Indianapolis is now locked in as the host city for the National FFA Convention & Expo through at least 2040, according to the National FFA Organization.
The announcement was made during the kickoff event for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, which is expected to bring more than 71,000 FFA members, advisors, alumni and supporters to Indianapolis from across the country.
“We are so proud to host the FFA until 2040 and I think it proves and shows that Indiana is the place to be when it comes to agriculture in the world,” said Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture. “The National FFA organization sees this, the students love coming here, and it’s just been phenomenal to hear that, so we’re excited and looking forward to a great relationship.”
“We’re thrilled about the opportunity to continue calling Indianapolis home for our convention through 2040,” said Cheryl Zimmerman, National FFA Organization Executive Secretary. “This city has proven time and again to be an incredible partner, welcoming our members with open arms, providing world-class facilities, and helping us create life-changing experiences for students in agricultural education. Extending our convention contract ensures we can keep building on that strong foundation and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders for years to come.”
The National FFA Convention & Expo was held in Indianapolis from 2006 to 2012. After a few years away, the event returned to the city in 2016 and has been held in Indianapolis ever since. Each year, the National FFA Convention & Expo brings an estimated $40 million to Indianapolis.
“Keeping the National FFA meeting in Indy continues to be a priority for our city and our entire tourism industry,” said Chris Gahl, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Visit Indy. “We appreciate National FFA’s renewed commitment to Indy through 2040 and we stand ready to help grow their annual convention into our growing Indiana Convention Center.”
The convention has grown significantly over the last several years, bringing together more than 70,000 attendees each fall, an increase from 50,000 in previous years. The previous contract ensured the event would continue in Indianapolis through 2033, so this announcement adds another seven years to the agreement.
This year’s National FFA Convention & Expo runs from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, with events happening at the Indiana Convention Center and dozens of other off-site locations around the state.
Visit Convention.ffa.org for more information.
Hoosier Ag Today’s coverage of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo is presented by Keystone Cooperative.
Source: National FFA Organization
