Hot Topics Studio offers a high-visibility thought-leadership opportunity within an IFT-curated conversation. Join fast-moving sessions featuring today’s trendwatchers and innovators as they unpack the issues reshaping the global food system—from GLP‑1 impacts to food-as-medicine approaches to research funding challenges.
All Hot Topics sessions are recorded for post‑event distribution through IFT’s podcasts, Omnivore and SciDish, extending visibility for participating SMEs.
Sponsors will elevate their visibility by placing a qualified subject-matter expert into these science-forward conversations moderated by IFT staff and volunteer leaders. Your SME joins 1–2 other experts in a balanced, mission-driven dialogue.
Planning includes a blend of early- and late-stage session topics to ensure optimal timeliness and audience relevance. Sponsors are welcome to contribute to the agenda and questions asked by moderators. Sponsors can also propose additional topics, but all topics are subject to committee review. Sponsorship does not guarantee the determination of the topic.
Notes: Both session lengths are a moderated panel format, with no individual presentations. This stage will not have slides. Content Topics are working titles/descriptions– these are subject to change and finalization as we determine the speakers and build out the session content.
45-Minute Session Topics: $8,000
(up to 2 sponsors per session)
• GLP-1 and Health Impacts: Focus on GLP-1 agonists, especially emerging research on their broader health effects (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer's), and the implications for food design and consumer trends.
• AI and it’s impacts
• Challenges in Removing Artificial Ingredients: Examining consumer acceptance, supply chain, and cost challenges when removing artificial ingredients (not just colors) from products.
20-Minute Session Topics: $9,000
(1 sponsor per session)
- • Fiber Maxing / "Snealing": Highlighting the trend of "snealing" (snack-meal hybrid) and fiber maxing, which is emerging in consumer behavior and product development.
- • Bio-Packaging and Packaging Innovation: Exploring the next evolution of packaging, including bio-packaging from food waste and broader sustainable packaging solutions.
- • Alternative Proteins & Clean Label Challenges: Regulatory and clean label challenges for plant-based, fermented, and cell-based (cultivated) meats, including consumer communication and industry clarity.
- • Emulsifiers and Preservatives: Addressing the increasing regulatory scrutiny and bans certain emulsifiers and preservatives, and the implications for product formulation.
- • Supply Chain Security & Traceability: The impact of tariffs and volatile supply chains on ingredient sourcing, traceability, and certification, with a focus on practical solutions.
Things to Keep in Mind:
• Topics are pre-selected by IFT. IFT will moderate the panel and select 1 -2 other panelists to accompany your selected expert.
- • Session will be recorded (video shared within 15 business days of event)
- • Sponsor recognition during the session and online session planner
- • Sponsor will be provided attendee leads (based on audience badge scans)
- • Average lead scans: 104 (+166% from 2024 to 2025)
• Sponsor will also have access to all attendees that bookmark the session in the mobile app
• Speaker bio subject to approval by IFT - • Speaker required to participate in one practice session 3 – 4 weeks prior to IFT FIRST
DELIVERABLE SPECS
Session Name/Description: 300 words or less
Deadline: April 20, 2026
Speaker Information: Name, Email, Mobile #, Bio, Headshot
Deadline: May 11, 2026
