AsiaNet 89248

CHICAGO, April 28, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Registration is now open for Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology

(FIRST), a new digital experience powered by the Institute of Food

Technologists (IFT) (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3142215-1&h=88547206&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ift.org%2F&a=Institute+of+Food+Technologists

). Programming and presentations will take place virtually from July 19-21,

2021 while the Solution Exchange will be offered from July 19-23, 2021.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/627102/IFT_logo.jpg  

Trained chef, television personality, and author Carla Hall will serve as host

for the three-day event. Keynote speakers are Ambassador Ertharin Cousin,

Founder and CEO of Food Systems for the Future and Dr. Lisa Dyson, Founder &

CEO of Air Protein. Claire Schlemme, Founder and CEO of Renewal Mill and winner

of IFT's inaugural IFTNEXT Food Disruption Challenge pitch event, will host

this year's IFTNEXT Food Disruption Challenge.

"As a science of food and innovation community, IFT is uniquely positioned to

convene global experts, entrepreneurs, and solution providers to collectively

discuss and ignite new and innovative ways to solve our greatest food-related

challenges," said IFT CEO Christie-Tarantino Dean. "While we can't be

physically together, IFT is excited to launch FIRST and provide attendees with

a personalized, solution-packed forum to solve problems, share knowledge, and

expand strategic connections."

New this year, FIRST will feature a robust matchmaking program called FIRST

Solution Exchange, which will offer customized supplier recommendations, curate

one-on-one meetings, and feature interactive showrooms. Extending this

experience will be Solution Suites, a comprehensive virtual marketplace where

participants can peruse supplier showrooms to learn and engage with experts

about the latest products and services.

Other key aspects of the digital experience include:

    -- Curated Scientific Program: The scientific programming will focus

       on answering the question "Zero Hunger: Will we get there?"

       Sessions will feature the latest insights, research, and industry

       solutions aimed at addressing the global hunger crisis.

    -- Supplier Showcase: Attendees will gain insights into emerging

       trends, access valuable business resources, and make strategic

       connections through interactive and on-demand presentations and

       showcases from suppliers, all designed to further career and

       business opportunities.

    -- Startup Central: Innovative startup companies from around the globe

       will showcase their products and services as part of Startup Central.

       Startup programming and networking opportunities will also be offered

       for anyone interested in furthering their food science and business

       acumen and expanding their professional ecosystem.

To learn more and register, please visit iftevent.org (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3142215-1&h=2436509456&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iftevent.org%2F&a=iftevent.org

).

About IFT

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization of

approximately 12,000 individual members from 95 countries committed to

advancing the science of food. Since 1939, IFT has brought together the

brightest minds in food science, technology and related professions from

academia, government, and industry to solve the world's greatest food

challenges. Our organization works to ensure that our members have the

resources they need to learn, grow, and advance the science of food as the

population and the world evolve. We believe that science is essential to

ensuring a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and

accessible to all. For more information, please visit ift.org.

SOURCE  Institute of Food Technologists

CONTACT: Jennifer Garcia, jgarcia@ift.org