Insight and Innovation, Integrated

Scientific research insights and applied science innovation have always come together at the IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo.

Never has that been truer than it will be this summer at IFT FIRST, set for July 12–15, in Chicago’s McCormick Place. That’s because all scientific sessions will take place right in the Expo hall, making it easier for attendees to move seamlessly between the programming and the expo.

“Science has always been at the heart of this event, but this year, it’s literally taking center stage,” says IFT member Matt Teegarden, chair of the Annual Meeting Scientific Program Advisory Panel. “As a longtime IFT FIRST attendee, I am no stranger to sprinting between the Expo floor and scientific sessions. I am optimistic that having everything in one space will allow attendees to experience all the event has to offer without being out of breath!”

As the leading food science and innovation event of the year, IFT FIRST delivers cutting-edge scientific research, keynote sessions on big-picture issues, and real-world ingredient and technology solutions from 1,000-plus exhibitors. Along with all of that, the annual gathering of professionals in the food sciences and related disciplines serves up an unparalleled array of opportunities to make connections and build relationships. Social and networking options range from one-on-one meetings to larger gatherings, including the IFT Fellows and Achievement Awards Ceremony and Reception on Sunday, July 12, the Professional Networking Event on Monday, July 13, and the Belonging Bash on Tuesday, July 14.

IFT’s scientific program is broad and deep. It includes five major keynote sessions and a dozen interdisciplinary Scientific & Technical Forums. “We were very purposeful this year in creating a program that explores timely themes that integrate and expand upon core disciplines of food science,” Teegarden says. “Attendees can look forward to thought-provoking, cross-disciplinary conversations about novel technologies and artificial intelligence, sustainability, protein, health, and emerging regulations, among other topics.”

Keynotes will kick off on Monday with an exploration of the science of flavor by James Beard Award–winning chef and food columnist J. Kenji López-Alt, who is noted for both his culinary creativity and his insights into scientific principles. Keynotes, which will take place on the main stage in the middle of the Expo hall, will continue through Wednesday. 

Scenes from IFT FIRST

Photos by Axiom Media Group

New this year are a series of Ignite sessions, which are short career development presentations focused on leadership and professional skills, presented by thought leaders in industry and academia. “These Ignite sessions are a fast-paced, straight-to-the-point way to learn critical career skills from the best in the business,” says Brendan Niemira, IFT chief science and technology officer.

Hot Topics Studio sessions that invite the audience to engage in discussions with leading voices in the food system drew standing-room-only crowds last year. They will be back, and this year’s highlights include a consumer panel discussion, a conversation with a food futurist, and an exploration of the evolution of food science careers.

More than 200 individual research presentations will delve into topics ranging from the link between fiber and brain function to the latest in cold plasma technology. In addition, more than 450 poster presentations will highlight cutting-edge research.

Expect a high-energy experience at the Expo, where suppliers of ingredients, equipment, and services will offer a taste of what’s next. Attendees can meet one-on-one with solution suppliers, sign up for a curated tour of the Expo, check out new product prototypes, and sample the latest culinary creations served up by exhibitors.

A series of short, practically oriented presentations will take place on the Solutions Showcase stage during the event, addressing product development, food safety, nutrition, operational challenges, and more. The ever-popular Taste of Science returns to the Expo hall this year, bringing food science to life via short, experiential sessions that spotlight ingredients and formulation paired with sample tasting.

From Monday through Wednesday at IFT FIRST, all event attendees are invited to stop by the IFT Hub for networking, fun trivia activities, IFT information, and career tools. IFT FIRST also brings the opportunity to celebrate some of IFT’s highest achievers, 10 newly chosen Fellows and nine Achievement Award winners.

The IFT FIRST agenda features a long list of special activities for student members. Highlights include product development and research competitions, the annual IFT Student Association College Bowl, a curated tour of the Expo floor for students, and several social and networking events.