Now home to IFT FIRST – Be a part of the solutions and conversations helping to shape the future of food

IFT FIRST is where it happens. Register Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about IFT FIRST.

Registration

- Registration is now open! IFT members receive up to a 30% discount. That covers the cost of your membership! Not a member? Join and register to save.
- Yes! As a member you’ll receive up to 30% off IFT FIRST registration costs. Find out more information about registration.
- Yes! It’s easy to join IFT while registering for IFT FIRST. When you do so, you’ll get exclusive access to up to 30% off IFT FIRST registration costs.
- Attendee and Exhibitor registration will be located in McCormick Place's South Building in S100.
- Yes, satellite registration will be available at the Sheraton Chicago. Attendees and Exhibitors can pick up their badges in advance.
- No, attendees will be able to attend the scientific sessions and keynotes located on the expo floor.

Travel & Housing

- Visit our Global Travelers page to request your 2026 visa invitation letter.
- Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service will be provided from stops near official IFT Hotels. View shuttle bus schedule and boarding locations
- We will not provide shuttle service for the hotels on McCormick Place’s campus: Hampton Inn McCormick, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2Suites, Hyatt McCormick, Marriott Marquis Chicago.
- View our Things To Do page for more information.

Programming at IFT FIRST

- Yes, the IFT FIRST app will be available for download from the Apple App Store or Google Play store in early June. Check back later for details.
- Once you're ready to begin planning, please reach out to Melodie Anderson at IFT for guidance on hosting an event at one of our official IFT FIRST hotel partners or for any questions you may have. She can be contacted at manderson@ift.org or 312-604-0265. Learn more
- All attendees will be required to have a badge to participate in the meeting. Badges are required to access the Expo Hall.
- Badges should be removed once attendees leave McCormick Place.
- Attendees may be subject to bag screenings.

IFT FIRST General Information

- IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo will take place July 12-15 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, IL.
- McCormick Place Convention Center
  2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Drive
  Chicago, Illinois 60616
- It is IFT's policy that you must be at least 18 years of age to attend IFT FIRST.
- The dress code for IFT FIRST is business casual. We also recommend dressing in layers and wearing comfortable shoes.
- Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi will be available in McCormick Place during IFT FIRST. Details on accessing the Wi-Fi will be available closer to the event date.
- While registering for IFT FIRST, you will have the opportunity to request special assistance and other services to be provided during the event.
- McCormick Place Baggage Check will be available during the meeting. There is a nominal fee for baggage check.
- McCormick Place Baggage Check Hours:
  Monday - 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  Tuesday - 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  Wednesday - 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Yes, there will be concessions for purchase.
  
  NOTE: McCormick Place is a cashless campus. This includes McCormick Place as well as the hotels: Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2Sense, Hyatt McCormick, Marriott Marquis

IFT FIRST Policies

- Privacy Policy
- Event Policy
- Suitcasing is an unethical business practice in which companies will gain access to an event by obtaining event credentials (attendee badge, media badge, etc.) and then soliciting for business within the expo hall or other spaces used for the conference. Solicitation at IFT FIRST by any company that is not an official exhibitor of the event is strictly prohibited. Violators will be removed from the meeting. Policies are subject to change without notice.

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Now home to IFT FIRST – Be a part of the solutions and conversations helping to shape the future of food

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

Travel & Housing

Programming at IFT FIRST

IFT FIRST General Information

IFT FIRST Policies

Now home to IFT FIRST – Be a part of the solutions and conversations helping to shape the future of food

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

How do I register for IFT FIRST in advance?

If I'm an IFT member, do I get a discount?

Can I become an IFT member when I register for IFT FIRST and still take advantage of member pricing?

Where is registration located?

Will there be satellite registration this year?

Is there Expo Only registration?

Travel & Housing

I am an international attendee and need help with my visa. Who do I contact?

Will there be a shuttle service for IFT FIRST?

Where can I find more information about visiting Chicago?

Programming at IFT FIRST

Will there be an event app for IFT FIRST?

How can I host an alumni or affiliate event at IFT FIRST?

Are there any safety and security notes we should be aware of?

IFT FIRST General Information

When and where will IFT FIRST take place?

How old do I need to be to attend IFT FIRST?

What is the dress code for IFT FIRST?

Will there be Wi-Fi available during IFT FIRST?

How do I request special assistance during IFT FIRST?

Where do I store my luggage at McCormick Place?

Will there be concessions at McCormick Place?

IFT FIRST Policies

Where can I locate IFT's Privacy Policies, Code of Conduct and Event Policies?

What is suitcasing?