IFT FIRST 2025: The World's Premier Food Science and Innovation Expo

From July 14-16, the world's largest food science and innovation expo will take place at McCormick Place in Chicago, gathering thousands of experts, researchers, and decision-makers across the global food industry. Whether you're passionate about the latest in food technology, safety, sustainability, or emerging ingredients, IFT FIRST is the event you can't afford to miss.

In addition to the in-person experience, a virtual option is available for just $99, ensuring that even those who can't attend in person can still be part of this transformative event.

For more information, visit the official website: IFT FIRST Official Website.

IFT FIRST, which stands for *Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology*, is the premier annual event for the food science community. It's a unique platform where cutting-edge research meets real-world solutions, aimed at making food safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced. This event brings together researchers, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs from across the global food value chain to discuss transformative innovations.

Key Focus Areas Include:

* Emerging Ingredients

* Food Safety

* Processing Technologies

* Sustainability in Food Production

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with 1,000+ exhibitors, explore scientific posters, and network with over 16,000 participants from around the world.

The 2024 edition of IFT FIRST exceeded expectations, setting new records in both attendance and exhibitors. The event took place at McCormick Place in Chicago and saw significant growth:

* 16,405 Attendees

* 1,134 Exhibitors (12.8% increase from 2023)

* 24% International Attendees

* 1,100+ Attendees at Identity-Based Networking Events

Notable additions included a Co-Manufacturers Pavilion, exclusive expo tours, and a delegation program for 122 global delegates.

IFT FIRST is not just an event-it's a platform for collaboration, innovation, and networking. Here, ideas from every corner of the food value chain converge to shape the future of food. With opportunities to:

* Connect with industry leaders and solution providers

* Discover innovative products and technologies

* Participate in scientific discussions and panels about emerging challenges and solutions

Whether you're in R&D, product development, or food safety, IFT FIRST offers unique opportunities to expand your network, gain insights, and advance your professional journey.

IFT FIRST draws a diverse group of professionals from various sectors of the food industry, including:

* Research & Development

* Food Processing/Packaging Engineering

* Brand Management

* Food Safety/Quality Science

* Product Development

* Innovation

* Nutrition

* Supply Chain & Procurement

Educators, students, and government representatives will also attend, contributing to a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas.

* Access to cutting-edge research and real-world solutions

* Networking with 1,000+ exhibitors and industry experts

* Participation in panel discussions and scientific poster presentations

For exhibitors, IFT FIRST offers unmatched visibility and access to an engaged audience. With 120,000+ sales leads generated in 2024, this expo is an incredible opportunity to:

* Showcase innovative products and technologies

* Build lasting relationships with industry professionals

* Connect with buyers and decision-makers who have net buying influence

Exhibiting at IFT FIRST allows you to place your products and solutions in front of professionals across industries such as food manufacturing, ingredients, packaging, and food safety.

* 35% of attendees say they attend primarily to meet exhibitors

* 86% of 2024 attendees self-identified as having net buying influence responsibilities

* Opportunity to connect with 16,000+ global participants

IFT FIRST isn't just a conference-it's an event that drives transformation across the global food value chain. As the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) celebrates over 80 years of leadership in food science, this event continues to inspire and unite experts from around the world. Since 1939, IFT has been a forum for collaboration, where food technologists, scientists, and innovators work together to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges in food systems.

With a focus on science, sustainability, and innovation, IFT FIRST serves as a platform to shape the future of food-from lab research to production lines, and from policy rooms to test kitchens.

IFT FIRST is more than just an expo-it's a movement. As the largest global food science and innovation event, it brings together the best and brightest minds to tackle the challenges of tomorrow's food systems. Whether you're attending in person or virtually, don't miss this opportunity to be part of shaping the future of food.