More than 70,000 FFA members, advisors and supporters are expected to head to Indianapolis this month for the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo. This year’s event runs from Oct. 21-24 with activities happening at the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, local hotels, and several other locations around the state.
The National FFA Organization is the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the country, with more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Members come from rural, suburban and urban communities, many of whom are drawn to the organization by the wide range of career opportunities in agriculture, with more than 350 to explore. Over the past 99 years, FFA has evolved alongside agriculture itself, and today it impacts middle and high school students through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on experiences, and leadership and life skills. The National FFA Convention is the largest annual gathering of FFA members.
“What makes this convention special is that our members don’t just receive recognition – they engage with one another and empower each other,” said Christine White, chief program officer of the National FFA Organization. “Whether they’re presenting research on the Student Showcase stage, serving alongside one another in the community or earning their American FFA Degree, they leave Indianapolis ready to lead back home.”
Last year’s event drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 73,000 people. This year’s attendees will engage through award ceremonies, career exploration, hands-on service projects and more.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
- Members will participate in a variety of competitive events.
- 5,816 American FFA Degrees will be awarded to outstanding members for their achievements.
- 236 Honorary American FFA Degrees will be awarded to individuals who have supported FFA and agricultural education.
- Members and chapters will also receive awards and recognition for various individual and chapter activities.
ENGAGING AND EMPOWERING
- The Student Showcase stage will feature FFA members and chapters presenting their agriscience fair research and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), giving members the chance to share their experiences and empower one another.
- Members from rural, suburban and urban communities across the country will connect and engage with one another throughout the week as part of the Chapter Connect program.
- An estimated 3,240 delegates and students will serve at 27 local nonprofits to give back to the greater Indianapolis area.
PERSONAL GROWTH
- Members and advisors can attend student and teacher workshops at the Indiana Convention Center and general sessions at Lucas Oil Stadium.
- Keynote speakers include Scott McKain on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, and Reagan Pugh on Friday morning.
CAREER DISCOVERY
- FFA members can explore more than 350 careers in agriculture at the National FFA Expo.
- The School Leaders’ Summit will invite superintendents, principals, counselors and career and technical education directors to attend special sessions featuring FFA members, advisors and administrators. Participants will learn about the convention’s educational relevance and take a behind-the-scenes tour of select convention sites.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
- The convention is expected to bring an estimated economic impact of $40 million to the city of Indianapolis.
- More than 100 hotels are estimated to be used during the week.
- The National FFA Convention & Expo will continue to be held in Indianapolis through 2040.
The 99th National FFA Convention & Expo officially kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 21, when the Expo Hall opens at 9 a.m. and concludes on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 24, with the election of the new National FFA Officer Team. For those unable to attend in person, FFA Live! will provide full streaming coverage. Student hosts and reporters will bring audiences closer to the action with live coverage of key moments, interviews with award winners, and conversations with special guests. Visit convention.ffa.org for more information.
***Courtesy of The National FFA Organization***
