IFT 2026 – USA

IFT FIRST 2026 will take place July 12–15, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. It’s the largest global event focused on food science, innovation, and technology.

🍽️ Event Overview

• 📅 Dates: Sunday, July 12 – Wednesday, July 15, 2026
• 📍 Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

🔬 What Is IFT FIRST?

IFT FIRST stands for Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology. It’s the flagship annual event hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), bringing together professionals from across the food value chain to explore scientific solutions and transformative innovation.

🚀 What to Expect

• 1,000+ Exhibitors: Showcasing the latest in ingredients, processing technologies, packaging, and food safety solutions
• Scientific Sessions & Panels: Covering topics like sustainability, nutrition, novel processing techniques, and genomic mapping
• Experiential Innovation Areas: Hands-on zones for testing new products and technologies
• Poster Presentations: Cutting-edge research from academia and industry
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers from around the world

🌍 Why Attend?

• Global Reach: Attendees from over 90 countries
• Industry Impact: A launchpad for new products, partnerships, and scientific breakthroughs
• Professional Development: CE opportunities and career resources for students and professionals

IFT FIRST 2026 is a must-attend for anyone involved in food science, from R&D and academia to manufacturing and policy. Whether you’re looking to discover the next big trend or share your own innovations, this event delivers unmatched access to the future of food.