INDIANAPOLIS – The upcoming National FFA Convention and Expo is a chance for members to celebrate their successes over the past year, explore career options offered in agriculture and network with other members, according to the organization’s communications manager.

The 99th FFA convention is Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis.

“It’s a great way for us to celebrate our members and their achievements they made throughout the year, and also throughout their FFA career,” Kristy Meyer explained. “It’s also an opportunity for FFA members and chapters to connect with others from throughout the country and talk about what they are doing in their communities.

“It also serves as an opportunity for our members to live up to our motto – Learning to Do; Doing to Learn; Earning to Live; Living to Serve.”

During the convention, national officers for the next year will be elected. In addition, 5,816 American FFA Degrees will be awarded, as will 236 Honorary American Degrees.

Meyer said the organization’s staff knows the members have worked hard all year, or in some cases, multiple years, to end up where they are at the convention.

“It’s great to see the excitement when they arrive at convention, and watch friendships blossom throughout the week,” she noted. “We know our members are the next generation of leaders and they are going to be key in helping to feed and fuel the world. When we see them and watch their interactions, we are reassured that the world is in good hands.”

FFA members will participate in Days of Service during the convention. The members will have the chance to serve at 27 local non-profits. Some will make tie scarves that will be donated to a local organization, Meyer said.

The tie scarves will be the perfect complement to coats given to those in need by the local organization, she said. “In addition, (the members) can learn how to make these and take this concept home with them to their communities.”

“Service is a big part of our organization and part of our motto. We watch our members live this out every day.”

The Student Showcase Stage is available the first three days of the convention. Meyer said the stage is an opportunity for members to share with others what their projects were – how they chose them, what they did with them and the end result. It also gives members who might not have a project the chance to get some ideas of what they could do, she added.

Last year’s convention attendance was 73,379, and Meyer said organizers think this year will draw near 70,000. Next year will be FFA’s 100th national convention, so officials won’t be surprised if attendance dips this year and increases next, she said.

“I greatly enjoy watching our members experience our event for the first time – and walking up to other members and meeting new people,” Meyer said. “One of the pieces we have, challenges our members to get ‘autographs’ from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, so it’s great to watch the members connect.”

Last year’s convention was named to Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100 Class of 2025, placing it among the 100 largest trade shows in the country.

The convention will be in Indianapolis through 2040, she said. The estimated economic impact on the city is $40 million, Meyer said. For more information and a schedule, visit https://convention.ffa.org.