The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) recently announced educational workshops taking place July 13–14, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, Illinois, ahead of this year’s IFT FIRST: Expo and Event, taking place July 14–17 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Pre-event workshop registrants will receive workshop materials and a workshop certificate worth 14 credit hours. A complimentary happy hour and networking event for all registered workshop attendees will be held on the conclusion of day one (July 13). This year’s pre-event workshops include:

• A Simplified Approach to Shelf-Life of Intermediate and Low Moisture Foods: During this workshop, instructors will introduce the Shelf-Life Simplified Paradigm, provide examples of how to set up an accelerated shelf-life study, and provide instruction on how water activity controls microbial spoilage as well as how to prevent and model moisture migration
• Certified Food Scientist (CFS) Preparatory Workshop: This optional workshop is designed to help people considering or preparing to take the Certified Food Scientist exam to earn the CFS credential, serving as a “crash course” in all eight content areas (sensory evaluation and consumer testing, food microbiology, food safety, food engineering, food chemistry and food analysis, quality assurance and quality control, regulatory, and product development)
• Food Science for the Non-Food Scientist: Participants will learn the basic principles of food science, enhance their understanding of the role of food science in the development of food products, and gain a better understanding of the importance of food safety, basic regulatory issues, and food science trends
• Exploring AI for Next-Level Food Innovation: This interactive workshop will provide the science of food community with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) through hands-on exercises, industry use cases, and insights from AI thought leaders, and will offer a real-world experience of AI applications, allowing participants to see its immediate value
• Understanding GRAS and Product Development: This workshop will help product developers and regulatory professionals unravel the complexities of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) determinations and the notifications process by walking attendees through the nuances of GRAS determinations and providing an understanding of its role in the food ingredient innovation process.

At IFT FIRST, more than 17,000 attendees from around the world will have the opportunity to experience the largest global food science and innovation expo with more than 1,000 exhibitors offering the latest in ingredients, food and food tech trends, food tastings, and exposure to global innovations in food. Another key highlight will be the more than 100 Science FIRST sessions and multi-disciplinary discussions focused on groundbreaking scientific research and solutions in novel technology and innovation, health and nutrition, sustainability and climate, food safety, and consumer insights.