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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T173000
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DTSTAMP:20260416T041419
CREATED:20260203T210524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T164508Z
UID:6726-1777570200-1777577400@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:Yeast Unveiled: Beyond Savory
DESCRIPTION:Register Now\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYeast Unveiled: Beyond Savory\n\n\n\nTour Ohly’s Culinary Innovation Center\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin Ohly for an inspiring deep dive into the remarkable versatility of yeast in modern food innovation. Explore how this powerhouse ingredient goes far beyond bread and beer enhancing taste\, improving texture\, elevating nutritional value\, and shaping the next generation of food ingredients. \n\n\n\nDuring this session\, you will: \n\n\n\n\nDiscover how yeast‑based ingredients modulate taste by delivering flavor richness and improving mouthfeel\, helping to address formulation challenges such as sodium reduction or lowering cocoa content.\n\n\n\nLearn about yeast’s role in supporting immunity and driving the production of valuable bio-nutrients.\n\n\n\nExperience a guided tasting session featuring product samples that demonstrate yeast’s unique functional benefits.\n\n\n\n\nAfter the session we will enjoy some refreshments while networking and touring Ohly’s Culinary Innovation Center. \n\n\n\nSpeaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAaron Rasmussen\n\n\n\nHead of Global Applications\n\n\n\nOhly Americas \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nHead of Global Applications at Ohly Americas\, where he has spent the past six years providing strategic leadership for the company’s global applications team.In this role\, he leads and develops an experienced technical team supporting the Taste and Texture\, Human Health and Animal Health platforms\, partnering closely with customers\, sales\, and R&D to drive innovation and commercial success.His teams at Ohly’s Culinary Innovation Centers in Westchester\, Illinois and Hamburg\, Germany\, leverage Ohly’s broad toolbox of yeast-based ingredients and culinary powders to create market focused solutions to customer needs.Prior to Ohly\, Aaron worked as a Corporate Chef at Bell Flavors & Fragrances\, concepting emerging flavor trends and unique flavor solutions for a wide range of customers.He previously owned a catering business and worked at FONA International developing encapsulation technologies while completing his Master’s degree in Food Science at the University of Illinois\, where his research focused on shelf-life studies\, packaging innovation\, and sensory analysis.In addition\, exploring world flavors and cooking techniques; Aaron is passionate about food science education and has published in the Journal of Food Science Education and taught a mini course at the national IFT Annual Meeting. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\nPricing includes food & beverages\, tour\, and presentation\n\n\n\nLimited to 40 Attendees\n\n\n\n$15Emeritus / Student Members$15Members$20Non-members\n\n\n\nUnemployed Members can use voucher UNEMP-1010050 to save 50%. Applied discount will be shown at checkout when signed into NeonCRM account with active membership.\n\n\n\n\n\n    Location
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/yeast-unveiled-beyond-savory/
LOCATION:Ohly Customer Innovation Center\, 2 Westbrook Corporate Center\, Suite L020\, Westchester\, Illinois\, 60154\, United States
CATEGORIES:Networking
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T130000
DTSTAMP:20260416T041419
CREATED:20250505T222846Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T165241Z
UID:4512-1778760000-1778763600@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:Midday Mingle
DESCRIPTION:A Virtual Monthly Meetup\n\n\n\nMidday Mingle\n\n\n\nConnect\, share\, and grow with fellow food industry professionals during our virtual monthly meetup!\n\n\n\nTake a break from your workday to join us for an hour of engaging conversation\, valuable networking\, and industry insights. The CSIFT Midday Mingle creates a relaxed virtual space where food science and technology professionals from across Chicagoland can connect. \n\n\n\nNo presentations\, no pitches – just genuine connections with the people shaping the future of food! \n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect:\n\n\n\n\nCasual\, friendly conversation with peers in the food industry\n\n\n\nGrow your network locally\n\n\n\nDiscuss the latest food science trends and challenges\n\n\n\nGet your questions answered about the Chicago Section IFT\n\n\n\nExchange restaurant recommendations and food experiences\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho should attend:\n\n\n\nAny food industry professionals interested in the science and technology of food across the greater Chicagoland region! Members and nonmembers of CSIFT. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister for Upcoming Midday Mingles\n\n\n\n\n\n    Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nDate\n\n\n\nThursday \n\n\n\n\n\nOngoing: 2nd Thursday of the month \n\n\n\n\n\n    Location\n\n\n\nVirtual/Zoom \n\n\n\n\n\nFees\n\n\n\n\nFree!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDateMonthly ThemeFeatured FoodRegistrationView AttendeesMay 14\, 2026CelebrationBurgerRegisterView AttendeesJune 11\, 2026SpringInternationalComing soon!
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/nc-midday-mingle/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Networking
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T203000
DTSTAMP:20260416T041419
CREATED:20260209T185801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T024157Z
UID:6747-1778778000-1778790600@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:2026 Tanner Lecture: From Compliance to Confidence
DESCRIPTION:Register Now\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026 Tanner Lecture: From Compliance to Confidence\n\n\n\nPreparing the Food Industry for Regulatory Uncertainty\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe U.S. food regulatory landscape is undergoing a period of accelerated change\, shaped by evolving public expectations\, scientific advancements\, and increasing scrutiny of food safety and ingredient transparency. \n\n\n\nDrawing on decades of experience across regulatory oversight\, public health\, and industry collaboration\, this lecture will explore how food organizations can remain resilient and effective amid regulatory uncertainty. \n\n\n\nThe presentation will examine key areas where regulatory expectations are shifting\, including GRAS determinations\, the use of natural colorants and ingredients\, pathogen control strategies\, and emerging concerns around foodborne illness prevention. \n\n\n\nAs science continues to advance\, regulatory frameworks are increasingly data-driven\, risk-based\, and prevention-focused—placing new demands on food safety\, quality\, and R&D professionals. \n\n\n\nRather than viewing regulatory change as a constraint\, this lecture will emphasize how organizations can use it as a catalyst for strengthening systems\, improving decision-making\, and building trust with regulators and consumers alike. Topics will include proactive risk assessment\, robust scientific validation\, cross-functional collaboration\, and the importance of adaptability in program design. \n\n\n\nUltimately\, success in today’s environment requires more than compliance—it requires anticipation\, scientific credibility\, and organizational agility. This session will offer practical perspectives on how the food industry can prepare for what lies ahead while maintaining confidence\, resilience\, and a strong commitment to public health. \n\n\n\nMeet the 64th Tanner Lecturer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Emilio Esteban\n\n\n\nChief Scientific Officer\n\n\n\nMérieux NutriSciences \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nDr. Emilio Esteban is a globally recognized expert in food safety\, public health\, and regulatory science\, serving as Chief Scientific Officer at Mérieux NutriSciences.In this role\, he leads scientific strategy\, strengthens analytical capabilities\, and drives innovation in food safety and quality solutions worldwide.Prior to joining Mérieux NutriSciences\, Dr. Esteban held senior leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)\, including serving as Under Secretary for Food Safety\, where he oversaw the nation’s food safety mission.His tenure included key roles shaping policy\, scientific standards\, and inspection strategies to enhance public health protection.Dr. Esteban’s career also includes service with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an epidemiologist and assistant director in the Food Safety Office\, where he contributed to national surveillance and outbreak response.He has served on the executive board of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) and chaired the Codex Alimentarius Commission Committee on Food Hygiene\, influencing international food safety standards and risk management practices.Dr. Esteban holds a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México\, an MBA from the Panamerican Institute\, a Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine\, and a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of California\, Davis. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nSchedule\n\n\n\n5:00-5:45 PMNetworking / Cash Bar5:45-7:00 PMWelcome\, Introductions\, Awards & Student Scholarship Recipient Recognition (Dinner served during this time)7:00-8:00 PMTanner Lecture8:00-8:30 PMNetworking & Dessert\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nMenu\n\n\n\nSalad\, bread\, and dessert will also be included.\n\n\n\nMeat EntréeFilet Mignon & Marry Me Chicken (GF)\, served with Roasted Baby Vegetables (GF) and Tri-Colored Fingerling Potatoes (GF).Vegetarian EntréeGrilled Polenta Cakes (GF & V) with Fire-Roasted Vegetables and Peri-Peri Sauce.\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\nWalkins and After May 10: $70\n\n\n\n$30Emeritus / Student Members$60Members$70Non-members\n\n\n\nUnemployed Members can use voucher UNEMP-1010050 to save 50%. Applied discount will be shown at checkout when signed into NeonCRM account with active membership.\n\n\n\n\n\n    Location
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/2026-tanner-lecture/
LOCATION:The Morton Arboretum\, Thornhill Education Center\, 4100 Illinois Route 53\, Lisle\, Illinois\, 60532\, United States
CATEGORIES:Networking
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T180000
DTSTAMP:20260416T041419
CREATED:20251202T165523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T193742Z
UID:5782-1793781000-1793815200@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:2026 Suppliers' Day
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/2026-suppliers-day/
LOCATION:Donald E. Stephens Convention Center\, 5555 N. River Road\, Rosemont\, Illinois\, 60018\, United States
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