Join Lake Erie Section IFT members and friends at our annual golf outing at the beautiful Signature of Solon Golf & Country Club in Solon, Ohio—one of Northeast Ohio’s most acclaimed private clubs. This captivating championship course offers the perfect balance of challenge for seasoned golfers and a scenic, enjoyable experience for duffers alike. Check-in and access to the driving range begin at 10:00 a.m., with a picnic-style lunch served from 10:30–11:30 a.m. The outing kicks off with an 11:30 a.m. shotgun start, setting the stage for an exceptional day on the course. Following play, enjoy a post-round reception featuring food, drinks, and great company as we wrap up a fantastic day of golf and networking.
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Sensory & Consumer Sciences Division
Join the Sensory & Consumer Sciences group where we discuss the latest research and insights regarding the measurement, analysis, and interpretation of human beings' reactions to the characteristics of foods and related materials as perceived through the five senses.
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1450+
Members
1973
Year Founded
40+
Countries Represented by Members
Our Vision
IFT Sensory & Consumer Sciences Division is an advocate for sensory and consumer science professionals within food systems. We ensure that sensory and consumer sciences influence strategic decision making within global foods systems, so that they continue to provide a good tasting, safe, sustainable, and nutritious food supply, which delivers on the expected sensory experience, for everyone.
Our role is to facilitate, inform, and influence decisions that impact business by incorporating sensory and consumer sciences principles into decision-making processes related to product development, packaging design, quality assessment, and marketing, and lead to more informed and successful strategies that resonate with consumers.
Our commitment to IFT membership is to provide a global, inclusive and welcoming community interested in learning and advancing knowledge and tools in the sensory and consumer research fields and enhancing members’ professional capacity and competency.
Our Mission
a) Provide continued learning opportunities to IFT community members, sensory scientists and consumer product experience professionals in the fields of sensory evaluation and consumer product research.
b) Provide networking opportunities within the science of food community to sensory scientists and consumer product experience professionals, from students to early and established professionals.
c) Provide leadership development opportunities through volunteerism on the global stage.
Noteworthy Programs
Achievement Award
Special SCSD Member Exclusives
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 recipients are Jennifer Brodock and Emily Dong.
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 Kate Courchane.
Division Oral Competition Finalists
First: Mileah Shriner, North Carolina State University: Attributes That Drive Liking for Alternative Meat Crumbles
Second: Laura Lopez Aldana, University of Alberta: 3D-Printed Protein-Based Foods Enhanced With Umami to Improve Swallowing and Salivation
Third: Haejin Park, Ewha Womans University: Food Texture Preferences Based on Mouth Behaviors: Insights for Customized Food Solutions
Ready to Join IFT?
Gain access to an invaluable network, resources, and insights to help you make greater contributions through your work and to the future of food.
Upcoming Events
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
June 25, 2026
Cascadia Section IFT 26th Annual Golf Tournament
Please join us and your colleagues in the Food Industry for an enjoyable day on the course.
Please join your colleagues in the food industry for an enjoyable day on the course!
The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie offers spectacular views of the Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier. This Scottish‑style links course runs all the way to the mouth of the Sound — a perfect setting for a day of golf and networking.
Get your own foursome together, or register as an individual and we’ll place you into a group.
Your Day Includes
- Box lunch
- Mulligans
- Prizes
- Putting / Longest Drive / Closest to the Pin competitions
- Golf carts
- Snacks
- Dinner
= A full day of fun!
Section Event
June 11, 2026
Florida IFT Section Dinner & Speaker Event
An Evening of Trends & Transformation at Historic Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City
From timeless traditions to tomorrow’s tech! This exclusive dinner event will blend heritage & innovation at Tampa’s iconic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City (Florida's oldest operating restaurant!). Full dinner, great networking and a fantastic special guest presenter.
Section Event
May 21, 2026
Oregon IFT x TopGolf 2026
Don't miss the 6th annual OSIFT Golf Event! This is a non-profit fundraising event for local Food Science and Technology students.
Hello OSIFT Members and Friends!
We are pleased to announce the fifth annual OSIFT TopGolf Event! This is a non-profit fundraising event for Food Science and Technology student scholarships.
Please join us and your colleagues in the food and beverage industry for an enjoyable evening event in Hillsboro Oregon at the exciting and energetic Top Golf on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Section Event
May 20, 2026
Lake Erie Section IFT Suppliers Expo 2026
Explore the latest in food ingredients, services, logistics, and more – all FREE for attendees! Attendees represent all sectors of the food industry, from packaging to manufacturing, to R&D and food safety, to marketing and sales and beyond.
Section Event
May 19, 2026
Lake Erie Section IFT Golf Outing 2026
Join us for a day of golf at one of Northeast Ohio's most acclaimed private golf clubs!
Section Event
May 13, 2026
Minnesota Section IFT Bring on the Summer Bash
Kick off summer with MNIFT at our most fun event of the year! Join us for summer social event and a evening of networking, games, and a silent auction—all while supporting local student scholarships.
Mingle with industry professionals, enjoy drinks and appetizers, and try your luck at interactive games and prizes. From games to silent auction to networking, there’s something for everyone.
Come for the fun, stay for the connections, and leave knowing you made an impact.
Supporting the Next Generation of Food Leaders
100% of proceeds from fundraising activities during the event directly support local student scholarships. These scholarships help empower local students pursuing careers in food science and related fields, providing financial support and opening doors to future opportunities in our industry.
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
Achievement Award