IFT FIRST 2027: Dates, Location & Exhibitor Guide
Quick answer: IFT FIRST 2027 runs Jul 11–14, 2027 at McCormick Place — Chicago, IL. It is held every year.
About IFT FIRST
Food science and technology expo with ingredient, equipment and processing suppliers. Organized by IFT.
| Next dates | Jul 11–14, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Location | McCormick Place — Chicago, IL |
| How often | Every year |
| Industry | Packaging & Food Processing |
| Region | Midwest |
| Organizer | IFT |
| Official site | ift.org/events/ift-first |
| Last verified | Nov 2026 |
Upcoming and past editions
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 11–14, 2027 | McCormick Place — Chicago, IL | Add to calendar |
Who this show is relevant for
Based on its focus on packaging & food processing, IFT FIRST is most relevant to:
- Machinery Manufacturers — Google Ads · SEO
Exhibiting at IFT FIRST? Book meetings before the doors open.
Most exhibitors pay for the booth and hope for traffic. We build the pieces that fill your calendar: a show landing page, QR lead capture for the booth, and a Google Ads campaign targeted around Chicago that runs in the weeks before the event.
Talk Show Strategy →Pre-show plan for IFT FIRST 2027
- May 16 — Launch your show landing page and start a Google Ads campaign targeted around Chicago (and your target accounts)
- Jun 13 — Email your database and book booth meetings on LinkedIn
- Jul 4 — Print QR codes that point to the landing page; test the lead form on a phone
- Jul 16 — Follow up with every lead within 48 hours of the show closing
Follow-up step by step: trade show lead follow-up for manufacturers.
Questions about IFT FIRST
When is IFT FIRST 2027?
IFT FIRST 2027 runs Jul 11–14, 2027 at McCormick Place — Chicago, IL.
Where is IFT FIRST held?
The next edition of IFT FIRST is scheduled in Chicago, IL.
How often is IFT FIRST held?
Every year.
Who should exhibit at IFT FIRST?
IFT FIRST is aimed at packaging & food processing companies. Food science and technology expo with ingredient, equipment and processing suppliers. Exhibit if your buyers are on its attendee list; otherwise a targeted online campaign in the show city can reach the same people for less.
Organizer or exhibitor? List or update a trade show
Don't see your show, or spot a wrong date or location? Send it in. Listings are free, and we check every submission against the official site before it goes live.
- Add a new show or a missing edition
- Correct dates, venue, or the official link
- Flag a show that has been cancelled or renamed
Exhibiting this year? Mention it in the form and Jake will also send ideas for a show landing page and pre-show Google Ads.
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