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For Students

Where you BELONG

You’ve determined the right profession for yourself and now you want to explore all it has to offer. There is no better way to do this than by attending IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo.

As future IFT leaders within the food science and technology profession, undergraduate and graduate students of Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) are an active and integral part of IFT FIRST.

Here are the top three reasons you want to attend IFT FIRST:

  1. Endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the field and grow your knowledge base about the issues impacting the global food system.
  2. Connection with peers and food industry leaders who can help with your professional growth and career development.
  3. Participation in IFTSA or Division competitions, networking opportunities and other fun social activities that will enhance your IFT FIRST student experience.

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Student Basics

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  • IFTSA Events and Experience Program

    Read about the exciting student competitions and events happening this year.

    Download Program

  • IFTSA Student Kick-Off

    If you are you attending IFT FIRST for the first time and would like to learn how to navigate the event, plan to join us for the IFTSA Student Kick-Off for Students on Sunday, July 14 at 3PM in the Student Lounge (Vista Ballroom). We’ll walk you through the can’t miss events and introduce you to other students. Immediately following is the first PepsiCo Meet and Greet. We can’t wait to meet you!

  • Networking/Social Events

    Past participants have noted the ability to network and socialize with peers from all over the globe as one of their favorite parts of the event. The IFTSA provides several opportunities to network with peers and professionals.

    Here is just a sample of the many events you’ll be able to tap into:

    • IFTSA Student Lounge 
      Located in the Vista Ballroom, this is a comfortable area open to students for gathering, networking, and relaxing between sessions.  Students are encouraged to visit the Student Lounge for networking opportunities, as well as an onsite guide for students and OFG swag.
    • Professional Networking Event
      During this ticketed event, you will have access to all division socials and gatherings including food and beverage. Update your registration to attend.
    • IFT Hub and Member Resource Group Networking
      Stop by the IFT Hub in the Expo Hall to build long-lasting professional relationships with those who have similar interests.
    • IFT Global Sections Student Coffee Break
      Take a break from the student competitions to enjoy coffee and snacks and learn more about IFT's Sections. Leaders from a number of IFT's Sections will be on hand to talk about events and programming that is offered by Sections; volunteer leadership opportunities for members; and to answer any questions you may have about IFT's Sections.
    • IFTSA and Feeding Tomorrow Fund Networking
      Prior to the IFTSA Student Closing Ceremony, celebrate the achievements of student volunteers, scholarship recipients, and competition finalists. IFTSA competition finalists showcasing their products and research. This is a great opportunity to network with sponsors, professionals, and peers in the science of food.
    • IFTSA Closing Ceremony
      We'll acknowledge the accomplishments of IFTSA throughout the year, as well as those who made it all possible. We'll also recognize the finalists and winners of the IFTSA competitions and awards. Come for the celebration and stay for the final rounds of College Bowl! Refreshments and appetizers will be served, and a shuttle will be available to the Hyatt Regency Chicago after the event.

    View all Networking Events

  • PepsiCo Meet & Greets for Students

    As the IFTSA Student Lounge sponsor, PepsiCo is offering opportunities to casually meet with Food Science and Engineering professionals who work in various areas of R&D at the company. Students are welcomed to network with PepsiCo employees, ask questions about the company's products, culture, and career opportunities, and gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the food and beverage industry.

    PepsiCo Meet and Greets will occur at the following times in the Student Lounge (Vista Ballroom):

    • Sun, July 14: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
    • Mon, July 15: 10:00AM - 11:00AM
    • Tues, July 16: 2:00PM - 3:00PM
  • New Graduate and Internship Meet & Greets for Students

    The New Graduate & Internship Meet and Greet is an opportunity for students to engage with and learn about Ingredion, Edlong, and Ajinomoto.

    Meet in the IFTSA Student Lounge at 11:30 am on Monday or 9:00 am on Tuesday, to hear from each of these companies as they provide an overview of themselves and their unique opportunities.

    • Mon, July 15: 11:30AM – 2:30PM
    • Tues, July 16: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
  • IFTSA Student Expo Safari

    Intimidated to take on the expo floor on your own as a student? Join IFTSA for one of five curated tours of the expo floor, each focusing on taking you through key points of interest related to the topic of your choice.

    • Wed, July 17: 10:00AM-11:30AM

    Meet in the IFTSA Student Lounge. Each tour group will be accompanied by an IFTSA board member and an industry/academic mentor specializing in the respective topics. Participants will follow a guided walking tour through the expo floor and end at the IFT FIRST Innovation Lab, where each tour group will have a chance to take part in an immersive product development experience based on their newfound knowledge.

    Sign Up     Download Tour Guide

  • Top 5 Tips for Navigating the Expo Floor

    Part of IFT FIRST, you have the opportunity to experience the latest developments in food science research and technology. Here are some tips to navigate the Expo floor.

    1. Make a List – Before you arrive, decide which companies on the expo floor you want to visit and your reason.

    2. Time Your Entrance – Expo vendors are here to do business and their busiest days are Monday and Tuesday. Late Tuesday or Wednesday are the best days to engage with vendors.

    3. Have a Purpose – Be sure to ask thoughtful questions about the company. Listen to what they have to say and be ready to respond.

    4. Manners Matter – Good manners always make a great impression. Before helping yourself to literature, samples, or giveaways, ask – but only if you really need them. And please only take one.

    5. Be Yourself – You’re your best champion. Introduce yourself confidently with a smile and let them know you are a student.

    IFT FIRST Expo Information

Justification Letters

Need to make your case to receive department funding to attend or to receive time off from your job or internship? Download our customizable justification letters to show faculty or supervisors the value of your IFT FIRST attendance!

Justification Letter for Department Funding       Justification Letter for Time Off