The Institute of Food Technologists’ IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo essentially has been canceled because of coronavirus fears, replaced with a virtual trade show.
“After thoughtful consultation with leaders and partners within the food industry and academia, IFT’s Board of Directors made the difficult decision to transition IFT’s onsite annual meeting and food expo into a virtual event experience,” IFT President Pam Coleman said in a video message circulated to exhibitors today (March 30).
“This was felt to be the best and safest course of action after careful consideration of evolving COVID-19 pandemic developments.”
The show was scheduled for July 12-15 in Chicago’s McCormick Place … which, by the way, is being transformed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers into a 3,000-bed hospital to handle coronavirus cases.
“We wanted to reach out to you as soon as possible to let you know as your company’s partnership is very important to IFT and your patience truly appreciated as we explored every viable option. We also wanted to let you know as soon as possible to give you time to make necessary planning adjustment considerations.
“We are working through many details to support this transition and will be sharing more information in the coming weeks,” Coleman concluded. The accompanying email was signed by Coleman and association CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean.
For exhibitors, "IFT will rollover booth fees in anticipation of IFT21 booth selection, which will begin mid-May. However, should you decide that you would prefer a refund, please contact us at [email protected] no later than April 17, 2020 to request a full refund."
More details are at www.iftevent.org/register/ift20updates.
