The annual Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo will bring together professionals involved in both the science and the business of food — experts from industry, academia and government. With more than 1,000 companies exhibiting, this event showcases the largest, most diverse collection of food ingredients, equipment, and packaging from all over the world. Over 100 educational sessions and 1,400+ poster sessions provide information on the latest developments and trends in food science.

Starbucks president, chairman & chief executive officer, Howard Schultz, will lead the keynote session, "The Importance of Innovation," where he will share insights on the importance of scientific innovation in creating thriving companies and communities as well as filling the talent pipeline. Additional speakers will include: Mehmood Khan, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Global Nutrition Group, and Chief Scientific Officer of PepsiCo; and Jose M. Saavedra, M.D., Head of Medical and Scientific Affairs, Nestle Nutrition & Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.


Childhood Obesity Solutions: What Industry Can Do
Food Science, Nutrition, and the Skin
Functional Foods of Latin America: Flavor, Health Benefits, and Opportunities for Commercialization
Specialized Nutrition: Opportunities in Medical Foods and Beyond for Aging, Developing, and Other Specialized Populations
The Future of GRAS Ingredients and Food Additives: Impacts of the Changing Environment on Food Science
Breakfast in the 21st Century
Improving the Safety of Fresh Produce 
June 25-28, 2012, Las Vegas Convention Center

Press Room (Room N219) Hours:

Monday, June 25
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Tuesday, June 26
8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Wednesday, June 27
8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Thursday, June 28
8:00 am - 5:30 pm


Exhibit Floor hours:

Tuesday, June 26
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Wednesday, June 27
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday, June 28
10:00 am - 4:00 pm