IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo lands in Chicago.

Everything eaten is affected by food science and technology — influenced during its production, distribution, storage, preparation or elsewhere. Experience this magnitude at the largest annual food science forum and exposition in the world, the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting & Food Expo, July 28 to August 1 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

Thousands of food scientists, suppliers, marketers and others from around the globe annually attend the convention, and experts from industry, government agencies, and research institutions will provide insight in hundreds of presentations covering topics ranging from new products to nutrition, food defense to bird flu.

Approximately 1,000 companies throughout 250,000 square feet of exhibition space will present their latest innovations for making food more fun, functional, nutritious, appealing and accessible to all.

Keynote speaker Jason Jennings will draw from the food science industry as he shares his insights into how businesses are keeping the spirit of innovation alive. Jennings has spent 20 years leading successful businesses and helping other companies learn how to achieve their full economic potential. His most recent book, “Think Big, Act Small,” debuted in May 2005, profiling the leadership of the only 10 companies in the world to have grown both revenue and profits by 10 percent or more annually for 10 consecutive years.      

Educational forums will focus on global new food product trends. Presentations will include samples and tasting of many products discussed. In particular, focus will be the continuing impact of “healthy” foods.

Back by popular demand, chefs from the Research Chefs Association (RCA) have teamed up with IFT food scientists and IFTSA and RCA student members to present live culinology demonstrations on the show floor again this year. 

As an added bonus for exhibitors, IFT offers several “special interest” pavilions that will provide exhibitors a forum to showcase similar products and services under one roof.

Online registration will remain open through August 1 at www.am-fe.ift.org/cms