IFT FIRST opens registration for 2026 conference

New this year, all scientific programming will take place directly in the Expo Hall.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific association committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, announced registration is now open for IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, a food science and innovation expo. IFT’s annual celebration of food research, science, and technology uniting the top global food leaders across industry, academia, and government is being held July 12–15 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Through cutting-edge scientific programming and multi-disciplinary discussions, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) aims to address the biggest issues impacting the food industry across novel technology and innovation, health and nutrition, sustainability and climate, food safety, and consumer insights. New in 2026, all scientific programming will take place directly in the Expo Hall, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with sessions at the heart of the event. By integrating scientific discussions and presentations within the expo environment, participants can connect with experts, explore new technologies, and experience the vibrant innovation showcased throughout IFT FIRST, the org says.

“By making scientific programming more accessible, we’re ensuring that all attendees can engage with keynotes and breakout sessions and more easily connect what they’re learning with the innovations they’re seeing in the Expo Hall,” says IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “This year, we’re also expanding networking spaces and increasing curated Expo Floor tours—changes that directly reflect attendee feedback and our ongoing evolution to best meet their needs.”

IFT FIRST will host more than 450 research posters and 100 scientific sessions spread out across the dynamic Expo Hall, including a session on how to incorporate AI for faster, smarter, and safer food innovation sponsored by CoDeveloper, IFT’s proprietary AI-powered R&D platform that was unveiled to the public at last year’s event.

The opening headliner on Monday, July 13, is James Beard award-winning chef and food columnist, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt. The keynote session, “The Science of Flavor: Transforming Culinary Experiences Through Research,” will explore how scientific inquiry and culinary creativity are transforming the way people experience food and will focus on the ways evidence-based experimentation is revolutionizing food preparation and product development. On Tuesday, July 14, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Kyle Diamantas, JD, will sit down with IFT VP of Science and Policy Anna Rosales for a critical discussion on the future of food safety where they will explore the latest developments in regulatory science, risk assessment, and compliance.

“Food scientists are navigating an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment, and IFT is here to support them. IFT FIRST brings the global food community together to share ideas, explore solutions, and access the knowledge needed to meet today’s challenges and shape the future of food science,” says Tarantino-Dean.

Early bird registration is available through April 13. To register for IFT FIRST or to learn more, go to ift.org/ift-first-event.

The global food community can also join IFT’s "First-to-Know" group for exclusive early access to topics including speaker announcements and session reveals. Sign up here.