One key takeaway from last year’s 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo: Virtual is here to stay. “More students than ever got a taste of what it’s like to be at convention,” says Mandy Hazlett, associate director of convention and events at the National FFA Organization. “We discovered we can easily connect with members even if they aren’t present.”
Moving forward, the in-person convention experience in Indianapolis will coincide with a virtual program for those at home.
Here are four things not to miss, no matter how you attend.
1. Connect with other members.
“This is a unique opportunity to learn from members across the country,” Hazlett says. “Challenge yourself to sit with people from other states and really take the time to get to know them.”
2. Take in the Expo.
With more than 100 vendors in one space, it’s a prime time to connect with industry representatives when you attend in-person. “You may discover a career that interests you that you’ve never heard of,” Hazlett says.
3. Attend at least two sessions.
The opening session, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, sets the tone for the week. Plan to make that one and another that interests you. If you’re at home, make sure to tune in to RFD-TV for gavel-to-gavel coverage of the convention, or you can watch the streaming sessions on Convention.FFA.org.
4. Participate in National Days of Service.
FFA members can register to participate in person during convention or host a service event in their local communities during the month of October. Share how you were “Living to Serve” by reporting a local service event at FFA.org/National-Days-Of-Service and inspire others to take action.
Visit Convention.FFA.org for more information.
