Previewing the Food Safety Summit in Rosemont

Spectroscopic techniques are currently playing an active role in food and beverage analysis. For example, Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics enhance food quality monitoring, offering rapid, non-destructive assessments in cold chain processes.¹ Spectroscopic techniques, including visible–near-infrared (vis-NIR) and infrared (IR), provide responsive ways to assess food composition and freshness.¹ Chemometric tools such as partial least squares (PLS) and principal component analysis (PCA) effectively interpret data, improving food authentication and spoilage assessment.¹

Because of the role spectroscopy is playing in this industry, the upcoming 2026 Food Safety Summit may be of interest to spectroscopists in the field. This conference and exposition is designed to address the evolving needs of the global food industry. Produced by Food Safety Magazine, this event serves as a central hub where the industry’s culture is cultivated and shared among thousands of professionals.^2,3

Below is a comprehensive Q&A detailing what attendees can expect from this year's summit.

What are the basic details of the 2026 event?

The Food Safety Summit will take place from May 11–14, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. It is structured as a three-day comprehensive educational program that combines learning from subject matter experts with an expansive Exhibit Hall featuring progressive solution providers.²

Who is the intended audience for this conference?

The Summit attracts a wide variety of key stakeholders across the entire supply chain. This includes leaders from government and regulatory bodies, academic communities, growers, processors, and retailers.^2,3 Additionally, the event is tailored for professionals in food service, testing laboratories, importing/exporting, law firms, and distributors.^2,3 Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, the Summit is designed for anyone in the food safety and public health industries.

What educational opportunities are available?

The educational program focuses on practical, solution-based content curated by an Educational Advisory Board. Attendees can participate in interactive sessions and hands-on workshops that offer strategies and tools capable of being implemented immediately within their organizations.^2,3 The 2026 agenda includes a variety of formats, such as:

• Certificate courses and specialized training.^2,3
• General education sessions led by industry experts.^2,3
• Keynote presentations and high-level panels.^2,3

Can I earn professional certifications or credits?

Yes. One of the primary draws of the Summit is the ability to extend your professional credentials. Attendees can participate in specialized training and certification courses, including HACCP.² Furthermore, the Summit allows professionals to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).²

What makes the Exhibit Hall unique?

The Exhibit Hall is more than just a trade show; it features several dedicated areas designed to enhance the learning experience. These include:

• The Community Hub: A central gathering space for networking and sharing ideas.²
• Tech Tents: Areas focusing specifically on software and technology to solve critical organizational issues.²
• Solutions Stage: Presentations that highlight specific industry challenges and the products available to solve them.²
• Podcast Theater: A venue to listen to live interviews with regulatory officials and academic experts.²

What are the networking highlights?

The Summit provides numerous opportunities to interact with thousands of peers. Beyond the educational sessions, there are two dedicated networking receptions. A notable event is the "Food Safety Summit Gives Back" reception, which allows attendees, speakers, and exhibitors to network while supporting a charitable cause.²

How does the Summit involve government agencies?

A major highlight of the conference is the Town Hall session. This is a real-time conversation and Q&A session with representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Disease Control (CDC), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), allowing the food safety community to engage directly with top regulatory officials.²

Is there a virtual option for those who cannot attend in person?

Yes, select sessions will be live-streamed online for virtual attendees. These sessions offer access to expert-led education and real-time insights.³ Additionally, all streamed content will be available on demand for one year, allowing participants to revisit key takeaways at their convenience.³

References

1. Wetzel, W. Spectroscopy and Chemometrics Pave the Way for Safer, Higher-Quality Food. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/spectroscopy-and-chemometrics-pave-the-way-for-safer-higher-quality-food (accessed 2026-04-27).
2. Food Safety Magazine, Why Attend. Food-Safety.com. Available at: https://www.food-safety.com/food-safety-summit/attendee-information?gad_campaignid=23617759146&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADt2eXRxjvKNaj_5CkqaQP8-XPW9l (accessed 2026-04-27).
3. Food Safety Magazine, Food Safety Summit. Food-Safety.com. Available at: https://www.food-safety.com/food-safety-summit (accessed 2026-04-27).