INDIANAPOLIS – Organizers of the 95th National FFA Convention and Expo hope to see attendance numbers closer to pre-pandemic levels at this year’s event, Oct. 26-29, in Indianapolis.

Last year, the convention drew 60,000, said Kristy Meyer, communications manager for the National FFA Organization. In 2018, nearly 70,000 attended the event, and in 2019, more than 68,000 were present. The 2020 convention was held virtually.

“Last year, we were pleasantly surprised for the year after COVID,” she said. “We’re hoping for 60-65,000 plus this year. The convention is important for our members. We know they’re our future leaders who will make a difference in their communities. It’s an opportunity to network with one another and find different pieces they may not think about.”

Attendees will find many familiar activities at this year’s event – daily general sessions, student workshops, election and installation of new national officers – but there is one new activity organizers are hoping will be a success. The Student Showcase Stage will allow members to present their supervised agricultural experiences (SAE) or agriscience projects on a smaller stage, Meyer noted.

“We think of it like (the TV show) Shark Tank,” she explained. “People can ask questions. Our hope is that by sharing their programs and experiences, other FFA members can get ideas for their own projects.”

The Showcase will be in the Indiana Convention Center, as will be the Hall of States. “Members can create displays about agriculture in their states,” Meyer said. “It’s an opportunity for FFA members to brag about the agriculture in their states.”

FFA members will be able to participate in the National Days of Service, something they were unable to do last year due to the pandemic, she stated. “This year, they’ll be able to go back out into the community. It’s a great opportunity to network and to work on different projects. About 2,400 students will serve at 15 locations across the city. They’ll work at food pantries, clearing up trails, removing invasive species.”

Last year, in lieu of the traditional days of service projects, FFA members constructed Little Free Pantries, which were filled with donated non-perishable food items and hygiene products, and placed around Indianapolis. The on-site event was so successful, Meyer said, that organizers are bringing it back for 2022.

This year, FFA members will make more than 1,200 travel book pillows to give to schools, hospitals and first responders. Gently used children’s books, especially those for 3rd through 5th grades, will be accepted during the convention.

FFA members may make pet toys for Indianapolis area animal shelters during a workshop featuring representatives from a local shelter.

Career Success Tours, also a part of the convention, give members “the opportunity to visit local businesses and those businesses can explain what they do and how they fit into agriculture,” Meyer explained. “It’s a chance for students to explore different career opportunities.”

The tours allow members to look at potential careers in eight areas such as agribusiness, biotechnology, food products and processing, and natural resources. Companies and sites available for tours include Beck’s Hybrids, the Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability at Butler University, Dandy Breeze Dairy, Elanco, Evans Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Golf and Grounds.

Concerts featuring singers Lauren Alaina, Jimmie Allen, Mickey Guyton and Russell Dickerson are planned for Oct. 26 and 27. The World’s Toughest Rodeo will be Oct. 26, 27 and 28; all dates are sold out. Only registered convention attendees may purchase tickets.

Workshops for teachers and FFA advisors are also on the agenda, Meyer said. “We know how much the convention offers students, but advisors play such a key role in the lives of our members. The convention offers them the opportunity to see the students grow, but we also want to offer them the opportunity to network with business and industry leaders. We know teaching is a very hard profession. We hope to supply them with some ideas. We want them to know they’re not alone. We’re here to provide them with some resources.”

For more information, including a convention schedule, visit convention.ffa.org.