IFT FIRST
IFT FIRST is a food science and technology expo and conference for visitors and exhibitors from the food and beverage sector. It takes place at McCormick Place in Chicago, United States, from 11-14 July 2027. The fair is held annually and is organised by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). The 2026 edition recorded 1,000 exhibitors.
Aphroa is not affiliated with IFT FIRST or its organiser. Data compiled from the organiser's website, October 2026.
Getting your website ready for IFT FIRST
A simple plan around the dates of IFT FIRST. Adjust it to your team and your products.
-
Step 1
8 weeks before
Open your website on a phone as a visitor would and note what is slow or unclear. List what you will show at IFT FIRST in the Food & Beverage sector and check that each item has its own page.
-
Step 2
4 weeks before
Describe each offer in plain words: who it is for, what problem it solves and how a visitor gets in touch. Add the languages your visitors read and a QR code that leads to a page made for IFT FIRST.
-
Step 3
Fair week
Test your contact form and the e-mail it sends on a phone. Capture every contact at the stand with one method and note what each visitor asked for.
-
Step 4
2 weeks after
Reply to every contact from IFT FIRST within days. Update your pages with the questions you heard most at the stand.
What a food and beverage website should show
Retail buyers, importers and distributors check ingredients, pack sizes, allergens and certification on a company website before a fair, and return to it afterwards when comparing suppliers.
Product line pages
Give each product line its own page with clear ingredient lists, pack sizes and allergen details, so a retail buyer can check the facts before the fair.
Certificates and spec sheets
Put your certificates, such as organic, halal or IFS, and your spec sheets on a page that is easy to find and easy to download.
Phone-ready fair page
Test your site on a phone over a weak hall connection, then set up a QR code at your stand that opens a page made for the fair, with your range and price enquiry form.
Prompt buyer follow-up
Scan the business cards of importers and distributors at your stand, note which products each buyer asked about, and send a follow-up with samples or price lists within days of the fair.
Not sure where your website stands?
We check speed on a phone, search and AI visibility and your contact paths. Free, with a written result.
Help with your website and your fair follow-up
Website Fix & Speed
Fair Lead Hub
SEO & AI Visibility
Questions about IFT FIRST
When is IFT FIRST 2027?
IFT FIRST 2027 takes place on 11–14 July 2027.
Where does IFT FIRST take place?
IFT FIRST takes place in Chicago, United States, at McCormick Place.
How many exhibitors does IFT FIRST have?
Exhibitors of the 2026 edition: About 1,000.
Who organises IFT FIRST?
IFT FIRST is organised by Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).
How can I prepare my website for IFT FIRST?
Start about eight weeks before the fair. Make sure your website loads fast on a phone, describe each product on its own page and add a clear way to get in touch. The preparation plan on this page lists what to do and when, and the free website check shows where your website stands.
Related trade fairs
PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show (Chicago)
15–17 November 2026
Rosemont (Chicago), United States
Sector: Food & Beverage
Read moreWinter FancyFaire
17–19 January 2027
San Diego, United States
Sector: Food & Beverage
Read moreNatural Products Expo West
2–5 March 2027
Anaheim, United States
Sector: Food & Beverage
Read moreExhibiting at IFT FIRST? Get your free website check
Send your website address. You get a written result within 2 working days, free and without a meeting.
- Free
- Fixed prices
- No meetings