Welcome to the new IFT.org
Now home to IFT FIRST
Exhibit at IFT FIRST
The Leading Food Science and Innovation Expo.
IFT FIRST Food Expo July 12 – 15, 2026 McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Opportunity is Waiting at IFT FIRST
We Listened. We Adapted. We Delivered.
The IFT FIRST You Remember Has Evolved. Your Competitive Advantage Is Waiting.
Education in the Expo Hall for 2026 – No more traveling between separate locations
- The unified space creates natural touchpoints for deeper conversations between researchers, exhibitors, and industry professionals in one dynamic environment.
- Direct integration between scientific programming and exhibitor showcases allows attendees to immediately see how cutting-edge research translates into real-world industry applications, creating business growth.
- New floor plan layout around additional learning environments and networking lounges creates new traffic patterns!
Our experience has been amazing. We got to meet lots of very forward-thinking people who are willing to take risks, willing to listen to ideas, and take a targeted approach to what they do. We came away with a lot of leads.
I came all the way from Peru to be here – and it was well worth the trip. This is my first time [at IFT FIRST] and in just the past two days, we’ve gotten some great leads. Our being here is going to really improve our sales. This has been very productive for us.
Ready to Learn More?
Don't miss your opportunity to connect with some of the most influential people in the industry and help us set the vision for the future of Food Science.
Who Attends IFT FIRST?
IFT FIRST is where the food system’s most influential professionals converge to discover what's next. With representatives spanning every job function and industry sector, IFT FIRST delivers unparalleled access to the connections that matter most – whether you're seeking strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, or the competitive intelligence that will give you the edge. The question isn't whether you can afford to attend, it's whether you can afford to miss it.
15,500+
participants
80+
countries represented
89%
of attendees are in the food system
100
As an exhibitor, you can leverage 100 customer invites to give your customers access to the entire show (New Value for 2026 – all scientific programming & keynotes included!) and ability to meet with you on-site for only $85 each – 13x lower than our standard registration price.
Top Job Functions of Attendees
R&D
Manufacturing and Plant Operations
Supply Chain
Product Development
Marketing and Sales
C-Suite
Innovation
Purchasing/Procurement
Top 10 Industries You'll See at IFT FIRST
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Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Processing
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Academia
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Ingredients Suppliers
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Consulting
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Packaging and Materials Manufacturers and Suppliers
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Government
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Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers
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Food Safety
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Trade Associations and Foundations
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Private Research Institutions
Exhibitor Sales Contact Information
Attendee Snapshot
Ready to Learn More?
Don't miss your opportunity to connect with some of the most influential people in the industry and help us set the vision for the future of Food Science.