crosslinkers, Pre-Treatment, and Protein Extraction Techniques
Second: Ramdattu Santhapur, University of Massachusetts Amherst: Formation and Characterization of Mycelium-Potato Protein Hybrid Materials for Application in Meat Analogs or Substitutes
Third: Disha Jayakumar, University of Massachusetts Amherst: Fabrication of Mycelium-Gellan Gum Hybrids as Next Generation Alternative Protein Foods Produced by Fermentation
Proteins of the Future Challenge Winners
First Place Winners:
Jared Lou Rivera, Kansas State UniversityRania Buenavista, Kansas State UniversityRoselle Barretto, Kansas State UniversitySuhan Bheemaiah, Kansas State University
Second Place Winners:
Zainab Husain, University of ManitobaVidheesha Abeysinghe, University of ManitobaChamali Kodikara, University of ManitobaVictoria Mizrachi Chavez, University of ManitobaThilini Dissanayake, University of Manitoba
Third Place Winners:
Bingqi Chen, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleElizabeth Cathey, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleAbby Rodriguez, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleJulia Prince, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
InfoFoodrafic: A Global Infographic Competition
First Place Winners:
Brandon Freire, Louisiana State UniversityIvannova Lituma, Louisiana State University
Second Place Winner:
Tharindu Trishan Dapana Durage, Louisiana State University
Third Place Winners:
Imroati Fatimatuzzahra, IPB UniversityLathifa Novianti Lyantin, IPB University
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Upcoming Events
April 6, 2027
Bonneville Section Supplier Night
Save the Date: IFT Utah Food Expo Supplier's Night
Join food industry professionals, suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators for the IFT Utah Food Expo Supplier's Night, hosted by the IFT Bonneville Section in partnership with the American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) Western Regional Section and Utah's Own.
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2027
Location: Utah Valley University, UCCU Center
800 West University Parkway, Orem, Utah
What's New for 2027?
- Expanded exhibit space with no limit on Utah's Own company tabletop exhibits
- Free admission
- New venue at Utah Valley University's UCCU Center
- Enhanced opportunities to connect with suppliers, manufacturers, and industry experts
Make the Most of Your Visit
Attendees are encouraged to extend their stay and participate in the Supply Side East Expo, taking place April 7-8, 2027, at the Utah Valley Convention Center (UVCC).
Mark your calendar and watch for more information. We look forward to seeing you in Orem in April 2027!
Section Event
February 2, 2027
Cactus Section IFT Suppliers Night Expo
Section Event
December 10, 2026
Cactus Section IFT Holiday Networking Event
Celebrate the season with the Cactus Section IFT Holiday Networking Event at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Scottsdale. Connect with food science professionals, industry leaders, and colleagues while enjoying great food, wine, and conversation.
Section Event
October 20-22, 2026
Intermountain Section IFT Symposium
Save the Date for Our 2026 Symposium!
We're headed back to Sun Valley, October 20-22, 2026 for our annual symposium.
This year's theme, Elevate: Reach Your Summit of Success, will inspire attendees to grow professionally, expand their networks, and gain insights from industry experts.
Meet with industry leaders, new faces, and expert presenters that will accelerate your success in the food industry. As always, there will be plenty of time to network, build new relationships, and strengthen existing connections.
Section Event
October 16, 2026
Rocky Mountain Section IFT 2026 Golf Outing
Join us after the day after Rocky Mountain IFT’s annual Suppliers’ Night to raise money for the RMIFT scholarship fund. Upon registration, our team will reach out with more details. If you are purchasing a sponsorship or foursome, we will follow-up for the other individuals’ names closer to the event. If you have questions about any of the information below, please reach out to our Golf Outing Lead: Joe Boehrer (jboehrer@synergytaste.com). Please see registration page for more details.
Schedule
- 7:30 AM: breakfast
- 9:15 AM: all players in their carts
- 9:30 AM: shot gun start
- 2:00 PM: golf concludes & BBQ reception starts
- 5:00 PM: BBQ reception concludes
Section Event
October 15, 2026
Rocky Mountain Section IFT 2026 Suppliers’ Night
Rocky Mountain IFT Suppliers’ Night is an evening for food industry professionals to gather and learn about new ingredients in the food and beverage industry. Join us for FREE as an attendee or sign up as an exhibitor. Registration is required for both attendees and exhibitors. Free food and drinks will be provided too!
For Exhibitors
- 1 table (6ft) and 2 chairs are included in your registration. A tablecloth can be added for an additional fee.
- Location of your table and table number will be determined closer to the event date.
- Electricity can be added to your registration for an additional fee.
- Please add all individuals that will be in attendance to your registration. If someone is registering on your behalf, they will be emailed with event details unless another email is provided.
- If you would like to donate a gift or swag for the night-of raffle, please let us know.
- Event supplies cannot be shipped to the venue prior to the event. The venue is a museum and cannot accept your trade show items in advance.
- Table/booth set up time will run from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
For Attendees
- Registration is FREE
- Dinner and drinks are included
- Parking is FREE
- Supplier-provided prizes will be raffled off during the event
- A digital supplier list will be provided
Section Event
October 15, 2026
San Joaquin Section IFT 28th Annual Scholarship Golf Classic
Welcome, Golfers and Sponsors!
We’re excited to have you join us for the San Joaquin Section of the Institute of Food Technologists (SJIFT) Scholarship Golf Classic—our signature fundraising event and a long‑standing tradition in our community. As one of more than 50 regional sections of IFT, our mission is to support the next generation of food science professionals, and your participation helps make that possible.
For more than 27 years, this tournament has helped us raise over $220,000 in scholarships, equipment, and hands‑on learning support for students at CSU Fresno studying Food Science & Technology and related programs. Together, we’re helping students grow, innovate, and shape the future of the food industry.
This year, we’re thrilled to return to the stunning Dragonfly Golf Club, a links‑style masterpiece along the San Joaquin River. Designed by internationally renowned architect Gary Roger Baird, Dragonfly is known for its beautiful water features, its reputation as the 4th longest course in California, and its recognition as the #1‑rated course in the Fresno area.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 15th with a 10:30 AM shotgun start. After an enjoyable day on the course, we’ll gather for a delicious steak dinner, awards ceremony, and exciting raffle prizes.
Whether you’re here to play, sponsor, network, or simply enjoy a beautiful day supporting a great cause—we are truly grateful for your involvement. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable year on the green!
Section Event
October 14, 2026
San Joaquin Section IFT 5th Annual Suppliers' Tabletop in Old Town Clovis
Where Industry Comes Together
Celebrate a milestone year with us as we grow and expand the San Joaquin Section's supplier's tabletop together! Join suppliers, partners, and professionals in one vibrant space to explore new products, engage with industry leaders, and expereince the connections and fresh opportunities that move your business forward.
Participation Fees
Exhibitor: $150
Includes standard table covered with tablecloth
Emerald Sponsor: $300/ea.
Includes standard table covered with tablecloth, name bolded on attendee list, and green balloons at your table
Ruby Sponsor: $500/ea.
Includes standard table covered with tablecloth, name bolded on attendee list, red balloons on your tabletop, and your logo on member emails about the event (sign up early to get the most from this!)
Diamond Sponsor: $1000/ea.
Includes standard table covered with tablecloth, name bolded on attendee list, iridescent balloons on your tabletop, your logo on member emails about the event (sign up early to get the most from this!), and your logo on the Swag Bags (deadline: Oct. 1st)
Section Event
October 14, 2026
Philadelphia IFT Suppliers ExpoSocial
Philadelphia IFT
Suppliers ExpoSocial
The Merion
Schedule at a Glance
2 PM - 4:30 PM
Educational Program
Shaping the Future of Food: Innovation, Regulation & Color
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Suppliers ExpoSocial
Section Event
September 24, 2026
Ohio Valley IFT Suppliers Day Expo
Join the Ohio Valley Section of IFT for the 2026 Educational Seminar and Suppliers Night Expo.
Agenda
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Educational Seminar
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Supplier Expo
Featured Opportunities
- Network with food industry suppliers and professionals
- Explore the latest products, ingredients, and services
- Attend educational programming from industry experts
- Support student scholarships and professional development through sponsorship opportunities
Contact
- For exhibitor registration assistance, contact: iftexpos@optonline.net
- oviftexpo@gmail.com
Section Event
How to Join a Division
Joining a Division is easy! Signing up for a Division gives you access to the Division’s IFT Connect Community, signs you up for their newsletter, and gives you access to Subject Matter Experts in the field. To sign up for a Division, visit IFT-Divisions. After signing into your account, check the boxes of the Divisions you would like to be involved with and click save.
Noteworthy Programs
Proteins of the Future Challenge Competition
Infographics
Check out infographics created by the Protein Division, published in Food Technology.
(1) U.S. Consumer’s Appetite for Plant-Based Proteins
(2) How Protein Sources Measure Up