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2025
​Global
​Taste & Smell Summit

September 15th & 16th
​The Culinary Institute of America

~ by invitation only ~

A portion of this program is in co-development, subject to change without notice

Hello!

As we step into the second half of 2025, I’m inspired by the journey we’ve shared—and by the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. At the World Taste & Smell Association, our commitment to sensory innovation, wellness, and human-centered design continues to guide every step we take.

This year’s program reflects our collective dedication to advancing research, fostering collaboration, and making a lasting impact on lives around the world. But we can’t do it alone.

We invite you to join us as a sponsor, collaborator, or donor to help us bring bold ideas to life, forge meaningful connections, and drive transformative breakthroughs that will change lives.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to be part of a remarkable journey.

Mindy Yang, Co-Founder & CEO
​World Taste & Smell Association


9/15: Vision & Proof of Concept

From Molecule to Meaning

10:00 AM – Noon *** A Walking Tour of the Culinary Institute of America
​Behind-the-scenes campus tour

Noon – 1:00 PM *** BREAK
​Lunch Break & Networking

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM *** Innovation Showcase
​Proof of Concept: Breakthroughs in Taste & Smell Seeking Support
​One room. Staggered blocks. No concurrent sessions.

  • Power pitches from curated founders, researchers, and early-stage ventures
  • Short panel or Q&A with investors/judges reacting to pitches
  • Interspersed with fireside insights and vision talks

Together, we'll explore:

  • The Future of Flavor, From Molecule to Meaning
  • From Lab to Table – Translating sensory science into real-world impact
  • Innovation Lab – Scent tech, diagnostic tools, apps, and multisensory UX
  • The Next Bite – Functional flavor, mood food, and future rituals
  • Future Palate – Sustainable plant-based flavor innovation
  • The Future of Drinking – Functional and low/no alcohol innovation
  • Culinary Kits & Smell Recovery Tools – Tools for healing and performance

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM *** OPTIONAL
​Departure for dinner or an off-site tasting experience

9/16: Collaboration & Immersion

The Taste & Smell of What’s Next
​Through a holistic and collaborative lens, we can foster group alignment, encourage deep dives into critical topics, and co-navigate challenges to uncover actionable insights and future opportunities:
​
​ALL DAY (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
​Drop-In Format — Open Throughout Day Two
​SENSORY TECH SHOWCASE
​
​Exhibits & Delicious Demos:

    • Future Palate – Plant-Based and Sustainable Tastes
    • The Future of Drinking – Adaptogenic, Functional, Low/No Bev
    • Mood Food & Aromas
    • Digital Health, Discovery & Diagnostic Tools
    • E-Nose, Multisensory Interfaces, and Flavor Mapping
    • Sound + Scent + Haptics Showcase
    • Sensory Retail Tech
    • AI Tools for Fragrance, Flavor + Personalization (Trade & Retail)
Did you know: 1 in 3 people worldwide experience taste or smell dysfunction in their lifetime? From sensory recovery to proactive wellness, the global market for sensory-driven health and innovation is poised for exponential growth—spanning healthcare, food, beverage, hospitality, technology, and beyond.

Roundtable Sessions

This isn’t a typical conference. Our roundtables are designed for deep, human-centered conversation—not presentations. Each track features 3 themed tables hosted by expert moderators, and each session lasts 2 hours. You’ll join 6–8 fellow guests around the table to explore the topic together.

How the Roundtables Work

  • Curated Conversations – No panels or presentations. Each table hosts a deep, focused discussion.
  • Small Groups (6–8 people) – Sit where your curiosity leads you.
  • Expert Moderators – Each table has a guide to keep the dialogue rich and inclusive.
  • Choose Your Table – Each track has 3 themed tables. Pick one per session.
  • 2 Hours Per Track – Enough time for depth, connection, and momentum.

Roundtables foster:

  • Shared insight
  • Equal voices
  • Real collaboration
  • Big ideas in an intimate format

Choose the table that resonates with your curiosity, expertise, or passion.
​Speak. Listen. Build ideas. The magic happens in the mix:

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

*** Concurrent Rooms ***

A. HEALTH & EQUITY TRACK

  • Sense & Care – Reimagining health through sensory access
  • Invisible No More – Advocacy and the sensory justice movement
  • #DeliciousForAll – Dignity, access, neuro x food science, technology, and inclusive design

B. CULTURE & RITUAL TRACK

  • Eat, Feel, Glow – Wellness through flavor, fragrance, and belonging
  • Ritual Reboot – Redesigning the moments that matter
  • The Future of Wellness – Cultural fluency, pleasure, and access

Noon – 1:00 PM *** Break

LUNCH & NETWORKING

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

*** Concurrent Rooms ***

A. INNOVATION & METRICS

  • Sensorial Intelligence – New benchmarks in product, policy, and care
  • Behavioral Economics of Taste & Smell – How sensory input drives decisions. Explore how this impacts culture, ROI, society, and sustainability
  • Taste our planet. Smell our world. – Regenerative eating, sustainability, and sensory behavior

B. PERFORMANCE, RECOVERY & THERAPEUTICS

  • Eat to Heal, Eat to Feel – “Food as Medicine”, Strategies for cognition and performance
  • The Next Bite – Future rituals around functional products, prevention, regeneration, and longevity
  • From Lab to Life – Accelerating impact through translational R&D

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM *** Tastings + Networking

  • Closing bites, coffee service, and final showcase interactions=
  • Wrap-up reflection

+ PRESENT OR SPONSOR

+ TICKETS

+ Know someone who belongs in the room? Request an invite.

Thanks for dropping by!

We look forward to seeing you at this year's summit!