For Students

• 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S102

Stop by and enjoy a space designed for students to connect, relax, and recharge during IFT FIRST. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the lounge offers: Comfortable seating and networking areas, refreshments, and a hub for IFTSA programming.

• 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S102

Learn about exciting events, competitions, and networking opportunities happening at IFT FIRST! Gain valuable insights on how to make the most of your experience at the event while connecting with peers.

• 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S102

As the Student Lounge sponsor, PepsiCo is offering opportunities for students to causally meet with Food Science and Engineering professionals who work in various areas of R&D at the company. Attendees are welcome to network with PepsiCo employees, ask questions about the company's products, culture, and career opportunities, and gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the food and beverage industry.  

• 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S102

Stop by and enjoy a space designed for students to connect, relax, and recharge during IFT FIRST. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the lounge offers: Comfortable seating and networking areas, refreshments, and a hub for IFTSA programming.

• 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S105A

Sponsored by Mars Wrigley (now Mars Snacking), teams will showcase their innovative food ideas, from concept to marketing and production, mirroring real-world commercial product development. This competition offers students the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a practical, real-world setting.

• 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S102

Celebrate your hard work, dedication, and impact on the student community. Connect with fellow leaders, share experiences, and enjoy a fun, interactive gathering that recognizes your role as a Chapter Leader or Advisor. 

Find a Student Chapter

• 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Research Showcase and Poster Stage

Students at the undergraduate level showcase independent research through a poster session.

• 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• McCormick Place, S102

As the Student Lounge sponsor, PepsiCo is offering opportunities for students to causally meet with Food Science and Engineering professionals who work in various areas of R&D at the company. Attendees are welcome to network with PepsiCo employees, ask questions about the company's products, culture, and career opportunities, and gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the food and beverage industry.

• 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Research Showcase and Poster Stage

Sponsored by Campden BRI, graduate students submit a fun, creative, three-minute video related to original research on any subject related to food science or technology. 

• 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S105A

This competition challenges teams to develop a fun and nutritious food or beverage product targeted at kids and/or teens, following the USDA's "Guide to Smart Snacks in Schools" recommendations. It's an opportunity for student teams to apply their skills in a real-world scenario, just like a commercial product development team  

• 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Research Showcase and Poster Stage

Sponsored by Phi Tau Sigma, students at the undergraduate level showcase independent research.

• 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room 102

Stop by and enjoy a space designed for students to connect, relax, and recharge during IFT FIRST. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the lounge offers: Comfortable seating and networking areas, refreshments, and a hub for IFTSA programming.

• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S102

As the Student Lounge sponsor, PepsiCo is offering opportunities for students to causally meet with Food Science and Engineering professionals who work in various areas of R&D at the company. Attendees are welcome to network with PepsiCo employees, ask questions about the company's products, culture, and career opportunities, and gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the food and beverage industry.  

• 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• McCormick Place, S105A

Sponsored by Cargill, this product development competition promotes the application of food science and technology and the development of new products and processes that are targeted at improving the quality of life for people in developing countries. This year's theme focuses on creating a food product sourced entirely from local ingredients, with packaging easily produced within a selected developing country.

Open to all attendees.

• 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S105D

Sponsored by Nestlé Purina, test your food science knowledge in a fast-paced quiz format! Since 1985, the IFT Student Association (IFTSA) College Bowl Competition has been challenging student teams at universities to showcase their knowledge in food science and technology, food processing history, food law, and general IFT trivia. Stay for the final rounds at the IFTSA Student Closing Ceremony.

This event is open to all attendees  

• 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• McCormick Place, S100 Lobby

Prior to the IFTSA Student Closing Ceremony, celebrate the achievements of student volunteers, scholarship recipients, and competition finalists. IFTSA competition finalists will showcase their products and research, and our generous sponsors will be on hand to answer questions. This is a great opportunity to network with sponsors, professionals, and peers in the science of food.

Sponsors include:

Ingredion

PepsiCo

Mars Wrigley (now Mars Snacking)

Cargill

• 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. (*Doors open at 4:45 p.m.)
• McCormick Place, Room S100 Grand Ballroom

Join us for an evening of celebration and recognition! We'll acknowledge the accomplishments of the IFT Student Association throughout the year, as well as those who made it possible. We'll also recognize the finalists and winners of the IFTSA competitions and awards.

• 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Lizzie McNeill's, 400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611

Students, celebrate your accomplishments at IFT FIRST! Shuttles will be available from the IFTSA Student Closing Ceremony to the Sheraton Riverwalk Chicago.

• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S102

Stop by and enjoy a space designed for students to connect, relax, and recharge during IFT FIRST. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the lounge offers: Comfortable seating and networking areas, refreshments, and a hub for IFTSA programming.

• 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• McCormick Place, Room S102

Join IFTSA for a curated tour of the expo floor focused on taking you through the key points of interest. All tours will start from the IFTSA Student Lounge where each tour group will be accompanied by an IFTSA board member and an industry/academic mentor specializing in the respective topics. Participants will follow a guided walking tour through the expo floor and end at the IFT Hub.