Food Forward

September 29-30, 2023 | The Ohio State University

Connect with peers and professionals to prepare for a future career in the science of food!

Event info

Join us for two fun-packed days of professional development sessions, social events, and career panels.

September 29-30

Kottman Hall

340 2021 Coffey Rd

Columbus, OH 43210

Onsite Parking is available at expense

All meals and program materials will be paid for by IFT and our generous sponsors. You are responsible for covering registration and hotel fees.

Discounted hotel
Attendees have access to a hotel stay at The Blackwell Inn at $162 per night plus parking expenses with a 20% rebate available after the event. When booking mention, “IFTSA.”

Registration Costs
IFT Student Member: $50
Student Non-Member: $75

Event agenda

Friday, September 29

Time

Description

3:00PM-5:00PM

Welcome

OSU tours of pilot plant with ice cream

Tours will be led by OSU Food Science students every 30 minutes

5:30-7:30PM

IFTSA-OVIFT Networking Dinner

Saturday, September 30

Time	Description
8:30-9:00AM	Breakfast
9:00-10:00AM	Keynote Speakers CIFT: Innovation and Start-ups Shari Plimpton, PhD. - Vice President, Director of Food Industry Programs Matt Inniger - Project Engineer, Advanced Food Processing Technology Program Manager
10:15-11:30AM	Professional Development Workshops Topics Crafting Your Elevator Pitch Networking Essentials Mastering the Art of Science Communication
11:30AM-1:00PM	Panel – Life after College: Career Paths in the Science of Food Industry Kelley Lowe – Director of Product Development at Abbot Nutrition Steve Ogle – Sr. Director of Supplier Relationships at Skidmore Sales & Distributing Co., Inc. Shari Mahon – VP of Global Innovation Spices at ofi Graduate Student Jenna Fryer – PhD student at Oregon State University Academia Dennis Heldman – PhD, Dale A. Seiberling Endowed Professor of Food Engineering at The Ohio State University
1:00-2:00PM	Lunch with focus groups Topics What New Challenges Are Arising in Food Safety? Violeta Gomez – Director Food Safety & Quality at CarusolUSA How Can We Improve Trust Among Consumers? What is the Impact in Social Media? Julie Carlson – Director of Sterols at Wiley Companies What Are the Secret Ingredients to a Successful Product? Cristina Escober – Product Development Sr. Scientist at Kroger How Can I Start Up a Start Up? Amy Andes – R&D Manager powered by Real Food From The Ground Up How Can I Leverage LinkedIn and Networking in My Future Career? Kelley Lowe Steve Ogle
2:30-4:00PM	Industry Tours Marzetti and Columbus Brewing Company
6:00-8:00PM	Dinner & socializing with peers

Food Forward FAQs

Who can attend this event?
Any and all students pursing a degree in the science of food!

What is the application or registration process like?
Students must complete registration by Friday, September 8. Registration costs depend on your IFT membership status. Registration is non-refundable. Registration includes meals and programming. If you are not a member of IFT, learn more about saving $25 on costs. Save $25 on registration costs by becoming a student member of IFT!

Who will be there?
We are expecting over 50 students pursing a degree in the science of food to attend. In addition, event sponsors, industry professionals and members from the Ohio Valley IFT Section will be in attendance for specific sessions throughout the weekend.

What is the dress expectation?
Food Forward is a casual to business casual event. We courage attendees to come dressed to impress (you never know who you will meet).

What expenses are not covered?
The event does not cover transportation and room/board. IFT will assist with subsiding your hotel room at The Blackwell Inn after your stay. We encourage you to check with your academic programs or local IFT sections for sponsorship options.

If you are interested in sharing a room with another student attendee, you can create a discussion post on the IFTSA Connect page.

All in cost – transportation, hotel ($162), and registration ($50-75)

Can I get help with class conflicts?
IFT can assist with the following: provide a customized excuse letter to provide to your professor or contact the professor, department chair or dean directly. Contact Steph Walaszek (swalaszek@ift.org) for assistance. Students are expected to work directly with instructors/professors on missed work.

What funding opportunities are there for this trip?
We encourage you to reach out to your regional Section, a Division, or your University. Download our customizable justification letter to show the value of your Food Forward attendance!

Thanks to our Sponsors!