A to Z National FFA Convention & Expo Guide

Updated July 13, 2023 | View PDF version

ABOUT FFA

FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success. Members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields.

FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education. Today, there are more than  850,823 FFA members, aged 12-21, in 8,995 chapters in all 50 states,  Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

FFA Vision: Growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.

FFA Mission: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. 

The Agricultural Education Mission: Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.

The National FFA Organization affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal-opportunity employer.

ACCESSIBILITY

FFA is dedicated to ensuring that all members and guests can participate and have a positive learning experience. If you need accommodations as outlined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), complete the Request for Accommodation Form (ADA and Other).

Attendees With Hearing Loss

Closed-captioning service will be provided at Lucas Oil Stadium for all sessions. You can access this service by clicking here. Please complete this ADA Request Form for additional interpretation services at Lucas Oil Stadium.

If you are attending the concert at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, signed interpretation will be provided. Speak with Guest Services in the lobby of Gainbridge Fieldhouse for more information.

Seating for Attendees With Disabilities

You can work with event staff at Gainbridge Fieldhouse or Lucas Oil Stadium to locate ADA-wheelchair and mobility-accessible seating.

For ticketed entertainment at Gainbridge Fieldhouse or Indiana Farmers Coliseum, take general seating tickets purchased through Ticketmaster to the facility’s main ticket office.

You will be allowed to exchange general seating tickets, one for the participant with mobility issues and one for a companion.

Drop-Off/Pick-up and Entry Zones for Attendees With Disabilities

The drop-off and pick-up locations for convention sites are as follows:

Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Pennsylvania Street, in front of the fieldhouse by the ramps.
Indiana Convention Center: Right curb lane of Maryland Street, between Capitol Avenue and Hyatt Skywalk.
Indiana State Fairgrounds: In front of West Park Pavilion. Notify parking attendants to receive access.
Lucas Oil Stadium: Right curb lane of Capitol Avenue at South Street.

ATMS AND REVERSE ATMS

Note: Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse are now cashless venues. (See: Cashless Venues)

 Cash-providing ATMs are available throughout the public areas of Lucas Oil Stadium and on the first level of the Indiana Convention Center, in the Maryland Food Court, between Room 116 and the 500 Ballroom Reception Room, and behind Room 140.

At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, ATMs are in the Entry Pavilion, on the Main Concourse at Section 19 and the Balcony Level at Section 211.

At Indiana Farmers Coliseum, ATMs are in the main lobby and the northwest and southeast corners of the main concourse.

Cash to Card (Reverse) ATMs are available outside sections 116 and 153 at Lucas Oil Stadium, outside of Hall E at the Indiana Convention Center and around each level of Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Thousands of FFA members attend the National FFA Convention & Expo to be recognized for outstanding accomplishments or compete for national recognition after earning statewide acclaim. Areas are briefly explained below; find additional information at FFA.org/Awards.

Agriscience Fair: The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes student researchers studying the application of agricultural scientific principles and emerging technologies in agricultural enterprises.

American FFA Degree: This degree is the highest honor awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences. Fewer than one percent of FFA members annually enjoy this honor.

American Star Awards: The American Star Awards represent the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients. Finalists for the award have mastered skills in production, finance, management and/or research.

Career and Leadership Development Events: Career and Leadership Development Events develop college and career readiness skills. The competitive events serve as an outgrowth of instruction in the agricultural education classroom for FFA members in grades 7 to 12.

Honorary Awards: FFA relies on exceptional teachers, individuals and companies to provide life-changing experiences for its members. Each year those who have made outstanding contributions to FFA are honored with Distinguished Service Citation, VIP Citation or the Honorary American FFA Degree.

National Chapter Awards: The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization.

Proficiency Awards: The National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through their supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.

BAGS, BACKPACKS AND PURSES

Bags, backpacks and purses of reasonable size are allowed in convention venues. Still, they must be searched by event staff before entry. Be sure to remove prohibited items before entry (see Prohibited Items for a list). No bag or item checks are available at any convention venue.

BAND, CHORUS AND TALENT

FFA members participating in National FFA Band, Chorus and Talent apply during the summer to participate and compete with their talents during the National FFA Convention & Expo.

Catch these talented members performing during general sessions, on convention venue stages, in the National FFA Talent Competition, and the National FFA Band and Chorus Concert.

BROADCASTING AND STREAMING

Keep up with the National FFA Convention & Expo wherever you are! RFD-TV will provide live gavel-to-gavel television coverage of all convention sessions. General sessions and other events will be broadcast live on FFA.org and FFA social media platforms, along with event replays and highlights.

BUS LOADING ZONES

Groups arriving by school bus or private charter can drop off and pick up at these locations in the right curb lane:

Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Pennsylvania Street, between Maryland Street and the railroad overpass.

Lucas Oil Stadium/Indiana Convention Center: South Street, between Capitol Avenue and Missouri Street.

Indiana State Fairgrounds via 38th Street (Gate 1): East curb lane of State Fair Boulevard on West Pavilion’s west side. After unloading, buses will be directed to parking locations or Gate 1 to exit the grounds.

Indiana State Fairgrounds via Fall Creek Parkway (Gate 6): Buses will be directed to the southwest corner of the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. After unloading, buses will be directed to parking locations or Gate 1 to exit the grounds.

CASHLESS VENUES

Indiana Convention Center, Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium are now cashless venues. All concession stands and retail outlet purchases must be made with credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium have Cash-to-Card machines that convert cash to prepaid debit cards at no expense. The prepaid debit cards can be used at any location inside or outside the venues where credit or debit cards are accepted.

CHARGING STATIONS

Find charging stations in the Indiana Convention Center.

CHILDREN FIVE AND UNDER

Children five and under can attend the National FFA Convention & Expo at no cost. However, if planning to attend the concert or one of the rodeos, every person must have a Ticketmaster ticket per venue rules. Upon arrival at the concert or rodeos, you may be asked to step over to the FFA help desk to receive a conference wristband for the child for that entertainment event. All attendees of the concert or a rodeo must have a conference badge plus their Ticketmaster mobile ticket to enter.

CODE OF CONDUCT

By attending or participating in the National FFA Convention & Expo, you agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and the FFA Code of Ethics. The full Code of Conduct can be viewed here.

FFA CODE OF ETHICS

FFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to the organization, chapter, school, community and family. As an FFA member, I pledge to:

  • Develop my potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
  • Make a positive difference in the lives of others.
  • Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion.
  • Respect the rights of others and their property.
  • Be courteous, honest and fair with others.
  • Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful and positive manner.
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in defeat.
  • Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant.
  • Conduct and value a supervised agricultural experience program.
  • Strive to establish and enhance my skills through agricultural education in order to enter a successful career.
  • Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization.
CODE OF CONDUCT

All convention and expo participants are expected to obey all local, state and federal laws. Participants shall abstain from abusive, disruptive or inappropriate behavior before, during or after the event in all forms, including in-person, via digital or social media and any other form of communication.

The National FFA Organization may act in its discretion to address any attendee(s), group(s) or participant(s) it believes fail to uphold the criteria of the FFA Code of Ethics or Code of Conduct, including but not limited to revoking event access without refund or reduction of any fees paid or payable, removal from participation in awards and recognition programs, and revocation of awards and recognition earned.

If you’ve observed or experienced a violation of the FFA Code of Ethics or Code of Conduct, please report it by clicking here or texting RFR to 234-231-9005.

CONCERTS

The National FFA Convention & Expo attendees are invited to an exclusive concert at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster while supplies last. You must have your concert ticket and your convention registration name badge to enter the concert.

CONCESSIONS, DINING AND FOOD

There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat during your visit to Indianapolis, regardless of your group’s size or budget. Check the Visit Indy Eat & Drink page for options around downtown Indianapolis.

Take advantage of the food trucks on South Street between Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center on Wednesday, Nov. 1, Thursday, Nov. 2 and Friday, Nov. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several concession stands and three food courts offer numerous dining options inside the Indiana Convention Center. All concession stands within the expo halls will be open during expo hours.

CONTROL CENTER

The Convention & Expo Control Center inside the Indiana Convention Center, Room 116, serves as the event headquarters.

COURTESY CORPS

The National FFA Convention & Expo Courtesy Corps is an excellent way for FFA members to get involved and help ensure our convention and expo is a success.

Register to join the Courtesy Corps via the Courtesy Corps webpage. During convention, visit Courtesy Corps Headquarters in the Indiana Convention Center, Room 117 (317-262-5904), for more information and to check in for a shift.

DELEGATES

A total of 475 student delegates representing each state FFA association meet during the National FFA Convention & Expo to set membership dues, elect the next National FFA Officer Team, recommend new initiatives and suggest changes. This allows the student voice to influence the direction of the National FFA Organization. For more information about National FFA Delegates, visit FFA.org/Delegates.

DIAPER CHANGING AND NURSING MOTHER STATIONS

Most restrooms at convention venues offer diaper-changing stations for attendees with young children. Lucas Oil Stadium offers three self-contained, individual pods for nursing mothers (Street Level, near Section 132; Street Level, near Sections 108-110; and Terrace Level, near Sections 518/619). The Indiana Convention Center maintains a room for nursing mothers in the women’s restroom on the first floor across from the Security Dispatch and First Aid Offices along the Crossroads Corridor. If you would like a private location for nursing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, contact the nearest usher or guest relations representative for assistance.

DRONES

All drones or other unmanned aircraft systems are prohibited in and around all National FFA Convention & Expo venues without prior authorization from the National FFA Organization and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

EXHIBITOR LIST

A complete list of exhibitors in the National FFA Expo and Shopping Mall is available on the mobile app and the Expo/Shopping Mall webpage.

EXHIBITOR SERVICES

Confirmed exhibitors in the National FFA Expo and Shopping Mall should report to the registration area in the Indiana Convention Center, Hall A, upon arrival. Contact the Exhibitor Services Desk near the back of Hall F for direct exhibitor support.

FFA ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

More than 725,000 FFA Alumni and Supporters motivate and mentor FFA student members throughout the year. At the National FFA Convention & Expo, alumni and supporters come together to volunteer, be recognized for their gifts of time and more. Interested in joining? Visit FFA.org/Alumni.

FIRST AID

In an emergency, always dial 911.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse: The First Aid Station on the Main Concourse is located near Section 7.

Indiana Convention Center: First Aid is located in the Crossroads Corridor, east of Halls D and E, on the first floor of the convention center.

Indiana Farmers Coliseum: First Aid is located near Section 207.

Lucas Oil Stadium: The main First Aid office is on the northwest corner of Street Level, adjacent to Section 145.

FUTURE CONVENTION DATES AND LOCATIONS

2024: Oct. 23-26, Indianapolis

HALL OF STATES

FFA no longer has a Hall of States. Instead, states can share the story of agriculture in their areas through the #Speak Ag Showcase. For more information on the program, visit here. The submission deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 3. Winners will be announced during the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Attendee Recommendations

Get vaccinated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Indiana Department of Health and Marion County Public Health Department say the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to get the vaccine.

Follow travel guidelines
The CDC has guidelines for travel in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are fully vaccinated, self-monitor for symptoms, wear a mask and take other precautions during travel. If you are not vaccinated, get a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel, self-monitor for symptoms, wear a mask and take other precautions. It would be best to get tested three to five days after travel and self-quarantine for seven to 10 days.

Stay back if you’re sick
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 less than 10 days before or any time while attending the National FFA Convention & Expo, do not come to the event. Attendees with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 illness are eligible to have their registration fees refunded with medical documentation.

CONVENTION PROTOCOLS

The event staff at the National FFA Convention & Expo will follow many protocols to promote a safe event, including:

  • Any individual with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 symptoms must immediately leave the event.
  • Close contacts of individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 symptoms must immediately leave the event.
  • Personal/at-home testing kits can be purchased at several locations in Indianapolis. Establishments include Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, Meijer and Target.
  • Increased placement of hand sanitizing stations.
  • The use of hospital-grade air filtration systems at the Indiana Convention Center and other venues.
  • Nightly cleaning and sanitization of event venues.
  • Masks and proof of vaccination are not required to attend.

In consultation with public health officials, event staff may continuously update requirements, recommendations or protocols to promote a safe event.

HOUSING DESK

The Housing Desk, located in the Indiana Convention Center, Room 116, will serve as the resource for questions on housing. Phone: (317) 262-5906

  • Tuesday, Oct. 31, 1-5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 1, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 2, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 3, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

INDOOR WALKWAYS

Using the downtown Indianapolis skywalks to get around is a great way to navigate the city while staying indoors.

Indoor walkways connect the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium to the JW Marriott complex, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Westin, Hyatt Regency, Omni Severin, Crown Plaza and Circle Centre Mall. View a map at Convention.FFA.org/Maps.

INFORMATION STATIONS

Get help at Information Stations stationed around the National FFA Convention & Expo. These locations are staffed with people who can answer questions, provide directions, suggest dining options and more. Find stations inside the Indiana Convention Center (Georgia Street lobby, near the entrance of Halls D and E and near Hall B) and in the West Pavilion of the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Visit convention.FFA.org/tours or the convention mobile app for information about Indianapolis area attractions, including Downtown Indianapolis, Visit Indiana, Indiana Agritourism and surrounding areas.

LOST AND FOUND

In the Indiana Convention Center, Room 117 (317-262-5904), the Courtesy Corps Headquarters operates a lost and found facility for items and people during the National FFA Convention & Expo. The room is a secure location for all participants to turn in found items. Individuals separated from their groups can report to this safe location for assistance.

LOST BADGES

Visit registration to replace a lost badge for $10/each (cash only). Student members must be accompanied by an advisor/chaperone to receive a replacement badge.

MAPS

Detailed, venue-specific maps are available online at Convention.FFA.org/Maps. Informational maps are also posted inside the Indiana Convention Center.

MEDIA

FFA welcomes members of the news media to cover and tell the great stories of FFA members.

All media members must be credentialed through National FFA Media Relations to access any National FFA Convention & Expo venue. Contact media@ffa.org or the Control Center for more information.

MOBILE APP

Download the official 96th National FFA Convention & Expo app for free on Apple and Android devices beginning in early October. The app includes a complete schedule, comprehensive maps, exhibitor listings, attraction and dining listings, event push notifications, and more.

NATIONAL DAYS OF SERVICE

Participate in a National Days of Service event by signing up through convention registration. Click here to see a list of service sites and opportunities.

You can also participate in a service event inside the Indiana Convention Center, Expo Hall H. Click here for more information. No registration or sign-up is required.

NATIONAL OFFICERS

Student delegates elect six FFA members annually to serve on the National FFA Officer Team. During the National FFA Convention & Expo, they are most visible as the entertaining hosts and inspirational keynote speakers of general sessions, but that’s just a tiny part of their yearlong service to FFA.

National officers represent the student members on the National FFA Board of Directors, facilitate workshops that bring leadership and knowledge to FFA members across the country, deliver motivational speeches, and advocate for FFA globally. Visit FFA.org/Officers to learn more.

OFFICIAL DRESS

You’ll want to wear Official Dress at many events during the National FFA Convention & Expo. Here’s a guide to looking your best.

  • An official FFA jacket zipped to the top.
  • Black slacks and black socks/nylons or black skirts and black nylons.
  • White, collared blouse or white, collared shirt.
  • Official FFA tie or official FFA scarf.
  • Black dress shoes with closed heel and toe.

Official attire of recognized religions may be worn with Official Dress. As members attend events, we ask that hats not be worn during sessions or at events.

PARKING

All parking must be purchased directly from the garages and lots in Indianapolis. No parking passes of any kind will be sold through convention registration. Visit Travel Planning on Convention.FFA.org/Travel-planning for more information.

PHONE NUMBERS

  • Control Center (Indiana Convention Center, Room 116): 317-262-5905
  • Career Success Tours (Indiana Convention Center, Conference Room W): 317-262-5908
  • Courtesy Corps Headquarters (Indiana Convention Center, Room 117): 317-262-5904
  • Housing Desk (Indiana Convention Center, Room 116): 317-262-5906
  • Lost and Found (Indiana Convention Center, Room 117): 317-262-5904
  • Transportation Desk (Indiana Convention Center, Conference Room W): 317-262-5908

PHOTO AND VIDEO RECORDING POLICY

Professional photography and videography at the National FFA Convention & Expo require proper credentials and authorization from National FFA Media Relations.

Attendees may utilize personal digital cameras to capture content for personal, non-commercial use. Attendees may obtain photos and video from their seats or other safe, authorized and non-disruptive areas. Do not block aisles, doorways, exit routes, hallways, sidewalks or the views of other attendees.

Registered attendees of the National FFA Convention & Expo irrevocably consent and authorize the National FFA Organization to use the image of their appearance in a promotional video, film, audio recording or photograph of FFA or others working on behalf of FFA, including FFA sponsors or licensees, and for any other related purposes of FFA, without any fee whatsoever.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

All convention participants are subject to airport-style searches at venue entries for your safety. This applies to all convention venues, including the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Indiana State Fairgrounds.

For safety reasons, prohibited items include but are not limited to:

  • Knives (all types and all sizes)
  • Weapons of any kind, including chains, knives, firearms and spiked jewelry
  • Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances, vaporizing pods, vape pens or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
  • Laser pens/pointers of any type
  • Outside food or drinks
  • Oversized bags
  • Pepper spray/Mace
  • Any other item deemed unacceptable by event/building management

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Airport Shuttles: For those staying at airport-area hotels, most airport hotels provide complimentary shuttles for guests.

IndyGo: IndyGo has several public bus routes throughout the Indianapolis area. Coverage includes direct routes from downtown to all major shopping malls as well as many cultural destinations. IndyGo buses depart from the Julia M. Carson Transit Center at 201 E. Washington Street and include routes to the airport. The bus schedule will vary with each route. Contact IndyGo for scheduled information, including Open Door service for guests with disabilities, at (317) 635-3344 or IndyGo.net.

Shared Ride Services: Uber and Lyft services are available in Indianapolis.

Taxi Service: Taxi service is available in Indianapolis. There is a $15 minimum charge for all fares from the airport, regardless of distance.

REGISTRATION AND BADGE PICKUP

On-site registration and badge pickup are located in the Indiana Convention Center, Hall A.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 31, 1-8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 2, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 4, 6:30-9 a.m. *

*At Lucas Oil Stadium only

Lost badges: Visit registration to replace a lost badge for $10/each. Student members must be accompanied by an advisor/chaperone to receive a replacement badge.

REFUNDS

Multiple cancellation and refund policies are in effect for various parts of the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo. Find more details online: help.FFA.org/articles/what-happens-if-im-unable-to-attend-the-event.

RODEOS

Get your boots on and enjoy the thrills of the World’s Toughest Rodeo! Shows are offered Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during convention week at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Tickets must be purchased through Ticketmaster. All attendees must have a ticket and their convention registration badge to enter. Find more details at Convention.FFA.org/Entertainment.

SAFETY

Use good judgment and common sense when attending convention events.

  •  If you see something suspicious, say something—call 911.
  • Always travel in pairs or groups.
  • Know your location at all times.
  • Look out for others.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Use marked pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks.
  • If an alarm sounds, prepare to evacuate immediately.
  • Follow instructions of the venue staff and first responders.

SCHEDULES

Detailed schedules are available within the downloadable mobile app and at Convention.FFA.org/Schedule. Participants in awards and recognition programs should adhere to schedules provided by individual program managers. All scheduled events are listed in Eastern Daylight Time and are subject to change.

SCOOTERS

  • The use of scooters is prohibited in all convention venues.
  • Helmets are recommended for safety while operating a scooter.
  • Scooters are not to be operated on city sidewalks.
  • Use all safety precautions while operating a scooter on city streets. Use city bike lanes where available.

SENSORY SENSITIVITIES

The experience of attending the National FFA Convention & Expo is enhanced by loud, sudden audio, flashing lights, lasers, strobing lights, video display boards and other elements in various venues. Participants with sensitivities to these items should be aware of their use, especially during General Sessions, entertainment events and inside the National FFA Expo.

A Quiet Room is available at the Indiana Convention Center, on the second level in the Hall I Show Office.

SERVICE ANIMALS

Convention venues are ADA-compliant and welcome guests with disabilities and their trained assistive animals.

SHOPPING

Take advantage of the Shop FFA Mega Store with more than 43,000 square feet of FFA merchandise! Inside the Indiana Convention Center, Hall C, the store is stocked with convention tees, logo gear, Official Dress items, accessories, gifts and more. Nearby, visit the FFA Shopping Mall with multiple nationwide vendors.

SHUTTLES

CDE/LDE Shuttles
Courtesy shuttles between the Indiana Convention Center and the Indiana State Fairgrounds are provided for all registered convention and expo participants participating in career and leadership development events (CDEs/LDEs) at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Shuttles depart approximately every 15 minutes. Allow 20 minutes for one-way travel.

Rodeo Shuttles
Attendees of the rodeos at Indiana Farmers Coliseum can purchase a round-trip shuttle pass from the Indiana Convention Center to the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The shuttle pass is available through convention registration only.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow and share the stories of the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo on social media! The official event hashtag is #FFA23. Follow FFA (@NationalFFA) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Convention news and highlights will be published on FFA.org.

#SPEAK AG SHOWCASE

FFA no longer has a Hall of States. States can now share the story of agriculture in their areas through the #Speak Ag Showcase. States submitted their videos in the fall; winners were announced in October.

SPONSORS AND DONORS

The National FFA Convention & Expo is made possible by the generous support of corporate sponsors, individual donors and the Indianapolis Local Organizing Committee. If you are interested in supporting FFA members, visit FFA.org/Foundation.

TOURS

Career Development Event Tours, Career Success Tours (registration required), Educational Tours and National FFA Center Tours are offered throughout convention week. Visit Convention.FFA.org/Tours-attractions for detailed information.

VALUES STATEMENT

National FFA wants to ensure it develops opportunities and platforms that open doors and remove barriers for every individual in agricultural education to experience premier leadership, personal growth and career success through FFA.

The FFA Value Statements:

  • We respect and embrace every individual’s culture and experiences.
  • We welcome every individual’s contribution to advance our communities and the industry of agriculture.
  • We cultivate an environment that allows every individual to recognize and explore their differences.
  • We create leadership opportunities for every individual to enhance their personal and professional endeavors.

VEHICLE SAFETY

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is working to reduce preventable crimes and make your convention and expo experience safe.

Drivers are responsible for the security of their vehicles and the items left inside. Convention and expo attendees are encouraged to follow the recommendations below:

  • Use approved parking areas.
  • Lock your vehicle.
  • Remove valuables.
  • If you cannot remove valuables, place them in a trunk or secure space.

VENUE ENTRY

Arrive early to avoid long lines before convention events!

For the protection and safety of our attendees, a security check will take place at entry into all convention venues. All convention attendees must present their badges to access all convention venues.

Additionally, similar procedures found in airports today will be used during entry. This will include bag checks, entry through metal detectors and/or use of wands.

VOLUNTEERS

To pull off an event of this magnitude, it’s all hands on deck! Check out Convention.FFA.org/Local-volunteers for more information, or visit the City Volunteer Desk in the Indiana Convention Center, Room 117.

Hours of operation:

  • Monday, Oct. 30, Noon-4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 31, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 1, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 2, 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 3, 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 4, 6 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

WEATHER

Indianapolis weather in the fall can vary and change rapidly. Check forecasts regularly to prepare before arriving, and stay tuned to weather alerts offered by the National Weather Service. Move indoors during inclement weather (lightning, strong winds and thunderstorms) and wear appropriate clothing for the elements.

WI-FI

Free wireless internet access is available to all convention attendees. Wireless access information will be available soon.

WORKSHOPS (STUDENT AND TEACHER)

Your convention and expo experience isn’t complete until you’ve attended workshops at the Indiana Convention Center. Student workshops help members develop premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. In contrast, teacher workshops provide teachers with new ideas and activities to integrate into their classrooms.

Download the free convention mobile app or visit Convention.FFA.org/Schedule for a complete schedule.