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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T203000
DTSTAMP:20260417T210953
CREATED:20251218T223119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T183133Z
UID:6485-1775669400-1775680200@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:April 8 Trivia Night - a FUNd Raiser
DESCRIPTION:April 8 Trivia Night\n\n\n\nA FUNd Raiser!\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPut your knowledge to the test as teams compete for exciting prizes and\, of course\, bragging rights for the year. The winning team will also earn the honor of signing CSIFT’s traveling lab coat—a cherished tradition that celebrates excellence in food science. \n\n\n\nLast year’s champions set a high bar—will your team rise to the challenge and claim the title? Secure your place in CSIFT history by registering today. If you already have a team\, be sure to include your teammates’ names during registration. \n\n\n\nNo team yet? Not a problem. We’re happy to help connect you with fellow participants so you can join forces and compete together.We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of great company\, spirited competition\, and plenty of fun at CSIFT Trivia Night. \n\n\n\n\nThank you to our sponsors! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n50% of every registration will be donated to the Chicagoland Food Science Foundation that creates awareness of Food Science and provides scholarships to students pursuing a degree in Food Science and Nutrition. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThis year’s trivia round topics:\n\n\n\n\nFood on Film: Food Movie Trivia\n\n\n\nFood Science Trivia\n\n\n\nCSIFT & CFSF Trivia\n\n\n\n\nGet yourself ready with some practice questions!\n\n\n\n\n\n\nQ: Which vitamin is destroyed most easily by heat during cooking?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA: Vitamin C \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nQ: In Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory\, what is the river that Augustus falls into made out of?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA: Chocolate \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast Year’s Winners\n\n\n\nWhey into Wine & Winning!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister now to join the waitlist!\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\nAll guests are required to be 21 years of age or older\, with a valid ID\, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nSchedule\n\n\n\n5:30 – 6:15 PMNetworking\, Food\, and Team Forming6:15 – 7:50 PMAnnouncements & Trivia!7:50 – 8:20 PMNetworking & Prizes to the Winners!\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\n$30.00Emeritus / Student Members$50.00Members$55.00Non-members\n\n\n\nUnemployed Members can use voucher UNEMP-1010050 to save 50%\n\n\n\n\n\n    Location
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/april-8-trivia-night-a-fund-raiser/
LOCATION:Alter Brewing – Barrel Room\, 2300 Wisconsin Ave.\, Unit 213\, Downers Grove\, Illinois\, 60515\, United States
CATEGORIES:Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260317T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260317T190000
DTSTAMP:20260417T210953
CREATED:20260202T173009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T193330Z
UID:6620-1773768600-1773774000@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:Where Science Meets Senses
DESCRIPTION:Register Now\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere Science Meets Senses\n\n\n\nStep inside the heart of Bell’s innovation engine with an exclusive guided tour for an immersive industry event\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStep inside the heart of Bell’s innovation engine with an exclusive guided tour of the Bell Consumer Science Sensory Center—a 6\,500‑square‑foot\, state‑of‑the‑art facility designed to bring the consumer voice directly into flavor and fragrance development. \n\n\n\nPurpose‑built to replicate the flow and rigor of a professional consumer testing agency\, the Center showcases Bell’s advanced capabilities across discrimination testing\, descriptive analysis\, Central Location Testing (CLT)\, and focus groups. \n\n\n\nDuring this immersive industry event\, guests will explore specialized environments including panel booths\, kitchen\, focus group and viewing rooms\, all engineered to support unbiased\, statistically sound sensory and consumer research. \n\n\n\nThis unique setting illustrates how Bell’s Sensory & Consumer Science team leverages a collaborative and iterative creation process\, validating flavor and fragrance performance through data‑driven decision making. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nSchedule\n\n\n\n5:30 – 7:00 PMTour\, Networking\, Cash Bar\, Heavy Appetizers\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\nPrices include Tour\, 1 Drink Ticket\, & St. Patrick’s Day food!\n\n\n\n$30.00Emeritus / Student Members$50.00Members$55.00Non-members\n\n\n\nUnemployed Members can use voucher UNEMP-1010050 to save 50%\n\n\n\n\n\n    Location
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/where-science-meets-senses/
LOCATION:Bell Flavors & Fragrances\, 3100 Arnold Lane\, Northbrook\, Illinois\, 60062\, United States
CATEGORIES:Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260225T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260225T200000
DTSTAMP:20260417T210953
CREATED:20251218T234625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T194251Z
UID:6535-1772040600-1772049600@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:Edlong Dairy Taste Academy - Exploring the World of Cheese Taste
DESCRIPTION:Edlong Dairy Taste Academy\n\n\n\nExploring the World of Cheese Taste\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGlobally renowned as the world’s leader in the taste of dairy for over a century\, Edlong Flavors is exclusively offering CSIFT new connections attendees the opportunity to network with their experts and get a crash course on using dairy and dairy-free cheese flavors in your products. \n\n\n\nJoin us ahead of the class to network with our R&D experts over delicious hors d’oeuvres\, and gain exclusive insights into the trends set to shape the food and beverage industry in 2026—along with the key flavors driving them. \n\n\n\nAll attendees that successfully complete the Cheese Flavors 101 course will receive a certificate of completion\, which can be shared across their professional social media channels. CSIFT New Connections would like to thank Edlong for hosting this event and Advanced Biotech for sponsoring the beverages and hors d’oeuvres. We hope to see you there! \n\n\n\n*Note: At the request of the sponsored facility some registrants may not be able to partake in the tour due to direct competitor status. Those that fall in this category will be contacted after registering for a refund. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLaura Enriquez\n\n\n\nPrinciple Scientist\, Global Applications\n\n\n\nEdlong \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nUnderstanding customer needs and applying my 35 years of extensive technical expertise in food science to develop solutions to formulation challenges is my biggest passion! I work closely with customers in the U.S.\, Latin America\, and Europe to tailor customer-specific applications that deliver value and cost savings. I have the ability to translate new business opportunities into finished products that customers want\, and consumers buy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAngela Lantman\n\n\n\nManager\, NA Applications\n\n\n\nEdlong \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nI’ve worked in the flavor industry as a product developer and manager for 25 years. Balancing art and science to create great tasting foods and beverages has always been my passion as a product developer. I’m lucky to continue to work with customers while leading an awesome team of scientists and chefs here at Edlong. We are here to help find a great tasting solution to your next challenge. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEric Diaz\n\n\n\nCertified Flavorist\n\n\n\nEdlong \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nI am Eric Diaz\, a certified flavorist with a deep passion for the science of taste. After earning my certification from the prestigious Society of Flavor Chemists\, I’ve dedicated myself to pushing the boundaries of flavor creation. My role at Edlong allows me to craft innovative\, high-quality flavor solutions that enhance our customers’ products. I’m proud to contribute to the industry by blending creativity with expertise\, ensuring every flavor meets the highest standards of excellence. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Lourdes Mato\n\n\n\nAssociate Principle Scientist\, Applied Research\n\n\n\nEdlong \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nI help food stakeholders from startups to CPGs solve complex flavor problems and accelerate innovation within the food space. Through my 15+ years of experience\, I’ve gained skills as a food technologist\, thought partner\, and leader. My clients and team appreciate my collaborative\, humanistic approach to problem solving. In an increasingly tech-centric world\, I think that human connection is the source of innovation. Through my work\, I’ve realized how important it is to be more proactive about inviting stakeholders into conversations around flavor innovation. I’m not working alone\, and I don’t want to be thinking alone either. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSilvia Schnicker\n\n\n\nDirector of Marketing\n\n\n\nEdlong \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nI hold an MBA in Marketing Management and bring over 20 years of experience shaping the future of the food ingredient industry. My journey spans global leaders in flavor innovation like IFF and Firmenich\, as well as powerhouse ingredient companies such as Cargill and Roquette. Today\, I serve as Director of Marketing at Edlong Flavors\, where I empower a marketing team focused on converting insights into purposeful strategies that elevate Edlong’s role as a global leader in Dairy and non-Dairy Flavor and Taste Technologies. My vision: to elevate marketing beyond campaigns—into a catalyst for growth\, innovation\, and meaningful change. I thrive on blending foresight with creativity\, turning complex challenges into opportunities that inspire teams\, empower brands\, and deliver impact. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLimit of 20 Attendees with Wait List\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nSchedule\n\n\n\n5:30 – 6:15 PMTasteConnect Networking Mixer with Edlong Experts6:00 – 7:30 PMEdlong’s Dairy Taste Academy7:30 – 8:00 PMEdlong’s Trend Report & Closing Dinner\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\n$5.00Members$10.00Non-Members\n\n\n\n\n\n    Location
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/edlong-dairy-taste-academy-exploring-the-world-of-cheese-taste/
LOCATION:Edlong\, 265 Scott Street\, Elk Grove\, Illinois\, 60007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T130000
DTSTAMP:20260417T210953
CREATED:20251209T212633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T005200Z
UID:6246-1769083200-1769086800@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:From Compliance to Confidence: Food Safety Risk
DESCRIPTION:View the webinar recording online: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom Compliance to Confidence\n\n\n\nWhy food safety risk is now a boardroom imperative\n\n\n\n\n\nAttend this webinar to learn why food safety risk today is an enterprise-wide issue well beyond food safety\, quality\, and technical departments. \n\n\n\nPresenter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBryan Armentrout\n\n\n\nPartner\, Culture Advisory Group\n\n\n\nFounder\, The Food Leadership Group\n\n\n\nHost\, The Food Safety Chat\n\n\n\n\n\nBryan Armentrout is a renowned food safety expert with over 20 plus years of experience leading food safety and quality assurance for large food companies. \n\n\n\nA trusted advisor to major food manufacturers\, he designs FDA-compliant Food Safety Plans and Food Safety Risk Assessments\, Bryan provides crisis training\, and strengthens supply chains to prevent costly recalls. \n\n\n\nHis influence helped shape the Food Safety Modernization Act\, emphasizing proactive risk management. \n\n\n\nBryan’s hands-on leadership style fosters enterprise-wide safety cultures\, protecting consumers and enhancing operational efficiency. He shares his expertise through platforms like Linked In’s Food Safety Chat- Live! \n\n\n\nAs the author of The New Manager Mindset\, Bryan offers practical leadership strategies\, revealing four secrets to success. His insights\, also shared via “One Minute Lessons” online\, guide professionals in navigating modern challenges like Al-driven supply chains. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nSchedule\n\n\n\n12:00 – 1:00 PMZoom Presentation \n\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\n$25.00Registration\n\n\n\n\n\n    Location\n\n\n\nVirtual \n\n\n\nLink will be provided upon registration
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/from-compliance-to-confidence-food-safety-risk/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251013T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251013T190000
DTSTAMP:20260417T210953
CREATED:20250808T032509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T204811Z
UID:4981-1760371200-1760382000@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:Family Pizza Night: Toss\, Top\, and Taste!
DESCRIPTION:Family Pizza Night: Toss\, Top\, and Taste!\n\n\n\nA Family Fun Night to Remember!\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to our event sponsor\, Lesaffre!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nScheduled on a school holiday so we can start a little early! The expert pizzaiolo will kick things off with a live demonstration\, sharing the secrets behind perfect wood-fired pizza dough—how to mix it\, stretch it\, and even toss it in the air! You’ll also learn what makes the perfect sauce and which tomatoes bring out the best flavors. \n\n\n\nThen it’s your turn! In small or family groups\, you will create your own pizzas—saucing\, topping\, and baking them to perfection in a wood-fired oven. Dinner is served with a fresh mixed green salad and a chef’s choice dessert to round out the delicious fun. \n\n\n\nGreat for families and food lovers of all ages (children must be 10+ to participate) \n\n\n\nCome hungry\, leave happy—and maybe a little flour-dusted! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n    Location\n\n\n\nNorth American Pizza & Culinary Academy\n\n\n\n1970 University Ln\,Lisle\, IL 60532 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n*Max 60 attendees so don’t delay!\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nSchedule\n\n\n\n4:00-4:15 PMCheck-in / Seating4:15-5:00 PMDough-making Demonstration5:00-5:30 PMMake Your Pizza5:30-6:00 PMEnjoy Your Pizza6:00-6:30 PMClean up\, socialize\, enjoy!\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\n$75.00Single Attendee$125.00Two Attendees$175.00Three Attendees$225.00Four Attendees\n\n\n\n*Children must be 10 years or older to participate.
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/family-pizza-night-toss-top-and-taste/
LOCATION:North American Pizza & Culinary Academy\, 1970 University Ln\, Lisle\, Illinois\, 60532\, United States
CATEGORIES:Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251009T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251009T203000
DTSTAMP:20260417T210953
CREATED:20250626T023101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T032758Z
UID:4778-1760031000-1760041800@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:FlexXray Tour & Happy Hour
DESCRIPTION:FlexXray Tour & Happy Hour\n\n\n\nTour\, Connect\, and Cheers to Food Safety!\n\n\n\nJoin us for an exclusive networking event and behind-the-scenes tour of FlexXray\, the trusted leader in foreign material inspection and food safety solutions. \n\n\n\nThis is your opportunity to connect with professionals from across the industry while getting an insider’s look. In the FlexXray tour\, there will be an in-depth look at FlexXray’s specialized inspection processes\, showcasing their medical-grade X-ray and CT technology and contaminant retrieval services. \n\n\n\nAttendees will be able to engage with FlexXray’s team to discuss specific quality assurance challenges and explore tailored solutions for your operations. \n\n\n\nIn addition\, we will explore FlexXray’s inspection lines and observe how products are processed using advanced X-ray systems capable of detecting contaminants as small as 0.8mm\, including metal\, plastic\, glass\, bone\, rubber\, and more. \n\n\n\nAfter the tour we will wrap up the event with Happy Hour style networking at Hardware Microbrewery. Just minutes away from the facility we will get to enjoy locally crafted drinks and great food all while making new connections. \n\n\n\nWhat’s in Store\n\n\n\nFacility TourGet a close-up view of FlexXray’s technology. Meet FlexXray’s team and learn about their role in quality assurance and food safety. \n\n\n\nNetworking OpportunitiesEngage with peers and industry leaders over drinks and food at Hardware Microbrewery. \n\n\n\n\n    Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\nView Attendees\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nDate\n\n\n\nThursday \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlexXray Tour: 5:30-6:20 PM\n\n\n\nHardware Microbrewery: 6:30-8:30 PM\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFees\n\n\n\n\n$35 Members\n\n\n\n$45 Non-Members\n\n\n\n\nIncludes appetizers and drinks \n\n\n\n\n\n    Locations\n\n\n\nFlexXray\n\n\n\n1998 Melissa Ln\, #140Aurora\, IL 60506 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware Microbrewery\n\n\n\n2000 W Orchard Rd\,North Aurora\, IL 60542
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/flexxray-tour-happy-hour/
LOCATION:FlexXray\, 1998 Melissa Ln\, #140\, Aurora\, Illinois\, 60506\, United States
CATEGORIES:Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250916T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250916T193000
DTSTAMP:20260417T210953
CREATED:20250808T025205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T032744Z
UID:4868-1758040200-1758051000@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:Chicago Harvest: Feeding Our Future Sustainably
DESCRIPTION:Beyond Greenwashing\n\n\n\nScaling Real Solutions for a Sustainable Future\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJump to: \n\n\n\nDetails\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\n\nSustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a mandate. But what does it take to move from rhetoric to measurable impact? This panel brings together leaders across food\, energy\, agriculture\, and verification to explore how circular economies\, upcycled ingredients\, waste-to-value systems\, and rigorous sustainability standards can reshape industries and communities. \n\n\n\nFrom turning organic waste into renewable energy\, to producing upcycled prebiotic fibers that reduce food waste and improve nutrition\, to building resilient supply chains—these companies are pioneering tangible solutions that bridge environmental\, social\, and economic needs. \n\n\n\nChicago’s food system is ripe with innovation—from upcycled fibers to circular energy loops and urban fungi farms. This panel brings together trailblazers transforming how we grow\, process\, and power our food future. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDetails\n\n\n\nJoin Dr. Lara Ramdin—scientist\, innovator\, and sustainability storyteller—as she moderates a lively discussion with: \n\n\n\n\n\n4 Star Mushrooms\n\n\n\nRedefining local agriculture through controlled-environment mushroom farming and regenerative practices.\n\n\n\nLearn More\n\n\n\n\n\nGreen Era\n\n\n\nTransforming food waste into renewable energy and compost\, driving urban circular economies.\n\n\n\nLearn More\n\n\n\n\n\nSGS\n\n\n\nA global leader in inspection\, verification\, and certification\, ensuring that sustainability claims stand up to scrutiny\n\n\n\nLearn More\n\n\n\n\n\nCOMET\n\n\n\nUnlocking the value of agricultural leftovers by upcycling them into award-winning prebiotic fibers and ingredients for a healthier planet.\n\n\n\nLearn More\n\n\n\n\n\nThis conversation will unpack how collaboration across sectors can accelerate climate action\, food security\, and equitable economic growth—while calling out greenwashing and ensuring that sustainability is both real and scalable. \n\n\n\nModerated by Dr. Lara Ramdin\, this conversation will dig into: \n\n\n\nHow upcycling and circular systems are scaling in Chicago and beyond \n\n\n\nThe intersection of nutrition\, carbon reduction\, and community impact \n\n\n\nWhy ingredient innovation matters as much as packaging in the sustainability conversation \n\n\n\nWhat collaborations and policies can accelerate these solutions \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCome Early and Take a Tour of Four Star Mushrooms!\n\n\n\nJoin co-founder\, Joe Weber\, on a behind the scenes tour of Four Star Mushrooms\, an urban\, indoor\, specialty mushroom producer. Be there for the 4:30 PM start! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrder a Box of Mushrooms!\n\n\n\nAs an attendee\, you can take home a box of premium mushrooms for only $6.00. Order as part of your registration and pick up on your way out of the event! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nSchedule\n\n\n\n4:30-5:00PMTour Four Star Mushrooms5:00-5:30PMCheck-in\, Networking\, Food/Beverage5:30-6:00PMAbout Four Star Mushrooms6:00-7:00PMPanel Presentation7:00-7:30PMNetworking\, Dessert\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\n$60.00Members*Unemployed Members Use Discount Code: UNEMP-1010050$70.00Non-Members$30.00Student & Emeritus Members$70.00After Sept. 12 & Walk-ins\n\n\n\n\n\n    Location\n\n\n\nFour Star Mushrooms\n\n\n\n320 N Oakley Blvd.Chicago\, IL 60612 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nParking Directions\n\n\n\nParking lot (Free)\n\n\n\n\nEnter off W. Fulton St. to N. Claremont Ave.\n\n\n\nPark\, then walk through open pedestrian gate to sidewalk on N. Oakley\, where you’ll be able to enter the main door for the event. (you’ll see a Four Star Mushrooms sign on the building).\n\n\n\n\nStreet Parking (Free)\n\n\n\n\nAll street parking on N. Oakley is free. Do not park in front of fire hydrant.\n\n\n\nMain door for the event is on N. Oakley Blvd.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nModerator\n\n\n\nDr. Lara Ramdin\n\n\n\nIFT Sustainable Food Division Chair \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nLara is a design and systems thinking leader working at the intersection of innovation and sustainability. \n\n\n\nShe has held diverse executive roles in Unilever\, Estee Lauder\, Molson Coors\, Dole Sunshine Company and Upcycled Foods Inc. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLara has long been a fervent advocate for shifting the food system from extractive to circular. She has made it her personal mission to accelerate progress at the nexus of food and climate and to empower consumers through education to make healthy nutrition choices for a longer life-span – demonstrating an unparalleled dedication to sustainability and food justice. \n\n\n\nIn her role on the Upcycled Food Foundation board\, Lara drives the scientific understanding of upcycling\, through her leadership of the Research Fellows Program and Chair of the Scientific Committee. She is also the Chair of the Sustainable Food Systems Division. Lara is committed\, driven\, and doesn’t shy away from a challenge or a good debate. \n\n\n\nShe jumps in headfirst and makes things happen and her can-do attitude has served her well\, given the breadth and diversity of impact that she has had across multiple categories including personal care\, prestige beauty\, fine fragrance\, food & beverage and ingredients. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanelist\n\n\n\nJoe Weber\n\n\n\nPresident / Founder\, Four Star Mushrooms \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nJoe Weber’s interests lie at the intersection of ecology\, food\, and design. He believes large-scale restoration of ecological processes\, paired with controlled environment agriculture\, is crucial to solving global issues like climate change\, loss of biodiversity\, feeding a growing population\, food insecurity\, and the diminishing relationship between humans and the natural world. \n\n\n\nHe thinks of creative ways to solve big problems. His passion for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem regeneration led to Four Star Mushrooms’ inception in 2019. \n\n\n\nHe believes that mushroom cultivation is the keystone process required to scale controlled environment agriculture and regenerative agriculture. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanelist\n\n\n\nSusannah Sun\n\n\n\nBusiness Intelligence Manager\, Green Era \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nSusannah Sun is the Business Intelligence Manager at Green Era\, a sustainability campus on Chicago’s South Side that converts food waste into renewable energy\, nutrient-rich compost\, and local economic opportunity. She oversees cross-sector partnerships\, data systems\, and project development\, with a focus on implementing strategies at the intersection of climate and environmental justice. \n\n\n\nHer work supports Green Era’s model of circular infrastructure paired with direct community reinvestment. Through partnerships with community organizations\, food system stakeholders\, and community-led workforce programs\, she helps design systems where environmental value flows back into historically disinvested neighborhoods. \n\n\n\nSusannah holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BS from Northwestern. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanelist\n\n\n\nJennifer Lott\n\n\n\nTechnical Development Manager\, SGS \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nJennifer Lott is the Technical Development Director – Certification and Tailored Solutions at SGS North America. She is passionate about helping companies grow and succeed. \n\n\n\nJennifer specializes in Food and Product Safety Management Systems; her expertise in all things associated with certification\, including training and project management. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanelist\n\n\n\nLoula Merkel\n\n\n\nCEO\, COMET \n\n\n\n\nBio\n\nLoula has over 15 years of experience in agribusiness and energy industries. Previously the Director of Project Development at Coskata\, she was responsible for the development and financing of commercial projects. \n\n\n\nShe also spent 8 years at McKinsey & Company\, serving clients at the intersection of chemicals and agribusiness industries\, including multinational fertilizer\, agrochemical and food companies. \n\n\n\nLoula has an M.A. in Economics from John Hopkins University SAIS and a B.A. in Economics from Loyola University Chicago. \n\n\n\nLoula\, recently at IFT First\, emphasized how sustainability should target ingredients—not just packaging. \n\n\n\nShe highlighted that using upcycled fibers like Arrabina in nutrition bars creates far more meaningful carbon reduction than eco-packaging alone. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA Co-Sponsored Event\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFour Star Mushrooms\n\n\n\nFour Star Mushrooms is a controlled environment agriculture company producing premium quality gourmet mushrooms in the heart of Chicago. \n\n\n\nFour Star Mushrooms’ mission is to create a sustainable food system by leveraging mushroom cultivation to upcycle organic byproducts\, grow superfoods\, and build soil. \n\n\n\nOur vision is a future where food is grown sustainably in and around urban centers\, at scale\, allowing our native ecosystems to become strongholds of biological diversity\, sustainable food production\, and carbon sinks. \n\n\n\nWe grow 7 varieties of mushrooms year-round and have acclaim from the best chefs in Chicago. Our values (innovation\, sustainability\, quality\, transparency) are centered on our customers. \n\n\n\nAdditional info: \n\n\n\n\nFIND MUSHROOMS\n\n\n\nSee “jaws drop” on WGN\n\n\n\nSee Four Star Mushrooms Michelin Star collaboration on “The Food Guy”\n\n\n\nLearn Four Star Mushrooms mission on FOX 32\n\n\n\nStar Chefs Chicago 2024 Featured Story\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIFT Sustainable Food Systems Division\n\n\n\nIFT Sustainable Food Systems Division: Exploring a food system that provides healthy food and creates sustainable environmental\, economic\, and social systems. \n\n\n\nLearn more \n\n\n\nLinkedIn \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChicago Section IFT\n\n\n\nThe Chicago Section IFT (CSIFT) is a section of IFT\, serving as a hub of food science professionals in the Chicago area. It provides a platform for local The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization dedicated to advancing the science of food. CSIFT contributes to the broader mission of IFT to advance the science of food on a local level.
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/chicago-harvest-feeding-our-future-sustainability/
LOCATION:Illinois
CATEGORIES:Networking
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T203000
DTSTAMP:20260417T210954
CREATED:20250626T025447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T033420Z
UID:4805-1756229400-1756240200@www.chicagoift.org
SUMMARY:Brews & Board Games
DESCRIPTION:Brews & Board Games\n\n\n\nNoon Whistle Brewery Barrel Room\n\n\n\nThe CSIFT New Connections Committee is kicking off their season of events with a brewery game night! Did you know playing games can help ease stress and improve one’s mental well-being? \n\n\n\nJoin us at Noon Whistle Brewing in the Barrel Room for a fun-filled evening of networking and board games. If you’re not sure how to play – don’t worry – we will have our own board game aficionados available to help teach the group. \n\n\n\nParticipants are also welcome to bring along their own games to share with others. Appetizers\, salad and pizza are included in the registration cost. \n\n\n\nTake a chance\, roll a die\, and make a new connection at this exciting event! Your New Connections team hopes to see you there. \n\n\n\nGames provided include:\n\n\n\n\nHues and cues\n\n\n\nCode names\n\n\n\nPoint salad\n\n\n\nKool aid Jenga\n\n\n\nWhat do you meme\n\n\n\nDeep dive\n\n\n\nTsuro\n\n\n\nNacho stack\n\n\n\nSagrada\n\n\n\n\n\n    Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\nView Attendees\n\n\n\nAdd to Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nDate\n\n\n\nTuesday \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\nMaximum 40 attendees so don’t delay! \n\n\n\n\n$35 Members\n\n\n\n$40 Non-Members\n\n\n\n\n\n\n    Locations\n\n\n\nNoon Whistle Brewing\n\n\n\nBarrel Room800 E. Roosevelt Road\, Lombard\, IL 60148
URL:https://www.chicagoift.org/event/brews-board-games/
LOCATION:Noon Whistle Brewing\, 800 E. Roosevelt Road\, Lombard\, Illinois\, 60148\, United States
CATEGORIES:Networking
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