Orbital rates this event Gold.
IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo earns a Gold rating based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and relevance to the vet industry. One of the top-rated events in this space — highly recommended for companies looking to grow their presence.
IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo 2026 is the flagship gathering for food science and technology professionals, drawing more than 10,000 attendees each year. The event runs July 12 through 15 in Chicago, IL, and covers the full range of food industry disciplines, with a strong emphasis on training and professional certification. Sessions are structured around applied learning, making it a working conference rather than a showcase. The expo floor adds supplier and product exposure alongside the educational programming, so attendees move between both throughout the week. At this scale, the crowd spans early-career scientists, seasoned R&D leads, and procurement teams from across the food and beverage sector. For professionals seeking formal credentials or continuing education hours, this is one of the more substantive options on the annual calendar. Details at iftevent.org.
Common questions about this event
Is IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo worth attending?
Orbital rates IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo as a Gold tier conference based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance. This is one of the top-rated events in the industry and is highly recommended for companies looking to grow their presence.
When is IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo in 2026?
IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo takes place Jul 12–15, 2026 in Chicago, IL. The event typically draws 10k+ attendees.
Where is IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo held?
IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo is held in Chicago, IL. Check the conference website for specific venue details and travel information.
How many exhibitors are at IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo?
IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo features 500+ exhibitors. For companies selling into the vet industry, exhibiting can be a direct channel to qualified buyers and decision-makers.
How can I get the attendee list for IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo?
IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo provides attendee access through a networking platform. Orbital provides verified contact data for vet businesses across the US, so you can reach decision-makers before, during, and after the show.