CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific affiliation dedicated to advancing the science of meals and its utility throughout the world meals system, is proud to announce that registration is now open for IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, the main meals science and innovation expo. IFT’s annual celebration of meals analysis, science, and expertise uniting the prime world meals leaders throughout trade, academia, and authorities is being held July 12-15, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“IFT FIRST brings the world meals group collectively to share concepts, discover options, and entry the information wanted to satisfy immediately’s challenges and form the way forward for meals science.” – IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean
Through cutting-edge scientific programming and multi-disciplinary discussions, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) addresses the greatest points impacting the meals trade throughout novel expertise and innovation, well being and vitamin, sustainability and local weather, meals security, and client insights. New in 2026, all scientific programming will happen immediately in the Expo Hall, providing attendees the distinctive alternative to interact with cutting-edge classes at the coronary heart of the occasion. By integrating scientific discussions and displays inside the expo setting, individuals can seamlessly join with specialists, discover new applied sciences, and expertise the vibrant innovation showcased all through IFT FIRST.
“By making scientific programming more accessible, we’re ensuring that all attendees can engage with keynotes and breakout sessions and more easily connect what they’re learning with the innovations they’re seeing in the Expo Hall,” mentioned IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “This year, we’re also expanding networking spaces and increasing curated Expo Floor tours—changes that directly reflect attendee feedback and our ongoing evolution to best meet their needs.”
IFT FIRST will host greater than 450 analysis posters and 100 scientific classes unfold out throughout the dynamic Expo Hall, together with a session on the best way to incorporate AI for quicker, smarter, and safer meals innovation sponsored by CoDeveloper, IFT’s proprietary AI-powered R&D platform that was unveiled to the public eventually yr’s occasion.
The opening headliner on Monday, July 13, is James Beard award-winning chef and meals columnist, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt. The keynote session, “The Science of Flavor: Transforming Culinary Experiences Through Research,” will discover how scientific inquiry and culinary creativity are reworking the method individuals expertise meals and will give attention to the methods evidence-based experimentation is revolutionizing meals preparation and product growth. On Tuesday, July 14, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, Kyle Diamantas, JD, will sit down with IFT VP of Science and Policy, Anna Rosales, for a crucial dialogue on the way forward for meals security the place they may discover the newest developments in regulatory science, danger evaluation, and compliance.
“Food scientists are navigating an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment, and IFT is here to support them. IFT FIRST brings the global food community together to share ideas, explore solutions, and access the knowledge needed to meet today’s challenges and shape the future of food science,” mentioned Tarantino-Dean.
Early fowl registration is obtainable via April 13, 2026. To register for IFT FIRST or to study extra, go to www.ift.org/ift-first-event/.
The world meals group may also be part of IFT’s ‘First-to-Know’ group for unique early entry to matters together with speaker bulletins and session reveals. Sign up here.
About IFT FIRST
IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo is considered one of the most influential meals expertise occasions in the world because it unites instrumental leaders throughout the world meals system to assist form the way forward for meals. Each yr, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) convenes distinguished meals, well being, and vitamin professionals throughout trade, academia, and authorities to collaborate, innovate, and educate. IFT FIRST encompasses a dynamic expo corridor that connects a lot of the prime world meals and wellness firms with patrons and these with buying affect, whereas additionally providing cutting-edge scientific programming that explores the hottest matters throughout the science of meals. IFT FIRST additionally provides worthwhile networking alternatives, distinctive meals competitions, and participating interactive experiences to attach, enrich, and empower attendees in their missions to rework the world meals system. For extra info, go to www.ift.org/ift-first-event/.
About Institute of Food Technologists
Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the world meals science group. IFT advocates for science, expertise, and analysis to deal with the world’s biggest meals challenges, guiding our group of greater than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from round the world – from producers and product builders to innovators and researchers throughout meals, vitamin, and public well being – with a shared mission to assist create a worldwide meals provide that’s sustainable, protected, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT gives its rising group spanning academia, trade, and authorities with the assets, connections, and alternatives essential to remain forward of a quickly evolving meals system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For extra info, please go to ift.org.