IFT Is Here for You
Our director of membership and customer engagement celebrates community—and the many ways members can get involved.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending two IFT member events that reminded me of the importance of personal and professional connection. The first was a webinar focused on how IFT members can become more engaged. Participants networked, shared stories, and got to know one another. This is what associations do best, I thought; they create community.
The good feeling barely had time to fade when, a few days later, I joined the African, African American, Black Resource Group’s (AAABRG) Black History Month celebration. Once again, the topic was building community—something everyone in attendance agreed was especially needed now. At this event, panelist Eugénie Kayitesi, a food scientist from the University of Pretoria, said it best: “There’s a chair at the table for you—take your place.” I left this meeting confident that, yes, there is a chair available at the IFT table for anyone who seeks it.
For more than 85 years, the Institute of Food Technologists has been the voice of the global food science community, advocating for the inclusion of science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges. IFT’s work ranges from providing technical content to promoting the role of food science on behalf of its members; however, one its chief roles is that of convener for its nearly 11,000 members. Community is integral to IFT, and now is the time to revisit how that community can expand and strengthen its reach. At IFT, there are multiple ways to get involved:
- Sections. Based across the United States and in four countries, IFT’s 46 Sections offer abundant opportunities to network, learn, build skills, and drive change locally through Suppliers’ Nights, educational sessions, philanthropic activities, and programming for students and new professionals. Connect with colleagues in your area, expand your network, and find other science of food professionals looking to build community.
- Divisions. IFT’s topical, interest-based groups, known as Divisions, share and develop knowledge, collaborate, and innovate through webcasts, podcasts, in-person events, and student competitions. With 25 groups whose members span more than 86 countries, our Divisions offer IFT members multiple ways to learn, stay engaged, and expand their networks—and they’re growing.
- Member Resource Groups. Help convene global food system communities and leverage the diverse capabilities of our members by joining one of IFT’s four Member Resource Groups. Meet with peers year-round through bimonthly virtual meetups focused on community building, resource sharing, and addressing personal challenges.
- Volunteering. More than 2,000 IFT members donate their time and talent each year to help us achieve our mission. Volunteering offers a myriad of ways to influence the global food system, build valuable relationships, and discover a deep sense of purpose. You can apply for a volunteer opportunity today to help IFT improve food for everyone.
I’ve seen firsthand the generous spirit and incredible intelligence of the IFT membership and am constantly impressed at the depth and breadth of the community they consistently create. Join us to learn new things, bond with others, and positively impact the food science profession. No matter how you’re looking to connect, IFT is here to support you.
Ready to get together? Attend one of our upcoming Community Conversations—the first will take place on March 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. CT and focus on connecting you to IFT through your community-centric benefits.
Nikki Palluzzi is IFT’s director of membership and customer engagement. Contact her at [email protected] to learn more about how you can get involved in the IFT community.