IFT16 will take place July 16–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. This year’s theme is “Where Science Feeds Innovation,” and the event is hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). This annual event attracts more than 23,000 members of the global food industry from more than 90 countries to exchange knowledge, network and find solutions to product-development challenges and problems.

Attendees can discover food ingredients, equipment and packaging during the expo, open Sunday, July 17 through Tuesday, July 19. The education program likewise runs from Sunday through Thursday, with short courses preceding the show Thursday, July 14 through Saturday, July 16. IFT16 offers attendees a wide range of educational opportunities to expand their knowledge base, enhance skills and extend expertise through more than 100 sessions and 700 poster presentations, divided into major areas of focus. Monday, July 18 is Genomics Day, with educational sessions focused on the correlation between genomics and food science.

In the ePosters area, visitors can get a detailed download in 10 minutes on new technical research. Also, pop-up sessions, which take place after several of IFT’s most-popular education sessions, permit the opportunity to sit down and continue the conversation with peers.

The new IFT Bistro offers an all-inclusive dining area right on the expo floor, featuring comfortable seating for conversations or meetings, as well as a variety of lunch options. Advance reservations are required.

Featured sessions include: Jacques Rousseau, sharing his perspectives on why people fear innovation and how to better equip consumers with the scientific knowledge and resources to assist them in making more informed decisions; Ben Goldacre on the history of evidence-based science, using examples of bad science to explain how good science really works; and Bev Postma on how to effectively communicate through social media networks and engage public debate.

On Monday, July 18, a consumer panel on “A Clean Label Revolution” will feature Paul Metz of C+R Research, as well as a panel of Chicago-area consumers revealing their opinions about products currently on the shelves, and what they’d like to see in the future.

IFT16 attendees will also get a sneak peek of the new documentary “Food Evolution” during a panel featuring Scott Hamilton Kennedy, an academy-award-nominated director, and author, environmental activist and Cornell Alliance for Science fellow, Mark Lynas, who is featured in the film.

For complete details on IFT16, visit http://am-fe.ift.org. 

IFT16 Schedule

* Held at the Palmer House Hilton, separate registration fee required

Schedule is subject to change