Gum Guru Guest Blogger: Grace Wang, M.S., Food Scientist

Back in the office! After vacationing in the beautiful Colorado Rockies, I flew directly to Chicago for the IFT Food Expo. What a scene! Chicago itself was buzzing with the Transformers 3 movie set, with parts of Michigan Avenue closed down for filming explosions and car wrecks. But inside the convention center, there was a different kind of excitement. With lots of exhibitors and attendees, I don’t remember the last time it was so packed. Our promotional item, a bouncy ball filled with colorful floating beads, became a coveted give-away. In an attempt to get more than one ball, some even showed us pictures of the intended recipients (usually children or grandchildren) or bartered their own booth’s items (squeezable Spam cans)! Booth visitors could’ve also treated themselves to some sugary gum balls from our large, old-fashioned gum ball dispenser or a high-five from the Gum Guru. I caught up with friends and professors from school, and met with old and new customers. I even beared the heat wave and ran in the Fun Run at 6 am! All in all, a very successful trip and I can’t wait until New Orleans!