Tens of thousands of FFA members, advisors, alumni and supporters from across the country are planning to gather in Indianapolis for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. This celebration of agricultural education and leadership will take place from Oct. 29-Nov. 1, with events happening at the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, local hotels and dozens of other off-site locations around the state.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in rural, suburban, and urban communities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FFA transforms the lives of middle and high school students through a combination of a hands-on agricultural education curriculum, work-based learning, and leadership and life skills.
“This year’s convention is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our members’ dedication and a launchpad for the next generation of leaders,” said Christine White, chief program officer of the National FFA Organization. “It’s a time where we honor the hard work of today and ignite the spark of inspiration for tomorrow, empowering a community that will shape the future of agriculture and innovation for years to come.”
Last year, more than 71,000 people attended the event, which is the largest annual gathering of FFA members. Attendees will participate in award ceremonies, explore careers, do hands-on service projects, and more.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
· Members will participate in a variety of competitive events.
· Members and chapters will also receive awards and recognition for various individual and chapter activities.
PERSONAL GROWTH
· The convention will offer members additional opportunities to practice communication, teamwork and leadership outside of the classroom. By working together and sharing ideas, they will build confidence, character and other soft skills that will benefit them when they return home.
· Members and advisors are able to participate in workshops, hear from motivational speakers and attend general sessions.
DAYS OF SERVICE
· Members will have the opportunity to participate in 31 off-site service projects to give back to the greater Indianapolis area.
· On-site, FFA members will create hundreds of emergency kits for animals, including food, an emergency blanket, animal waste bags, and toys. They will also create 1,500 braided paracord leashes, which are strong and lightweight and suitable for different animals. Both the emergency kits and paracord leashes will be donated to IndyHumane.
CAREER DISCOVERY
· With more than 250 exhibitors, FFA members can explore more than 350 careers in agriculture at the Convention Expo and visit with more than 80 colleges and universities from across the country about their programs, which range from agricultural engineering to business management.
· Members will participate in off-site Career Success Tours to meet members of the community and learn about their businesses.
PREMIER LEADERSHIP
· 475 FFA members from across the country, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will serve as convention delegates and conduct the organization’s official business.
· 5,161 American FFA Degrees will be awarded to outstanding members for their achievements.
· On the last day of the event, the new National FFA Officer team, the six members who will represent the organization for the next year, will be elected.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
· National FFA provides more than 100 scholarships and travel grants to support members and chapters to participate in the convention from across the country.
· The National FFA Foundation will celebrate a notable milestone for the organization’s Give the Gift of Blue program, providing iconic blue jackets to members who would otherwise not be able to afford them.
· According to Visit Indy, the convention will have an economic impact of more than $14 million.
The 98th National Convention & Expo officially kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 29, when the Expo Hall opens at 8 a.m and concludes on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 1, 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.
