FFA members and supporters nationwide will celebrate agriculture and agricultural education during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. This time-honored tradition will be held Oct. 23-26.
The National FFA Organization is the nation’s premier school-based youth leadership development organization, with more than 1 million members and 9,000 chapters in rural, suburban, and urban schools in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FFA’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
“Our FFA mission is to grow the next generation of leaders who will feed, fuel, clothe, and sustain our world,” says Mandy Hazlett, associate director of convention & events management programs. “Throughout the year, FFA is focused on career success and personal development for every student member, no matter their path after high school graduation. The 97th National FFA Convention & Expo is a culmination of hard work throughout the members’ year and a prime opportunity to network with others throughout the country.”
The National Convention & Expo is the largest gathering of FFA members annually. Attendees have the opportunity to compete, explore more than 350 careers, meet other members from across the country, shape the future of the organization, enjoy entertainment opportunities, and more.
Career success
- Explore 350 careers in agriculture at the Expo
- Talk with 65 universities from across the country about their programs, ranging from agriculture engineering to business management
- Participate in Career Success Tours to meet members of the community and learn about their businesses
Personal growth
- Attend the opening general session featuring motivational speaker and comedian Kevin Wanzer
- Hear from keynote speaker Dr. Temple Grandin and be one of the first to screen her new documentary
- Attend student and teacher workshops
Premier leadership
- 475 members from across the country will convene during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, serving their role as convention delegates and conducting the organization’s official business.
- On the last day of the event, the new National FFA Officer team, the six students who will represent the organization for the next year, will be elected.
- 4,805 American FFA Degrees will be awarded to outstanding members during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo for their achievements in agricultural education and FFA.
Day of Service
FFA members will make an estimated 4,000 loom potholders in collaboration with Meals on Wheels on the Expo Hall floor in the Indiana Convention Center. Potholders will be given to volunteers who hand out warm meals to homebound seniors and to those receiving the meals.
FFA members will spend an evening assembling Celebration Boxes while learning how to plan a similar project back home. Items in the boxes will support a birthday or a congratulations day for members of the Indianapolis community who might not have the means to celebrate.
An estimated 3,185 delegates and FFA members will serve at 24 local non-profits to give back to the greater Indianapolis area.
Competitive events
- Students will participate in a variety of competitive events, which will focus on their Supervised Agricultural Experiences and FFA Chapter activities.
- FFA members will also have the opportunity to participate in a Talent Competition.
Economic impact
According to Visit Indy, the convention’s more than 65,000 visitors and use of the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana State Fairgrounds, and more than 100 hotels in Central Indiana will impact the region with an estimated $40 million in economic activity. The convention has been in Indianapolis since 2016 and is scheduled to remain there at least through 2033.
The 97th National Convention & Expo officially kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 23, when the Expo Hall opens at Noon and concludes on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 26, with the election of the new National Officer Team.
Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to watch on FFA Live!, FFA’s streaming broadcast beginning with the first drop of the gavel on Wednesday, Oct. 23 and ending with the election of the 2024-25 National FFA Officers on Saturday, Oct. 26. Additionally, student reporters will be hosting Inside Convention, a daily highlight show of all the key happenings at convention. The show will air at 11 a.m.EDT each day of the event and be available online anytime. Visit convention.ffa.org for more information.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
