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Event Schedule
New in 2026: Programming Meets the Expo Hall
For the first time, all scientific programming happens directly in the expo hall. From interactive workshops, powerful keynotes, and the expo to experiential innovation areas, scientific posters, and countless opportunities for intentional networking, this Schedule at A Glance page is your one-stop resource to get an overview of all the activities taking place during the event.
Check back often for new program updates and information.
IFT FIRST Schedule at a Glance
*Dates and time subject to change. Events listed below take place at McCormick Place unless otherwise specified.
| Time | Description |
| 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Attendee, Exhibitor, and Media Registration Badge Pickup |
| 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Attendee Registration Satellite Badge pickup - Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk |
| 8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Expo Hall Ribbon Cutting |
| 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Expo Open (New Hours!) |
| 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Opening Keynote (Expo Hall – NEW location!) |
| 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. |
Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
| 11:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. |
Individual Presentations (Expo Hall – NEW location!) |
| 12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
| 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Keynote (Expo Hall – NEW location!) |
| 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
| 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Keynote (Expo Hall – NEW location!) |
| 3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
| 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Professional Networking Event - Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk |
| Time | Description |
| 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. | Feeding Tomorrow Fun Run + Walk Fundraising Event and Celebration |
| 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Attendee, Exhibitor, and Media Registration Badge Pickup |
| 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Expo Open (New Hours!) |
| 9:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. |
Individual Presentations (Expo Hall – NEW location!) |
| 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. |
Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Keynote (Expo Hall – NEW location!) |
| 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
| 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Keynote (Expo Hall – NEW location!) |
| 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
| 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
| 5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. | IFTSA Closing Ceremony - Grand Ballroom |
| 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Belonging Bash: Hosted by IFT Resource Groups, Naturally Proud Network and Ingredion (ticketed event) |
| Time | Description |
| 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Attendee, Exhibitor, and Media Registration Badge Pickup |
| 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Expo Open (New Hours!) |
| 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. |
Keynote (Expo Hall – NEW location!) |
| 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
| 10:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. |
Individual Presentations (Expo Hall – NEW location!) |
| 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
| 1:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Scientific & Technical Forums (on Expo Floor – NEW location!) |
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.
