DEIB and Identity-Based Networking Events Highlight Extensive Peer-to-Peer Engagement Opportunities at IFT FIRST

CHICAGO – June 25, 2024 – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, has revealed the slate of networking events that will take place at IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, the popular food science, technology, and innovation event being held July 14-17, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The lineup of networking opportunities is highlighted by several identity-based events that will connect IFT FIRST attendees with aligned peers in the science of food community. Specific opportunities include networking hours hosted by IFT’s Member Resource Groups, including the African, African American, Black Resource Group; the Proud (LGBTQIA+) Resource Group; the Early Careerist Resource Group; and the Women’s Resource Group whose networking hour will be sponsored by Coca-Cola Women in STEM. Additionally, IFT’s Member Resource Groups will collaborate to host IFT’s annual Belonging Bash, an off-site event celebrating community-building and mutual support.

Other identity-based networking opportunities include the Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Networking Hour; the Hispanic and Latinx Networking Hour sponsored by Ingredion; and the Neurodiverse & Disability Networking Hour.

“Uplifting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goes beyond ensuring everyone in the science of food community feels valued and safe: it’s also imperative that we have a diverse group of minds to solve the biggest challenges in our global food system. The identity-based networking events at IFT FIRST offer an opportunity for attendees to find a supportive group of peers in the science of food community who can help to elevate each other’s careers and make impactful change,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean.

Attendees can also connect through Braindate, a unique peer-to-peer networking platform where attendees match with peers to discuss the topics that matter most to them. After creating a profile, attendees network with like-minded professionals by creating and browsing posts about meaningful subjects in the Braindate Topic Market and scheduling one-on-one or small group meetups. These meetups will be hosted in the Braindate Lounge, located in the North Concourse of McCormick Place. From brainstorming solutions to learning diverse perspectives to exploring new career paths, Braindate offers a unique opportunity for IFT FIRST attendees to network in an endless variety of ways.

Additionally, IFT Divisions will host exclusive, topic-based networking events where attendees can make impactful professional relationships with others working in the same discipline. Attendees can also walk away from IFT FIRST with a new connection by visiting the interactive Find Your Next Friend Networking Hour, which will take place on the last day of the expo in the IFT HUB.

“Part of what makes IFT and IFT FIRST so special is that we bring together our top food leaders across academia, government, and industry to collaborate and create the solutions to the world’s top food problems by, in part, providing them with extensive opportunities to connect that they can’t get anywhere else,” concluded Tarantino-Dean.

To learn more about the networking events at IFT FIRST, click here or go to https://www.iftevent.org/schedule/networking.

About Institute of Food Technologists

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization of over 11,000 individual members from more than 90 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. IFT works to ensure that its members have the resources they need to learn, grow, and innovate to advance the science of food as the population and the world evolve. IFT believes that science and innovation is essential to ensuring a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. For more information, please visit ift.org.