National FFA Convention to Stay in Indy
(photo courtesy of the National FFA Organization)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOne of the state’s largest conventions will remain in Indianapolis. The National FFA Organization has announced Indy will continue to host the National FFA Convention & Expo through 2031.
The announcement comes two months after the organization set a new attendance record at the 2018 convention, which drew 69,944 people. The event had an estimated economic impact of $39.8 million for the city.
"The National FFA Convention & Expo, much like the National FFA headquarters, is right at home here in Indiana," Governor Eric Holcomb said in a news release. "Indiana is ready and committed to support this event and welcome with open arms the 67,000 FFA members and guests who will come to our capital city each of the next nine years. Today’s news confirms that Indiana’s reputation is strong and growing stronger, and I appreciate FFA’s commitment to build on our already-robust agricultural heritage in the coming years."
The organization has previously committed to hold the event in Indy through 2024. In an October interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, National FFA Chief Executive Officer Mark Poeschl said the decision to host the convention in 2025 and beyond came down to Indy and Atlanta.
"Our members and guests feel at home in Indiana," Poeschl said after the announcement Tuesday, "and they share our enthusiasm for the city that FFA calls home."
The National FFA Convention utilizes multiple downtown Indy venues such as Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center and event hotels, as well as the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
"Visit Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the State of Indiana have an outstanding partnership with the National FFA Organization," said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. "We’re honored to host this event and look forward to delivering a great experience for FFA student members, advisors, and families for the next 13 years and many years to come."
The convention originally took place in Kansas City, Missouri from 1928-1998, then moved to Louisville from 1999-2005. Indianapolis hosted the event from 2006-2012, then the organization decided to rotate the event every three years between Louisville and Indy. In 2015, the National FFA decided to hold the convention in Indy from 2016-2024.