Indianapolis, Indiana – There will be a lot of blue and gold in downtown Indianapolis next week, and it’s not only Pacers supporters wearing it. Oct. 26–29 sees the return of the National FFA 95th Convention and Expo to Indianapolis.
“We’re getting back to what we love,” Mandy Hazlett, associate director of convention and events, National FFA Organization, said. “We had to make quite a few changes to our program last year like many others. But, this year, the convention is full swing.”
Living or working in downtown Indianapolis may necessitate temporarily forgoing grabbing lunch and keeping an eye out for FFA members. It may serve as a glimpse of what the organization’s members might expect in the future.
FFA was the initial for Future Farmers of America. Due of all the organization currently stands for, the name of the organization has been altered to just FFA.
“That is a stigma that we used to have,” Hazlett acknowledged. “When we changed our name several years ago, it was to really incorporate the meaning that National FFA is really a place for everybody, for hundreds of different careers in agriculture.”
She clarified that this may involve anything, including biotechnology, communications, and event organizing.
“We have over 300 exhibitors that are going to be with us this year. Those are companies that are wanting to get in front of our students and show them all the different careers that are available in agriculture.”
According to Hazlett, convention planners do hear tales from students who experience “aha moments” when they realize opportunities are available to them that they had not previously considered.
Students will also take part in service projects, which might not be done entirely in person. This year, students will utilize donated new or gently used children’s books to create 1,200 travel book pillows that will be delivered to hospitals and schools.
While the concerts on Wednesday and Thursday nights will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the sessions will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium.
More than 60,000 people are anticipated to attend this year’s gathering, according to Hazlett.
