FIRST 2021, organised by the US-based Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), takes place online over five days in mid-July. It is structured under two streams: Science FIRST and Business FIRST. For each, there are keynote speakers and panel sessions, interactive discussions and networking opportunities.
Science FIRST
The Science component of the event will explore the relevance of food technology to the quest to end global hunger and feeding a future world population forecast to approach 10 billion by 2050. Sessions are organised under several subsidiary streams. There’s also a research hub.
Find out more about Science FIRST.
Business FIRST
The Business FIRST ‘Trends, insights and innovation’ component aim to give attendees insights into the latest trends in food technology, emerging ingredients and business strategies.
In the Trends in 10 & Market Insights forum, you can run through 10 food technology trends in 10 minutes, followed by insights into these trends from leading market analysts.
At Startup Central , you can see, meet (virtually) and learn more about emerging ingredients, products and services from start-up companies around the world. There’s also the IFTNEXT Food Disruption Challenge pitch competition on Day 3 (Thu 22 July AEST), in which five finalist start-ups compete for substantial prize money.
The Leading Indicator series gives attendees a ‘FIRST’ look at business trends, strategies and tactics that can help innovators ‘seize opportunities, fuel growth and forge productive partnerships’.
Find out more about Business FIRST.
Schedule
Peruse the event schedule.
Session times
The event takes place on US Central Daylight Time (CDT), so sessions that run from 9.30am-4.40pm daily, CDT, followed by wrap-up discussions and networking, take place overnight and in the early mornings for Australians. Bear in mind when deciding what sessions you’ll attend.
There are two days immediately following the conference component in which the virtual meeting spaces will be opened to scheduled meetings set up between the various Solutions Exchange VIPs.
Enquiries and further information
Contact the organisers.
Registration
Register as an attendee.
Register as a Solutions Exchange VIP. Note that for Solutions Exchange VIPs, the event entry fee is waived.