IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo, Chicago, 14-17 July 2024

Where is IFT FIRST?
McCormick Place,  2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago

When is it Running?
14-17 July 2024
Registration is now open: Click here to register

How do I Meet CPL?

Book an Appointment
Email IFTFIRST@cplconsult.com
Call +1 872 216 6963 (USA) or +44 1865 257 252 (UK)

The Theme for IFT FIRST 2024

This year’s theme is “Collaboration + Innovation: How Can Food Science and Technology Transform the Food System?”

Collaboration and innovation in novel processing techniques, sustainable food packaging, novel ingredients, genomic mapping or new health and nutrition breakthroughs are key to enhancing the food system’s safety, equity, and sustainability. How will innovations like AI, gene editing, precision fermentation, big data and other disruptive innovations affect the food we eat? The show will include a full program to discuss these important topics.

What is IFT FIRST?

The acronym IFT FIRST stands for ‘Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) and ‘Food Improved by Research, Science and Technology’ (FIRST). In 2024 the annual event and expo is the place to advance your knowledge, network, business and push the future of food forward and meet CPL Business Consultants.

The IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo is organised by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). IFT is a forum for passionate food professionals to collaborate, learn, and contribute knowledge to innovative solutions for the benefit of everyone.

Experience the latest products, trends, and innovations. Be immersed in the industry’s most extensive collection of food ingredients, food safety & quality, technology, equipment, processing and packaging suppliers.  Meet over 1,000 exhibiting companies at the forefront of the latest global food trends.  See the products designed to address these trends.

CPL Business Consultants is a regular attendee at this important global expo and conference. IFT FIRST exhibitors have included ABF Ingredients, ADM, Bunge, Cargill, DSM, Givaudan, Glanbia Nutritionals, GNT, Ingredion, Jungbunzlauer and Tate & Lyle.

IFT FIRST includes presentations on the latest trends in food technology which include a series of Fireside Chats and a Business FIRST programme.

Expo Schedule

The event starts with a reception on July 13 and the main exhibition runs from July 15-17 opening at 10am. Registration is open from 9am to 5pm on July 14:

  • Saturday, July 13, 2024
    • 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Awards Celebration Ceremony & Reception
  • Sunday,  July 14, 2024
    • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Attendee Registration
  • Monday, July 15, 2024
    • 9:45 am – 10:00 am Expo Ribbon Cutting
    • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Expo Open
  • Tuesday, July 16, 2024
    • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Expo Open
  • Wednesday, July 17, 2024
    • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Expo Open

Fireside Chats

Fireside Chats are 20-minute intentional conversations discussing current trends and opportunities within the science of food community. Dr Robert Harwood, CPL Business Consultants Managing Director is a member of the IFT Trend Setting Workgroup involved in organising the Fireside Chats. The topics discussed as IFT FIRST in 2023 were:

Company Presented IFT FIRST Fireside Chats

  • Accelerate the Development Process: Innovation & Ideation presented by Revela Foods
  • Unleashing the Power of Plant-based Ingredients: Planting the Seed for an Improved Food-Mood Connection presented by Roquette
  • How to Bring Your Innovations to Life Faster than Ever presented by Givaudan
  • Technology and the Future of Food Testing Laboratories presented by FSNS
  • Start with Taste in Mind: The Secret Ingredient to Product Success presented by Edlong
  • How Egypt Fills the World’s Demand for Processed Tomatoes presented by Paste & Juice
  • Healthy Indulgence! SOLUFORM™  Next-Generation Gelatin for Better-for-You Gummy Snacks  presented by Gelita
  • Power to the Peptides: Sweet Protein Brazzein presented by Sweegen
  • Applying AI in the Food Industry: What You Should Know presented by Infor
  • Algae: Unlock the Potential to Plant Protein, Nutrition, and Sustainability presented by Sun Chemical

Other IFT FIRST Fireside Chats

  • Thinking About Food for the Future
  • Startups – Digesting IP, Compliance & Regulatory Portions
  • Regenerative Agriculture: Cultivating Soil Health for Sustainable Farming and Environmental Resilience
  • Innovate Successfully: Lessons and Practices From Entrepreneurs and Startups That Made It
  • The Sustainability Playbook 1: Improving Food Trust by Saying What You Can Do
  • The Sustainability Playbook Part 2: Building Trust by Delivering on the Promise
  • Implications of Heavy Metals in the Food Supply
  • Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Public Understanding of Food Science through Effective Science Communication and Outreach
  • The Power of LinkedIn and Networking
  • From Generic to Extraordinary: How Ingredient Companies are Empowering Brands with Tailored Ingredients and Compelling Stories for Unrivaled Business Growth
  • Impact of Social Media in Public Perception of the Food Industry
  • Global Food, Global Good: Food Science Careers in International Development
  • Publishing in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety: Tips for Success
  • Publishing in IFT’s Journal of Food Science: Tips for Success

Business FIRST

In 2023, the Business FIRST programme, presented by IFT’s magazine, Food Technology, included the following presentations:

  • Reimagine Functional Food & Beverages: How Ergothioneine Supports Healthy Aging Presented by Blue California
  • The Power of Plant Proteins: Making Life Better for Brands, Consumers, and the Planet Presented by Ingredion
  • Harvesting Health: Leveraging the Power of Plants for a Healthier Society Presented by DSM
  • Out With the Egg, in With the Plants: Ardent Mills’ Alternatives to Egg Market Volatility Presented by Ardent Mills
  • Building the Business Case for Regenerative Agriculture
  • Product and Process Design—Your Key to a Uniform Finished Product Presented by Eurofins
  • Marketing Disruptive Businesses to Investors and the Public
  • Reducing Food Waste by Extending the Shelf-life of Baked Products Presented by Innophos
  • Making the Case: Sustainable Drying Solutions That Don’t Sacrifice Quality Presented by Bepex
  • Building a Sustainable Future for Food: The Role of Molecular Simulation and Machine Learning Presented by Schrödinger
  • How to Navigate a Supply Chain Failure
  • Understanding the Consumer Mood-Scape
  • Adapting to New Realities of Food Product Development
  • How Polyphenols Deliver Solutions for Clean Label Lipid Oxidation Control and Shelf Life in Foods and Snacks Presented by Layn Natural Ingredients

Book an Appointment at IFT FIRST

Book an appointment with CPL Business Consultants at the IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo 2024 through our bookings page or email us on IFTFIRST@cplconsult.com. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!