Welcome to the new IFT.org
Now home to IFT FIRST
Can't Miss Events
Make sure to maximize your IFT FIRST Experience by taking advantage of all the event has to offer, before, during, and after the expo hall closes!
Most events can be added as part of your IFT FIRST registration.
Already registered for IFT FIRST? Add the events to your experience by logging into your registration dashboard
IFT Fellows and Achievement Awards Reception & Ceremony
Celebrating Excellence Across the Science of Food
Celebrate the highest honors in the science of food at the IFT Fellows and Achievement Awards Reception & Ceremony – a premier event recognizing the leaders, innovators, and visionaries shaping the global food system. In 2026, IFT’s Achievement Awards and the induction of new IFT Fellows will be presented together in one elevated ceremony, honoring career excellence, service, leadership, and innovation across the profession. IFT Fellows and Achievement Awards Reception & Ceremony is one of the most distinguished moments of the IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo—bringing the global food science community together to honor those whose work is shaping the future of food. It is a moment to pause, celebrate, and reaffirm the essential role.
Sunday, Late Afternoon | Open To All Attendees | Reception to follow
Networking at the IFT Hub
Make the IFT Hub your networking headquarters! The IFT Hub is a gateway to amplify your impact on global food systems. From membership and networking to cutting-edge tools designed to advance your career, you can find it all in the Hub.
Connect with peers, explore Member Resource Groups within IFT, join the fun with interactive trivia, and more - all designed to help you build lasting professional relationships.
Monday & Tuesday | Times TBD | Open To All Attendees | Conveniently located in the Main Concourse
Professional Networking Event
The IFT FIRST Professional Networking Event is a premier gathering for professionals in the food industry, offering a platform to connect, collaborate, and innovate. Invest in yourself and the future of food by attending the IFT FIRST Professional Networking Event on Monday, July 13. For just $75, you will have access to colleagues across all divisions within a single setting, making networking effortless. Food and beverage are included. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to kick-start your connection engine with authentic conversations with peers, problems solvers, and thought leaders looking to expand their network.
Monday Evening | Open To All Attendees | Fee to Attend | Registration Required
Easy to add as part of your IFT FIRST registration
Feeding Tomorrow Fun Run + Walk Fundraiser
The IFT Feeding Tomorrow Fund is the philanthropic agent of change in the food science industry. Our mission is to bring the most creative and innovative minds to the science of food and to help them improve the world.
Supporting the IFT Feeding Tomorrow Fund not only supports young people in their career development but also helps develop a pipeline of talent for every organization connected to food science.
Tuesday Morning | Open To All Attendees | Fee to Attend | Registration Required
Belonging Bash
Don’t miss the opportunity to join your colleagues across the industry as well as members of IFT’s Resource Groups.
- African, African-American, and Black Resource Group
- A space created to foster inclusion and belonging through community advocacy for equity, and to increase diversity through outreach in IFT and the science of food.
- Early Careerist Resource Group
- A dynamic community helping early career professionals navigate career transitions and growth through professional development, mentorship, and cross-disciplinary networking opportunities.
- Proud Resource Group
- A group providing wide visibility of the LGBTQIA+ experience in the science of food.
- Women's Resource Group
- A supportive community designed to nurture, empower, inspire, and mentor women in the science of food and their allies.
Partner event with the Naturally Proud Network
Tuesday Night | Open To All Attendees | Fee to Attend | Registration Required
Student Only Events
- IFTSA Student Social and Kick-Off – Sunday
- PepsiCo Meet and Greet for Students – Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday
- The 36th Annual IFTSA & Mars Product Development Competition – Monday
- Chapter Leader Celebration – Monday
- Undergraduate Research Competition Poster Session – Monday
- Graduate Research Video Competition – Monday
- Smart Snacks for Kids Product Development Competition – Monday
- Undergraduate Research Competition – Monday
- Developing Solutions for Developing Countries Competition – Tuesday
- IFTSA College Bowl Rounds 7-13 – Tuesday
- IFTSA Student Show and Taste (+ Company Meet and Greet) – Tuesday
- IFTSA Student Closing Ceremony – Tuesday
- Student Celebration – Tuesday
- IFTSA Expo Safari: A Guided Tour of the Expo Floor for Students - Wednesday
Alumni and Affiliate Group Events
IFT has created a designated page for alumni and affiliate group events that will be showcased on IFTevent.org, along with the event registration link (if provided by organizing group), description, and contact person.
Throughout Event | Restrictions for registering may apply | Fees may occur | Registration Likely Required
