IFT FIRST 2024’s identity-based networking events

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IFT FIRST 2024’s identity-based networking events

28 Jun 2024

Lily Cota

Lily Cota is a writer, editor and photographer from Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in English and a minor in Photography. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading fantasy novels, thrifting, trying out local coffee shops and spending time with her nieces.

CHICAGO — The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food, has shared the lineup of networking events for IFT FIRST, set for July 14-17 in Chicago at McCormick Place.

“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,” said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT.

The event will connect attendees in the science of food community with specific opportunities including several identity-based networking hours hosted by IFT’s Member Resource Groups:

African, African American, Black Resource Group
Proud (LGBTQIA+) Resource Group
Early Careerist Resource Group
Women’s Resource Group

Other identity-based networking opportunities include:

Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Networking Hour
Hispanic and Latinx Networking Hour, sponsored by Ingredion
Neurodiverse & Disability Networking Hour

“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 elevate each other’s careers and make impactful change.” — Christie Tarantino-Dean | CEO | IFT

“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,” Tarantino-Dean said. “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 elevate each other’s careers and make impactful change.”

Attendees can also connect through Braindate, a peer-to-peer networking platform where they can schedule one-on-one or small group meetings to discuss the topics that matter most to them. Meetups will be hosted in the Braindate Lounge, located in the North Concourse of McCormick Place.

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