IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo 2025 at McCormick Place
Event Dates: July 13 – July 16, 2025
Venue: McCormick Place, South & North Buildings, Chicago
Expected Attendance: Over 17,000 food industry professionals
Innovation, Science, and Connection at the Core of IFT FIRST 2025
The global food industry will once again gather in the vibrant city of Chicago for the IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo 2025, hosted at McCormick Place (South and North Buildings) from July 13 to 16. Known officially as IFT FIRST: Food Improved by Research, Science & Technology, this event is the foremost global gathering of food science, research, and innovation.
Organized by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the event brings together academics, innovators, food manufacturers, suppliers, and startups for four days of learning, product discovery, and meaningful industry dialogue.
What Is IFT FIRST?
IFT FIRST stands for Food Improved by Research, Science and Technology. It combines a robust scientific conference with the largest B2B food expo in the world, creating an unmatched platform for:
- Unveiling scientific advancements
- Discovering new ingredients and technologies
- Building partnerships across the food supply chain
- Discussing pressing global food challenges
This is not just a conference. It’s a community event where the future of food is shaped collaboratively.
Why Attend IFT 2025?
🔬 Science-Driven Programming
The IFT Annual Meeting hosts hundreds of scientific sessions, covering the latest in:
- Food safety & microbiology
- Nutrition and health
- Sustainability and climate adaptation
- Flavor innovation and sensory science
- Food engineering, packaging, and shelf-life solutions
Researchers, product developers, and R&D teams from around the globe will be there to present studies, discuss applications, and forecast trends.
🌎 Global Food Expo
The IFT Food Expo is one of the most comprehensive expos in the food world, showcasing more than 1,000 exhibitors from:
- Ingredient suppliers
- Technology developers
- Equipment manufacturers
- Packaging solution providers
- Food startups and innovation labs
Attendees will discover cutting-edge products, emerging ingredients, and practical tools to take their food concepts from lab to market.
🤝 Matchmaking & Networking
With 17,000+ professionals in attendance, the expo offers powerful networking opportunities with:
- Food scientists and technologists
- Ingredient and manufacturing executives
- Regulatory and quality assurance experts
- Academia and food entrepreneurs
Through IFT Connect, attendees can schedule meetings, participate in matchmaking sessions, and join targeted networking zones based on their business or research interests.
What to Expect at McCormick Place
The South and North Buildings of McCormick Place, America’s largest convention center, will be fully dedicated to IFT FIRST 2025. The venue’s expansive layout allows for:
- Large-scale exhibit displays
- Simultaneous workshops and presentations
- Innovation zones and demo kitchens
- Relaxation and collaboration lounges
Its central location also puts attendees within easy reach of Chicago’s top hotels, dining, and attractions.
Who Should Attend?
IFT 2025 is ideal for professionals and businesses working in:
- Food science and research
- Product development and formulation
- Food safety and quality control
- Ingredient sourcing and procurement
- Regulatory affairs and compliance
- Academic research and teaching
- Startup innovation in food and beverage
- Sustainable food systems and ESG roles
Whether you’re shaping global food policy or launching the next big functional ingredient, this event has something for you.
Registration Information
IFT FIRST 2025 registration is now open. Early registration is encouraged for discounted pricing and access to exclusive sessions.
👉 Register here: IFT FIRST Official Website
Registration Includes:
- Full access to scientific sessions and workshops
- Admission to the Food Expo halls
- Keynote presentations and live panels
- Use of the IFT Connect networking platform
- On-demand session access (post-event)
Discounted rates are available for students, IFT members, and academic institutions.
The IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo 2025 is where science meets solutions, and innovation leads to real-world impact. Whether you’re in food manufacturing, academia, research, or entrepreneurship, this is your once-a-year opportunity to join the global food innovation movement.
Mark your calendar for July 13–16, and prepare to explore, connect, and innovate at McCormick Place, Chicago.
