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IFT Membership

Get IFT FIRST Discounts with IFT Membership

Become an Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) member today and you’ll immediately benefit from deeply discounted registration for IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo.

Discounted attendance at IFT FIRST is just one of the many benefits an IFT membership has to offer. IFT is your scientific source and community to cultivate your professional network, elevate your knowledge, accelerate your learning, and gain advocates for your profession.

Most member types receive up to 30% off their IFT FIRST registration fees. That covers the cost of your membership! At $20 per month (or less) for individuals, why wait?! Become an IFT member today!

Register + Join 

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Who Belongs to IFT?

More than 11,000 professionals and students from 90+ countries are part of the vibrant IFT community. Our members span every career stage from student to retiree and nearly every role across the global food system. IFT members who join for the discount stick around for yearlong networking, exposure to the latest topics and trends through IFT publications, access to continuing education, and a variety of career-building opportunities.

What’s included?

IFT has five membership types to meet the needs of its diverse community. No matter where you are in your career, IFT has a membership type to support you—and each one includes discounted registration to IFT FIRST.

As a member, you can take advantage of all that IFT offers throughout the year:

  • CULTIVATE your professional network with connections gained as a member of our global scientific community through participation in 25 discipline-specific IFT Divisions, 47 regional and international IFT Sections (where applicable), 4 member-led, identity-based Member Resource Groups (member exclusive access), and by making direct connections with your fellow IFT members using the “Find a Member” feature on IFT Member Connect
  • ELEVATE your understanding of the research, technology, innovations, and trends impacting the future of food with your subscription to Food Technology magazine, peer-reviewed research and reviews in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, IFT’s informative and thought-provoking podcasts, and curated content collections and special reports, like our 2022 IFT Compensation & Career Path Report
  • DIFFERENTIATE yourself with access to expertise, training, and educational resources for career growth including in-depth courses such as IFT’s Product Development Bootcamp and other online courses, live and virtual online events, and access to IFT Member Connect, our online platform to ask questions and get answers

Choose the IFT Membership that’s right for you

IFT has five membership types to meet the needs of its diverse community. No matter where you are in your career, IFT has a membership type to support you—and each one includes discounted registration to IFT FIRST.

View detailed Chart of Membership Benefits (PDF)
  • Premier Membership
    • The most comprehensive access to IFT’s resources, community, and research for individuals.
  • Networking & Engagement Membership
    • A taste of IFT’s time-saving resources and dynamic community for individuals.
  • Student Membership
    • Resources and opportunities to enhance on-campus experiences, make new connections, and prepare students for science of food careers.
  • Emeritus Membership
    • Similar benefits to IFT’s Premier membership for retirees.
  • Joint Membership Programs
    • The benefits of both the American Society of Nutrition and IFT at one low price.

Start the registration process and become a member today to take advantage of the deepest discounts on your event registration.

Register + Join