Ben King, member of IFST's Student Group, reviews IFST Spring Conference 2018 (SC18), which took place on Thursday, 19 April 2018.
This year’s annual IFST Spring Conference (SC18) held at the University of Birmingham’s prestigious Elgar concert hall, provided an insight into the future of how the food industry needs to manage risk, and incorporate technology into the supply chain, in what can be turbulent times for the food industry.
The day started with registration and refreshments and the chance to talk to both industry professionals and companies promoting their services and research within the conference.
After a welcome speech by the current IFST President, David Gregory, we began with a series of lectures and talks on multiple subjects - from future technologies to auditing, with the focus placed on managing risk. During the breaks, students and industry had the chance to network with each other, and discuss what had been presented or the current issues industry faces, including the dreaded word ‘Brexit’.
IFST also held a ‘student/ young professionals meet and greet’ on their stand and allowed myself and other students to have a chance to network along with those who have just started their careers in the food industry. It was nice to meet IFST members from across the UK, from students and young professionals to those involved in companies.
Overall the day was a fantastic opportunity for students to network and learn from industry, while seeing what the future holds for managing risk in food manufacturing. I would recommend students of any year or young professionals to attend the Spring Conference if they want to enhance their learning and increase their professional industry network.
Ben King - University College Birmingham and member of IFST Student Group