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IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo white logo with blue and green color
Home Attend Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about IFT FIRST

Registration

How do I register for IFT FIRST in advance?

  • Registration is now open! Registration rates are now available to view. IFT members get up to a 30% discount. That covers the cost of your membership! Not a member? Join and register to save.

What are the rates for IFT FIRST?

  • Registration rates depend on which package is chosen. Find more information about registration pricing.

If I'm an IFT member, do I get a discount?

  • Yes! As a member you’ll receive up to 30% off IFT FIRST registration costs. Find out more information about registration.

Can I become an IFT member when I register for IFT FIRST and still take advantage of member pricing?

  • Yes! It’s easy to join IFT while registering for IFT FIRST. When you do so, you’ll get exclusive access to up to 30% off IFT FIRST registration costs.

What can I expect if I register as a VIP?

  • As a VIP, you'll have access to a number of perks, including skipping the registration line with priority badge pick-up, exclusive lounge access with gourmet refreshments, and guaranteed front-row seating at all keynote presentations.

How do I sign up for the VIP experience?

  • During registration, simply select the "VIP experience" add-on. The $300 VIP fee will be added to your total amount due. It's that easy!

Why did IFT add a VIP experience for 2025?

  • Each year, we look for ways to add additional value for attendees to IFT FIRST. This year, we decided it was time to provide an elevated, VIP experience for those who are looking for something even more special from the event.

Why is the VIP experience limited to only 200 people?

  • In order to provide the best experience possible for our 2025 VIPs, it is important to keep the group manageable in size.

What if I've already registered and then decide I want to add the VIP experience?

  • No problem! Simply access your original registration and add on the VIP experience. But don't wait too long because availability is limited!

How much does the VIP experience cost?

  • The VIP experience is $300 per person and is limited to the first 200 people who sign up.

Shouldn't everyone get a special experience?

  • With more than 16,000 attendees at IFT FIRST, we work hard to make sure the experience is the best it can possibly be. That includes increasing affordability with more hotel rooms under $300 per night, inspiring and thought-provoking keynote sessions, surprise and delight moments throughout the event, and more!

How can I edit or cancel my registration?

  • For registration assistance, contact our customer service team:

Email:  [email protected]
Phone: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm EST
Toll-Free: +1.877.305.5195
International: +1.980.819.4638


Travel & Housing

How do I make my hotel reservations?

  • New this year! IFT FIRST attendees can book housing before completing registration. Lock in your accommodations early to secure discounted pricing and take advantage of IFT FIRST housing blocks.

Who do I contact for help with my hotel reservations?

  • Please contact [email protected] for housing help or call 877.305.5195 (Domestic) or 980.819.4639 (International) from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm EST.

I am an international attendee and need help with my visa, who do I contact?

Will there be a shuttle for IFT FIRST?

  • Yes, stay tuned for the IFT FIRST shuttle schedule

Where can I find more information about visiting Chicago?


IFT FIRST General Information

When and where will IFT FIRST take place?

  • IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo will take place July 13-16 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, IL.
  • McCormick Place Convention Center
    2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Drive
    Chicago, Illinois 60616

How old do I need to be to attend IFT FIRST?

  • Per IFT's policy, you must be at least 18 years of age to attend IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo.

What is the dress code for IFT FIRST?

  • The dress code for IFT FIRST is business casual. We also recommend dressing in layers and wearing comfortable shoes.

Will there be Wi-Fi available during IFT FIRST?

  • Yes, Wi-Fi will be available in McCormick Place during IFT FIRST. Details on accessing the Wi-Fi will be available closer to the event date.

How do I request special assistance during IFT FIRST?

  • While registering for IFT FIRST, you will have the opportunity to request special assistance and other services to be provided during the event.

Programming at IFT First

Where can I find a Schedule at a Glance?

  • Our Schedule at a Glance is your one-stop resource to get an overview of all the activities taking place during the event.

Will there be an event app for IFT FIRST?

  • Yes, the IFT FIRST app will be available for download from the Apple store or Google Play store in early June, check back later for details.

How can I host an alumni or affiliate event at IFT FIRST?


IFT FIRST Policies

Where can I locate IFT's Privacy Policies, Code of Conduct and Event Policies?

What is suitcasing?

  • Suitcasing is an unethical business practice in which companies will gain access to an event by obtaining event credentials (attendee badge, expo-only badge, etc.) and then soliciting for business within the expo hall or other spaces used for the conference. Solicitation at IFT FIRST by any company that is not an official exhibitor of the event is strictly prohibited. Violators will be removed from the meeting. Policies are subject to change without notice.