The Institute of Food and Technology (known as IFT) hosts their one-of-a-kind, annual food expo as the science of food is explored among a huge crowd of enthusiasts. Science and food professionals gather from around the globe, ready to share their innovative solutions to food sustainability, safety, and nutrition. If that sounds like you, strongly consider registering a trade show exhibits for IFT. You’ll have the opportunity to network with like-minded industry experts while representing your products and services among some of the best in the world.
The event is one of the biggest food trade shows of the year, with an abundance of activities to network and widen your brand exposure. Newcomers to the industry are able to significantly increase their footing within the food industry. Consequently, this can lead to a bigger market share and more loyal customers than ever before.
To make a big mark at the IFT expo you need to come prepared with a trade show exhibit that stands out. This is easier said than done, but Evo Exhibits can help tilt the odds of success in your favor. Their expertise is priceless as they help you make the right strategic decisions that lead to higher conversion rates.
Here’s what Trade Show Exhibits for IFT can look forward to:
About IFT
The IFT is all about the science of food, which includes research, design, safety and quality, equipment, processing, packaging, policy, buyers, suppliers, and manufacturing. It’s a comprehensive event where you can expect up to 1,200 exhibitors, 23,000 attendees, and 100 sessions. There is so much going on, the options of things to discover are endless!
It’s the 18th iteration of the food show by IFT, and a number of notable companies will be in attendance, including Watson, Morton Salt, INFOR, ADM, Blue California, Corbion, and much more. The purpose of the event is to expand on the knowledge of food science to discover and advance our planet’s food industry.
Who will attend?
The event will be attended by a combination of food enthusiasts that want to know more about the state of the industry and professional buyers looking to research and purchase new products and services. Attendees want to see revolutionary new offerings that can provide a competitive edge when selling to their own customers. Come with something special and you’ll be a big hit at the expo.
The wide array of attendees means you need to figure out who your target market is and spot those individuals when they go past your booth. The professional buyers will be aware of the market trends and current best offerings that your competitors provide. Polish your sales pitch and provide samples of your food or demos of your process to persuade buyers that your products are in a class of their own.
Who should exhibit?
Companies operating in the food industry can’t afford to miss this event. Online marketing is great, but personal interaction with potential customers provides a more intimate introduction to your brand.
If you are interested in gaining insight into the various market trends and new technologies that are developing in the food science industry, this is an excellent opportunity. As a science-based food expo, a lot of educational sessions will be available. These can be a useful tool in figuring out the potential future market trends to steer your business in the right direction.
IFT also provides multiple ways to network with other companies that may be essential partners in the future. Finally, take notes on what other exhibitors are doing to be successful. A bit of friendly competitive analysis is encouraged to discover ways of differentiating your business.
Trade show booth strategy
The execution of your trade show booth will play a big role in how successful you’ll be at the exhibition. With over 1,200 exhibitors you are competing against some of the best in the business. Here are some vital tips to help you attract attendees at your exhibit:
- Samples: Food is the star of the show at the expo, meaning samples are encouraged! Come prepared with enough food samples to ensure you don’t run out. Attendees are also concerned in how the food is made. An interactive way to interest the audience is by giving a demonstration or preparing the samples at the event.
- Branding: The idea behind visiting the IFT is to reap the rewards well after the attendees have left and the doors have closed. Branding ensures you can leave a lasting impression with your customer base. As a result you’ll generate recurring orders from customers you wouldn’t have met if you never made the effort to visit the event. Blast your name and brand logo all over the trade show booth to make it obvious.
- Eye-catching: to increase engagement from the audience make the booth eye-catching. For example, if you sell muffins, then create a huge cut-out of a muffin that people will want to come and take a picture next to. Huge balloons are another eye-catching feature that turns heads. The end goal is to have attendees spotting your booth from a distance and finding it irresistible to come in for a closer peek. Make your booth a social media sharing destination. Go viral by creating a custom hashtag and encouraging people to use it for a special discount on their first order.
Implementing these ideas in your next trade show booth can be overwhelming for some. Consider the services of Evo Exhibits for your peace of mind. They can handle all the strategic design choices so that your odds of success at IFT are drastically improved.
Event program and details
IFT will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois from July 15-18th. With 100 sessions, there is a wide variety of activities for attendees and exhibitors to participate in. Here is a taste of what’s to come:
- The Clash Between Consumer Demands and Responsible Food: In this discussion, a panel of industry professionals will examine the link between demand and food quality and safety standards. The event will be moderated by Tamar Haspel, a Washington Post columnist.
- IFTNEXT Food Disruption Challenge: See if your business pitch has what it takes! In this business pitch competition, the winner receives $25,000 to go towards their food-based start-up.
- The Human Age – Confronting the Innovation Conundrum: The executive editor of National Geographic, Dennis Dimick, presents amazing photographs exploring human ingenuity.
Conclusion
Choosing to be one of the trade show exhibits for IFT is a smart decision for any food-based company. During the event you’ll have the chance to sell your products and services, raise brand awareness, and educate yourself on upcoming market trends.
Evo Exhibits is here to help you create an exhibit booth to stand out against the thousands of other exhibitors. Their attention to detail and expertise means you’ll have an advantage over the competition. As one of the trade show exhibits for IFT, you’ll be able to advance your business and take part in transforming the future of the food industry.
