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!
Why Attend IFT FIRST?
IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo is the leading food science and innovation expo. It’s where all facets of the food system converge each year to connect, innovate and stay ahead of industry shifts.
What's New in 2026
We’re making IFT FIRST in 2026 more interactive, more connected, and easier to navigate – so you can learn sooner and meet the right people, faster.
- Science, now on the show floor
Four color-coded theaters, adjacent networking spaces, and digital poster sessions make it easier to go deeper – right where innovation is happening. - Topic-based networking
Eight dedicated peer-to-peer discussion slots designed to help you connect around shared challenges and opportunities. - Curated attendee journeys
Tailored pathways for first-time attendees, solo travelers, students, early career professionals, section leaders, and international participants. - FIRST Coffee Bar meetups
Built-in morning time for 1:1 conversations that can be schedule through the event app – grab coffee and make the connection happen. - Expanded inclusive networking
A dedicated reception for Spanish-speaking attendees to connect and engage more deeply. - Real-time translation & accessibility
Live translation in 68+ languages or English closed captioning – so more attendees can fully participate. - Expanded, insight-driven floor tours
Explore Startup, Proteins, AI, and Flavors through guided experiences built to surface what matters most, faster. - VIP lounge experience
A recharge space, sponsored by dsm-firmenich, with curated snacks, beverages, charging stations, and exclusive Ask Me Anything style conversations. - More meaningful recognition moments
An enhanced Fellows experience, and a more prominent spotlight within the awards program. - Scientific Programming across all 3 days
100+ scientific sessions, available Monday through Wednesday, extending the educational opportunities.
- Ignite Your Career with Business & Leadership Skills Sessions
Fast-paced, eight-minute talks on leadership and business skills delivering multiple perspectives, practical insights, and quick takeaways in one session.
Be Part of the Solutions and Conversations
At IFT FIRST, advocacy for science, innovation and the power of collaboration take center stage. It’s where science meets practical application. With 1,000+ exhibitors showcasing game-changing products and technologies, you'll find solutions to your business challenges while connecting with the brightest minds in food science.
Be part of the solutions and conversations helping shape the future of food—this is where it happens.
IFT FIRST Floor Plan 2026 & Exhibitors
Explore opportunities across the entire exhibit hall, booth locations, and product categories.
IFT FIRST Experiential Programming
With 1,000+ exhibitors, whether you're looking for innovation, ingredients, applications, cutting-edge solutions or technology, the IFT FIRST Food Expo has you covered.
Experience conversation-style panels discussing challenging questions facing the food science community.
Hear and see students present the latest and greatest research in food innovation. Take in the more than 450 posters on a rotational display during IFT FIRST, our new Digital Poster area, and don't miss the awards ceremony!
Discover breakthrough solutions and product innovations that are addressing today's most pressing food challenges. Presented by Food Technology magazine.
Engage with trendwatchers and thought leaders in intimate one-on-one discussions in the Hot Topics Studio.
Join the food industry's most critical discussions in an innovative collaborative format. Tackle pressing challenges like food additives, misinformation, and safety concerns through active problem-solving sessions where your voice matters. These are interactive working sessions where participants share real experiences, debate solutions with peers, and develop actionable strategies together. Be part of the conversations shaping our industry's future. Simply add these sessions to your schedule – no advance registration required
Discover innovative ways ingredients and science meld together to create beautiful bites. Don't miss the self-guided sample tour!
Your home base during IFT FIRST, stop by the IFT Hub to connect with staff, explore Member Resource Groups, access career tools, and discover how to best maximize your membership benefits throughout the year. Conveniently located in the Main Concourse for 2026!
Engage with innovative food businesses showcasing cutting-edge solutions at various growth stages. Don't miss The Pitch! competition where startups compete for $15,000, presented by the Seeding the Future Foundation.
Who Attends IFT FIRST?
Industry Professionals:
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Academic Researchers and Students:
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Global Government and Governing Bodies:
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Register for IFT FIRST
Don’t miss the leading global food science and innovation expo where you will engage with thought leadership, intentional networking, and more with your peers.