When and where is IFT FIRST 2027?

11 to 14 July 2027 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

When do tickets go on sale?

IFT has not yet opened 2027 ticket sales; its FIRST-to-Know list sends early programming updates and notice when tickets go on sale. IFT members save on registration.

Can international attendees get a visa invitation letter?

Yes. IFT offers a 2027 visa invitation letter request form on its Global Travelers Guide page; you still need to complete registration separately.

Who do I contact about registration or housing?

IFT's customer service team at iftevent@conferencedirect.com or toll-free 1-877-305-5195 (international +1-980-819-4638).

Sunday, July 11, 2027

IFT FIRST 2027

Name: IFT FIRST 2027
Start: 2027-07-11T09:00:00+00:00
End: 2027-07-14T17:00:00+00:00
Location: McCormick Place

The leading food science and innovation expo, linking researchers, ingredient suppliers and food industry decision-makers.

Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)

Date and Time

July 11 - July 14

Location

McCormick Place

2301 S Martin Luther King Dr Illinois 60616

About This Event

IFT FIRST 2027 is a Food & Beverages event taking place 11-14 Jul 2027 at McCormick Place, Chicago, United States.

IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) is the Institute of Food Technologists' annual event and expo, bringing together the whole food ecosystem, from farm to fork and research lab to retail shelf. Researchers, suppliers and decision-makers meet in Chicago to see new ingredients and technologies and to hear the science behind them, with scientific programming held directly on the expo floor.

Who attends

Food scientists, R&D and product development teams, ingredient and equipment suppliers, and food industry decision-makers, plus students and IFT members. Sales and marketing staff of non-exhibiting companies can only attend as non-participating suppliers.

Food scientists and researchers
Product developers and R&D leaders
Ingredient and technology suppliers
Food safety and quality professionals
Students

What's covered

The programme addresses the major challenges facing food and beverage companies.

Sustainability
Food safety
Ingredient innovation
Supply chain optimization
AI and digital tools in food innovation
Career and leadership sessions

Formats

Keynotes, IFT workshops, scientific and technical forums, poster sessions, a startup showcase and a pitch competition, plus the Hot Topics Studio stage, all integrated with the expo hall.