Dubbed the year's “most important food event,” IFT 2012 Annual Meeting & Food Expo can help boost the innovation process with conference sessions focused on the latest applied science. Or experience the latest products and technologies firsthand at the Food Expo, and learn about the importance of innovation in a keynote by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.

Hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists, Chicago, the event is a must for professionals involved in both the science and the business of food. Those who register by May 14 can save up to $150, and up to $220 when they join the institute.

Special events include a Career Fair on Tuesday, June 26, where new talent and open networking provide the chance to meet with dozens of companies and organizations. Companies that participate in the Career Fair can showcase their organizations, meet young professionals focused on research and development and find future talent. An IFT Awards Celebration on Monday, June 25 at 5:30, honors recipients of the prestigious IFT Achievement Awards and the newly elected IFT Fellows for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the field of food science and technology. See some of the major advances being made in the field.

Registration details, housing and more information are available at www.am-fe.ift.org.