Over the years the National FFA Convention has changed, but how much? I spoke with an FFA advisor from the Peter Muhlenberg Chapter in Virginia, Ambrosia Church, who went to the convention as a student and now as an advisor. Church is an advisor of the Peter Muhlenberg chapter.
As a student, Church went to the national conventions in 2011 and 2012, and she has attended pretty much ever since as an advisor.
One noticeable difference for Church was the location: The National FFA Convention spent a few years in the past decade held in Louisville, Kentucky, before coming back to Indianapolis in 2016. Church says that Indianapolis has been very welcoming with our organization and has been very supportive. She noted too that Indianapolis has a variety of food options — but is a lot busier.
Some things never change though.
“The expo center has always been great,” Church said. “I really enjoy how the businesses really go into detail and connect with the students.”
The expo hall for the National FFA Convention hosts a variety of colleges and businesses, and even military branches. This is a great place for students to learn about different career paths.
I think I can speak for everyone when I say, the National FFA Convention & Expo is an experience like no other. Whether you are attending as a student or advisor, you will never forget your time spent here.
While speaking with Church, I asked about some of the most memorable moments while attending the convention. As a student, one of her favorite memories was competing at Nationals. Church competed in Poultry Judging and Ag Issues. She stated how she really enjoyed meeting new people and sharing thoughts and opinions on different topics.
As an advisor, one of her favorite things is watching her students learn.
“Watching them learn how to budget, meeting new people, and leaving the small rural area we are from and exploring a new city is so enjoyable. Most of them don’t leave home so seeing them explore makes this so enjoyable,” Church told me.
Overall, the National FFA Convention and Expo is a trip you will never forget. Some things may change, but it will always be one of the best weeks of your life.
» See all of our National FFA coverage here.
Claire Howe is a senior at Bassett High School in Virginia and serves as chapter reporter for Bassett FFA.
