Thought Leadership & Education

Get a front-row seat to one-on-one conversations with trendwatchers and thought leaders, recorded live. These timely discussions will explore the most pressing issues shaping the global food system, such as the impact of GLP-1 drugs on product development, the rise of food as medicine, and navigating the challenges of securing research funding. Curate your own interview or panel discussion on the topic of your choice.

Note: This stage will not have slides.

• 20-minute presentation, includes 5-minute Q&A
• Sponsors are encouraged to discuss a current industry problem
• Sponsor is responsible for securing speaker and all content
• IFT reserves the ability to edit content (in conjunction with Sponsor) to reduce duplicate programming.
• 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)

DELIVERABLE SPECS  

Session Name/Description: 300 words or less
Deadline: April 20, 2026

Speaker Information: Name, Email, Mobile #, Bio, Headshot
Deadline: May 11, 2026

The Solutions Showcase stage is housed on the expo floor and offers the entire science of food community the opportunity to experience dynamic live presentations and panel discussions. When you sponsor, you have your expert(s) present case studies or moderate discussions that make your brand shine. This is an opportunity to highlight your breakthrough solutions, product innovations, and insights that are driving the future of food. Present a formal presentation on your scientific solution of choice. 

• 30-minute presentation, includes 5-minute Q&A
• Sponsor is encouraged to present a case study and solution to an industry problem
• Sponsor is responsible for securing speaker and all content
• IFT reserves the ability to edit content (in conjunction with Sponsor) to reduce duplicate programming.
• Session will be recorded (video shared within 15 business days of event)
• Sponsor recognition during the session and online session planner
• Prepackaged sample and a single brochure can be placed for distribution during your company’s presentation
• Sponsor will be provided attendee leads (based on audience badge scans)
  • Average lead scans: 68 (+48% from 2024 to 2025)

DELIVERABLE SPECS  

Session Name/Description: 300 words or less
Deadline: April 20, 2026

Speaker Information: Name, Email, Mobile #, Bio, Headshot
Deadline: May 11, 2026

Slide Deck: If you are presenting slides, use 16x10 format (PPT)
Deadline: June 1, 2026

Showcase your company’s ingredients with a 15-minute presentation on the Taste of Science stage located on the exhibit floor, raising brand awareness and driving traffic back to your booth! 

• 15-minute presentation, includes 5-minute Q&A
• Sponsor is responsible for securing speaker and all content
• IFT reserves the ability to edit content (in conjunction with Sponsor) to reduce duplicate programming.
• Session will be recorded (video shared within 15 business days of event)
• Sponsor recognition during the session and online session planner
• Sponsor provides 100 prepared samples for each product tasting during or immediately after the presentation and additional samples at their booth.
• Sponsor will have a “Sample Stop” sticker placed outside of their booth
• Sponsor will be provided attendee leads (based on audience badge scans)
  • Average lead scans: 50 (+43% from 2024 to 2025)

DELIVERABLE SPECS  

Session Name/Description: 300 words or less
Deadline: April 20, 2026

Speaker Information: Name, Email, Mobile #, Bio, Headshot
Deadline: May 11, 2026

Slide Deck: If you are presenting slides, use 16x10 format (PPT)
Deadline: June 1, 2026

Samples: Complete the IFT Samples Submission Form 
Deadline: June 1, 2026

Build buzz around your speaking engagement and raise your profile as a thought leader at IFT FIRST by promoting your session to IFT’s media network and online community. As part of this special package, IFT will create and distribute a press release promoting your session, include your session in a Highlights email sent to registered IFT FIRST attendees, and run advertisements for your session on our LinkedIn and X/Twitter channels. Social media posts will run approximately three weeks prior the event.

DELIVERABLE SPECS

LinkedIn Post

• Headline: Max 200 Characters (with spaces)
• Body Copy – Max 600 Characters (with spaces)
  • Include: Name of session, “#IFTFIRST”
  • IFT will add link to the Session page on the mobile app
• Image
  • Format: PNG or JPG
  • Dimensions: 1200 x 628px
  • Max File: 5MB

X/Twitter Post

• Body Copy – Max 280 Characters (with spaces)
  • Include: “#IFTFIRST”
  • IFT will add link to the Session page on the mobile app
• Image
  • Format: PNG or JPG
  • Dimensions: 1200 x 628px
  • Max File: 5MB

Press Release (shared)

• Company Name
• Session Title
• Session Description: 200 words
• URL: Company page (IFT will also link to the Session page on the mobile app)

Email (shared)

• Company Name
• Company Logo: 500x500 px/JPG or PNG format
• Company Booth #
• Text: 75 words max (IFT will include link to the Session page on the mobile app)

Deadline: June 1, 2026 (all deliverables)