IFT was thrilled to be back in person at Chicago’s McCormick Place for IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, IFT’s response to the transformative nature of the global food system. FIRST, which stands for Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology, represented the launch of a new brand and ushered in a state-of-the-art hybrid experience that made access possible for a greater number of participants, no matter their location. The July 2022 event boasted several innovative session formats—from a dedicated Business FIRST stage to more intimate Fireside Chats—and hosted, for the first time, an Oxford-style Opening Debate, titled “Should We Eat More Processed Foods?” This convergence offered science of food professionals even better ways to make strategic connections and advance their businesses and careers while discovering the field’s latest trends, newest advancements, and cutting-edge solutions. 

Some highlights: 

• Approximately 15,500 in-person and virtual attendees. 

• More than 800 exhibiting companies. 

• A Start-Up Pavilion featuring 48 companies—the most heavily trafficked area on the show floor. 

• The introduction of Multi-Session Conversations, a brand-new format for the presentation of scientific content, with 25 sessions, 162 speakers, and 4,321 session visits. 

• The launch of the IFT FIRST Innovation Lab, featuring real-world product development challenges, with 843 unique participants. 

• The return of IFT Central, our hub dedicated to serving IFT members, welcomed 4,730 unique visitors and offered free professional headshots, appreciation events, a Hall of Honor highlighting award recipients and IFT Fellows, and more. Plus, our new Ambassadors program enabled IFT volunteers to connect with prospective members and answer their questions.

Exerpted from ift.org