Join us for a monthly dinner meetings! Our events are lively and welcoming, so don’t be shy. From 5:00 to 6:00, catch up with old friends or mingle with new acquaintances over your favorite beverage. Dinner is served at 6:00, followed by a fascinating guest speaker around 6:30 pm. It’s simple, fun, and interesting!”
Prior Events 2024-2025 Last Year's Events May 2024
14th Dinner Meeting - at the Old Spaghetti Factory - Corvallis
We wrapped up the season with a must-attend wine tasting led by Dr. Elizabeth Tomasino from Oregon State's Food Science & Technology Department. She taught us about some of our fabulous Oregon wines and how to taste wine like a true connoisseur, all while we networked with passionate professionals and students in our industry! OSIFT also provided a board leadership update to membership and announcing this year's volunteer leadership awardees.
April 2024
9th Dinner meeting -at the Reed in Salem
Join OSIFT April 9th at the Reed in Salem for a unique event, where Pat Crowley, the CEO and Founder of Chapul Farms, will share insights into their innovative approach to tackling industrial food waste through a circular economy model.
March 2024
12th Dinner meeting - at McMenamins Old Church & Pub in Wilsonville
Come join OSIFT and learn from Alex Paraskevas how the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) is working to create, grow, and cultivate economic opportunities in Marion and Polk Counties. Get the scoop on current industry developments, network with fellow professionals, and discover how you can cultivate success in the beautiful Willamette Valley!
Dec 2023
12th Holiday Party Dinner Meeting - at Food Innovation Center in Portland
This year, we joined forces with the Food Innovation Center and experienced first-hand the vibrant food innovation hub supporting entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses in Oregon and beyond. We indulged in a delicious meal while learning about the Food Innovation Center's capabilities and focus areas for 2024, while mingling with fellow food enthusiasts, industry and academia professionals, and staff of Oregon State University's Food Innovation Center.
Via proceeds from our annual raffle, OSIFT donated $1,675.08 to the Oregon Food Bank, contributing to their vital mission of alleviating hunger and supporting those in need. It felt great to make a positive impact in our community during the holiday season!
Nov 2023
14th Dinner Meeting - at Vue Corvallis Event Space.
Join OSIFT November 14th and learn strategies to navigate the maze of regulatory compliance for your small food business. Featuring networking with industry experts and a presentation by Emmalea Rice, Senior Regulatory Associate at Foodwit.
Oct 2023
10th Dinner Meeting - at Merlot Room at Chemeketa Eola; Northwest Wine Studies Center
Ever wondered how they make Beaver Classic™ cheese so delicious? Join OSIFT on October 10th for a guided cheese tasting featuring OSU student experts our October dinner meeting! You'll learn a little bit about cheesemaking, cheese-perfecting, and taste a variety of fabulous cheeses in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country.
Sep 2023
12th Dinner Meeting (in-person) - September 12th from 5-8 pm at McMenamins Hotel Oregon in McMinnville
Learn about the impacts of wildfire smoke on Oregon wines and current approaches in how the industry is mitigating the impacts of smoke on wine - featuring Cole Cerrato, PhD Assistant Professor, OSU Smoke Wine and Grapes Analytical Lab