By DEBORAH BEHRENDS

Indiana Correspondent

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — In just one week, a sea of blue jackets will line the streets of Indianapolis when the National FFA Convention & Expo kicks off for the 91st time, running Oct. 24-27.

More than 65,000 FFA members from across the United States, representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are expected to attend the event. This year’s theme convention theme is “Just One.”

The 2017-18 National FFA officer team explains: “One moment, one encounter, one opportunity is all it takes to radically change the course of our lives … we recognize the importance of each individual ‘Just One’ step toward growth as we work toward our vision of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture.”

The convention and expo will kick off with the FFA band leading a grand march down Georgia Street downtown on Oct. 24. The march will end at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and usher in the opening session.

That night, attendees will have an opportunity to see reigning Country Music Assoc. Entertainer of the Year, Garth Brooks, in a private show at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Events are scheduled at several venues in and around Indianapolis. Bankers Life Fieldhouse will be the venue for eight of the nine general sessions. Members can explore the expo, attend workshops or participate in educational and career success tours at the Indiana Convention Center.

Motivational speakers scheduled include Kyle Scheele; Mary Snapp, corporate vice president of Microsoft Philanthropies; and Judson Laipply, creator of “Evolution of Dance.”

Along with learning and connecting with fellow members from the across the nation, young people will have several chances to give back to the community through service. Volunteer opportunities will be at the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center, Gleaners Food Bank, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis City Market, Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis Campus Kitchen, Maplelawn Farmstead, Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding Center, Newfields, St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry and White River State Park.

Throughout the week, attendees will also be able to experience the inaugural Blue Room, a 17,000 square-foot interactive area that showcases cutting-edge technology, research and innovation taking place in agriculture.

Through experiential learning and specific focus on the most critical challenges facing communities, from respecting the planet to feeding the world, the Blue Room is designed to inspire and equip students to activate their potential. AgriNovus Indiana and Microsoft are the title sponsors of this experience.

At each of the 90-minute Blue Room sessions, attendees can pick up some swag and enter for a chance to win a Microsoft Surface Go. One will be given away at each session.

During the eighth general session on Oct. 27 at Lucas Oil Stadium, more than 3,000 American FFA Degrees will be bestowed. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree a member can attain.

FFA members, families and friends can enjoy real-time news and information online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Attendees are invited to download the free National FFA Convention & Expo app, available for both Apple and Android devices. Features include a customizable convention and expo schedule, photo filters, interactive maps, an exhibitor listing, exclusive convention and expo news and updates, a photo challenge and more.

“Visit Indy and our entire Central Indiana hospitality community look forward to welcoming back 67,000 National FFA members for another impactful Convention & Expo,” said Lisa Wallace, senior communications manager for conventions and meetings for Visit Indy.

“This event is among the largest Indianapolis hosts, and is estimated to drive $38.2 million in economic impact for our region.

“Visit Indy works very closely with National FFA and the Local Organizing Committee to ensure the convention is a success. Alongside National FFA’s staff, we began planning for this year immediately following the 2017 convention, from hotels to key venues, volunteers and marketing,” she said.