Meeting the Moment, Together

As the food community grapples with a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, increasing scrutiny of ultra-processed foods, and constantly shifting consumer concerns, the time for gathering in one highly engaged environment couldn’t be more right. And that’s what will take place over the course of four days this summer when science of food professionals and students from around the globe convene in Chicago July 13–16, for the IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, the largest global food science and innovation expo.

With thoughtful explorations of everything from food additives to artificial intelligence applications, IFT FIRST programming has been carefully curated to address the challenges confronting those in industry, academia, and government, bringing together hundreds of thought leaders and subject matter experts to share insights in formats including keynote addresses, individual presentations, and panel discussions. See more details on the five keynotes below.

Creating an environment that encourages interactive exchanges was a priority for IFT FIRST program planners. Twenty-one Scientific & Technical Forums that address some of the biggest issues facing the science of food community will invite audience members to engage in thoughtful discussions with the forum panelists—and with one another. Scientific & Technical Forum topics range from the gut microbiome to food waste, public health to food recalls, and much more.

“Programming at IFT FIRST has always been intentionally designed to encourage the constructive exchange of information and ideas,” reflects IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “Now, more than ever, it is critically important for the food system community to come together, and IFT FIRST is where those vital connections and conversations take place.”

A Hot Topics Studio on the food expo floor will provide a venue for 20-minute discussions on critical issues in the science of food. Within the Hot Topics Studio format, Food Technology editors will conduct live podcast interviews with food system leaders, immediately followed by Community Conversations that allow audience members to get in on the discussion. Food color regulation, supply chain volatility, and the problem of science misinformation will all be discussed.

The Expo Experience

In the food expo hall, more than 1,000 exhibitors will showcase ingredients, equipment, and technologies. From alternative proteins to natural colors and sugar reduction solutions to the newest flavor options, IFT FIRST exhibitors will highlight products designed to provide practical solutions to the formulation challenges product developers face. As anyone who’s ever attended the event knows, expo visitors can expect to find hundreds of food and beverage prototypes available for sampling from exhibitors demonstrating potential new ingredient applications.

And speaking of samples … the food expo’s Taste of Science program will be back this year, providing ingredient suppliers with an opportunity to show off some of their companies’ cutting-edge ingredients in taste-tempting food and beverage products.

The food expo floor will also be home to the Posters & Research Showcase where hundreds of food science students will share their research findings, and a Solution Showcase that will feature ingredient and tech innovators presenting science-driven talks and practical case studies.FT

Tap Into the App

 

 

A new IFT FIRST event app debuts this year with information and functionalities that are accessible before, during, and after IFT FIRST. It’s available for download for iOS from the Apple App Store and for Android from the Google Play Store (search for IFT FIRST 2025). Here’s a preview of  some of the app’s features:

 

• Maps. Access interactive maps to maximize time at the event.
• Connections. Build relationships, network with attendees and exhibitors, and receive personalized recommendations that align to individual profiles.
• Agenda and Schedule. Organize an agenda, view session schedules, book meetings, and bookmark must-see exhibits before arriving at the event.
• Real-Time Updates. Receive instant notifications about schedule changes, special events, and important announcements.
• Extended Value. Continue accessing content and connections for months after the event concludes.