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IFT FIRST Workshops

July 13-14, 2024

Formerly known as short courses, IFT FIRST Workshops were created to provide the science of food community with resources and skills for career development and to learn relevant knowledge that can be applied in the workplace.

Get the most out of your IFT FIRST experience by signing up for one of our workshops when you register for the event!

Register for IFT FIRST

IFT FIRST Short Courses people at a table smelling ingredients

Workshop registration includes:

  • Digital course materials
  • Catered lunch
  • Course certificate worth 14 Credit Hours
  • Invitation to a complimentary Happy Hour & Networking Event for all workshop participants

No preparation or pre-work is required to attend any of the two-day workshops.

Questions? Contact IFT staff at [email protected]

Can’t make it to the entire event but still want to attend a workshop? Register for workshops separately.

Why Attend?

  1. Cutting-edge Research Insights: Explore the latest trends, breakthroughs, and research findings that are shaping the science of food landscape.
  2. Top Subject-Matter-Experts: Gain wisdom from renowned thought leaders who have made significant contributions to the science of food.
  3. Hands-on Practical Sessions: Dive deep into practical applications with interactive workshops, providing you with tangible skills to implement in your professional journey.
  4. Networking Extravaganza: Connect with diverse professionals, industry leaders, and experts in the field, fostering collaboration that transcends traditional boundaries. Back by popular demand—IFT is offering a complimentary Happy Hour & Networking Event to all workshop participants following Day 1 of the workshop to meet other participants and discuss the learnings of the day.

Workshop Offerings

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  • A Simplified Approach to Shelf-Life of Intermediate and Low Moisture Foods

    Many companies face challenges correctly identifying a product’s best by date, resulting often in wasting food that is still acceptable. Shelf-life testing can be difficult and a resource drain, causing many companies to delay or avoid attempts at measuring shelf-life. During this workshop, instructors will introduce the Shelf-Life Simplified Paradigm, which streamlines shelf-life investigations on shelf stable products by narrowing the scope to only consider modes of failure applicable for the expected water activity range of the product. Instructors will provide examples of how to set up an accelerated shelf-life study and use the data to create a hygrothermal time model to predict shelf life at a range of storage conditions. In addition, this workshop will provide instruction on how water activity controls microbial spoilage and how to prevent and model moisture migration.

  • Certified Food Scientist (CFS) Preparatory Workshop

    This optional workshop is designed to help people considering or preparing to take the Certified Food Scientist exam to earn their CFS credential. A “crash course” in all eight content areas covered on the exam, this workshop brings in experts from academia and industry to go over the key topics and concepts in their respective content area.

  • Food Science for the Non-Food Scientist

    Learn the basic principles of food science in one of IFT's most popular workshops. Equip yourself with an enhanced understanding of the role of food science in the development of food products, gain a better understanding of the importance of food safety, basic regulatory issues and food science trends.

  • Exploring Artificial Intelligence for Next-Level Food Innovation

    This interactive workshop will provide the science of food community with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence through hands-on exercises, industry use cases, and insights from AI thought leaders. Partnered with Sidecar, this workshop will equip members with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to harness the power of AI within their own organizations and roles. This will offer a real-world experience of AI applications, allowing participants to see the immediate value of integrating such technology into their daily routines.

  • Understanding GRAS and Product Development

    Don’t miss this unique opportunity to unravel the complexities of GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) determinations and notifications process with an in-depth workshop designed for product developers and regulatory professionals. This immersive experience walks through the nuances surrounding GRAS determinations and provides a profound understanding of its pivotal role in the food ingredient innovation process. Participants are encouraged to bring real-world applications and questions to the course as part of the interactive workshop to develop a GRAS comprehensive regulatory strategy.