What does Muhammad Ali’s daughter, the founder of Not Impossible Labs, and country music trio Rascal Flatts have in common? They’ll all be at the 2017 National FFA Convention later this month in Indianapolis, along with 64,000 FFA members from coast to coast.
The 90th annual National FFA Convention and Expo is set to kick off Oct. 25, and this year’s program will not disappoint.
“Once again, we are just all really excited to greet our attendees in October and give them an amazing few days to learn a lot, get to know other members from across the nation, find motivation from the sessions and workshops they will attend, and of course have a little fun with our entertainment options,” said Mandy Hazlett, Senior Event Manager, National FFA Convention & Events Management Team.
This year’s line up includes session speakers such as former professional boxer Laila Ali, founder and CEO of Not Impossible Labs Mick Ebeling, and motivational keynote speaker Jon Petz.
Another highlight this year is the addition of the Operation Innovation Stations to Expo, where FFA members are encouraged to go check out the latest in innovative technology from 16 exhibitors and find out how that technology is improving agriculture and creating career opportunities.
Hazlett said all FFA members should take time to explore the career options that are in the agriculture industry today by visiting the Expo.
“Stopping by the Ag Explorer booth to fill out their career profile is a great way to get started to learn their interests and then go visit those exhibitors that fit their profile,” Hazlett said. “The Expo is divided into career pathways which makes it easy for them to find exactly who they want to visit within their career interest.”
This year’s program will also include a full itinerary of student workshops, career success tours, and opportunities to give back to the community with the national days of service projects. And as Hazlett points out, it’s not a convention without having a little fun. Attendees will not want to miss out on Rascal Flatts with Runaway June on Wednesday night and a third rodeo that has been added to the entertainment.
New to the scene and not sure how to navigate your way around? Hazlett says utilize the convention website, specifically the planning tab, and download the convention app, which can be found in the app store under National FFA Convention & Expo.
“It’s full of all kinds of guiding information for this year’s convention and they can also receive notifications of any changes, or upcoming events or announcements happening during convention,” Hazlett said.
Finally, Hazlett encourages FFA chapters to get out and about in Indy while they are in town.
“The city of Indianapolis has so many great things to offer for our attendees while they are in town,” Hazlett said. “Everything from museums, the White River canal, shopping , dining — you name it.”
