Know Before You Go
Ensure you're fully prepared for IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) with essential information covering everything from badge pickup and transportation to networking events and city navigation to attire. (It can be cold in the expo hall! 🥶) Review the details below to maximize your IFT FIRST experience.
Event Location
McCormick Place
2301 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
(South Building)
Please note: McCormick Place and the entire campus are cashless. This includes the McCormick Place, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, and Marriott Marquis are cashless. Please use a credit or debit card for purchases, as Apple and Google Pay are not accepted everywhere.
Expo Hall
Expo Hall Hours
Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Badge Pickup
Note: The busiest badge pickup times are between 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Monday, July 13. To beat the crowds, we suggest picking up your badge at the satellite location on Sunday or Monday, or arriving at McCormick early Monday.
Attendee and Exhibitor registration and badge pickup will be located in McCormick Place's South Building in S100BC – Level 1.
- Saturday, July 11: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, July 12: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Monday, July 13: 7 a.m. to 5 pm.
- Tuesday, July 14: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 15: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Exhibitor group badge pickup available in S100BC – Level 1, if requested by deadline of July 08. ID required only for multiple/group badge pickup
Convenient Satellite Pickup Location | Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk - 301 E. North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611
- Sunday, July 12: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Monday, July 13: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Exhibitor Badge Access
Your exhibitor badge includes admission for all event days to the Expo Hall and the entirety of the Scientific Programming, including individual sessions, Keynotes, Posters and Research Showcases, and unique experiences like the Awards Celebration, Solutions Showcase, Hot Topics Studio, Taste of Science, the Startup Pavilion and more.
Ticketed Events would require additional purchase and can be purchased online or onsite at registration. This includes Monday Evening’s Professional Networking Event, Tuesday Morning’s Fun Run, Tuesday Evening’s Belonging Bash, Workshops, etc.
2026 IFT FIRST Event App
The new IFT FIRST 2026 event app includes key features such as appointment scheduling, creating your profile, planning your schedule, viewing and connecting with attendees, and searching the exhibitor list. Search “IFT FIRST 2026” in your app store and download today to start planning and connecting with others!
Essential Chicago Information – Exploring Chicago | Weather | Attire
Review these important tips to help you navigate the city during your time at IFT FIRST. Check out information about weather expectations, IFT FIRST attire and exploring all that Chicago has to offer!
Travel & Transportation
Please check out pertinent travel and transportation information, including air travel, transportation from the airport, getting to/from McCormick Place and McCormick Place parking.
Shuttles will be running to and from McCormick Place throughout much of the event for all attendees who are staying at the room block hotels. View shuttle information.
Social Media
Be sure to let others know about your IFT FIRST experience – share with the hashtag #IFTFIRST on your social media channels!
Need Additional Assistance or Information?
Start with the comprehensive FAQ page.
General IFT FIRST Questions
Email
info@ift.org
Phone
Toll-Free: 1.800.IFT.FOOD (800.438.3663)
International: +1.312.782.8424
Registration & Housing - Attendees
Email
iftevent@conferencedirect.com
Phone
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT
Toll-Free: 877.305.5195
International: +1.980.819.4638
Registration & Housing - Exhibitors
Email
exhibitorift@conferencedirect.com
Phone
Contact Center Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT
United State: 877.305.5195 | Toll-Free: 980.819.4638
IFT FIRST Event App Help
Attendee Event App Help or email iftevent@ift.org
Exhibitor Event App Help or email iftevent@ift.org
There is a also a chat feature on Swapcard’s website.
Photography and Video at IFT FIRST
IFT intends to take photographs and video of this event for use in IFT news and promotional material, in print, electronic and other media, including the IFT website. By participating in this event, you grant IFT the right to use any image, photograph, video, voice, or likeness, without limitation, in its promotional materials and publicity efforts without compensation. All media become the property of IFT. Media may be displayed, distributed, or used by IFT for any purpose.
Market Intelligence Providers
Looking for timely consumer and market intelligence that can help inform the work you do? Visit IFT’s Market Intelligence providers on site – Innova at Booth 1179 and MarketPlace / Nextin Research located in the Startup Pavilion.
All IFT FIRST participants will have access to customized reports on a variety of topics impacting the global food system community.