Alumni and Affiliate Group Events

IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo will be held July 12–15 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, IL. This year’s meeting will bring attendees together to explore key issues across the food system while fostering meaningful learning and connections. Alumni receptions continue to be a vibrant part of the networking experience, offering a welcoming space for attendees to reconnect with colleagues and friends.

IFT Hub Members Talking

Alumni and Affiliate Group Event Schedule at a Glance

National Seasoning Manufacturers Association Annual Meeting

Sunday, July 12
9:30 a.m.  – 11:30 a.m.
McCormick Center S104B

The National Seasoning Manufacturers Association (NSMA) holds its 53rd Annual Meeting. As the premier trade association representing the blended seasoning industry, NSMA is dedicated to advancing industry education, collaboration, and advocacy. Join industry leaders and connect with representatives from companies that make up 98% of the seasoning industry, while gaining valuable insights from this year’s featured speaker on a topic shaping the future of seasonings and related industries. Email gerri@seasoningmanufacturers.org to register for this complimentary event: seasoningmanufacturers.org

Reconnect and Celebrate - Host an Alumni Reception at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo

If you are considering hosting an event during IFT FIRST, our team is here to help. We can guide you through the process and connect you with one of our official hotel partners—where many attendees stay—to provide an ideal setting for your gathering.

Once you're ready to begin planning, please reach out to Melodie Anderson at IFT for guidance on hosting an event at one of our official IFT FIRST hotel partners or for any questions you may have. She can be contacted at manderson@ift.org or 312-604-0265.

How to Organize an Alumni and Affiliate Group Event

Step 1: Contact Melodie Anderson with your initial meeting request. Our team will then follow up with a suggested location for your event.

Step 2:  The IFT team will connect you with the hotel contact to help you get started. You will be responsible for connecting and contracting the space with the hotel. You will also be responsible for coordinating food and drink (if applicable) with the hotel.

Step 3:  We are providing suggestions for those who would like attendees to register for their event. You can disregard this step if your event does not require registration. Create an event registration site for your event.

Recommendations:

If you are collecting money for each registration/ticket:

If your registration/ticket is free:

Step 4: Complete our form to send your event registration link to IFT, along with the description and contact information for the event. We’ll place it on the IFT.org website to help you market it. When completing the form, please provide as much information on the event as possible so that IFT can determine if the request is within policy.  

Submit Form

Step 5: IFT will publish your event on our Mobile App and Onsite Planner for IFT FIRST with all information for attendees.

NOTES:  

Non-exhibiting companies/universities are not permitted to hold any types of meetings or events in conjunction with our meeting. 


IFT does not allow  Alumni and Affiliate Group events during the following dates/times to avoid conflicts with official IFT events.  

DATE 

PERMITTED TIMES 

PROHIBITED TIMES* 

Saturday, July 11 

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

 

Sunday, July 12 

8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

 

Monday, July 13 

7 a.m. – 9 a.m. 

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

Tuesday, July 14 

7 a.m. – 9 a.m. 
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

Wednesday, July 15 

7 a.m. – 9 a.m. 
2 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

Thursday, July 16 

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

 

*Exhibiting companies may hold staff, sales, broker and other non-customer functions during these times with approval. 

Questions? Please contact us via email at manderson@ift.org, or call: 312-604-0265.