State convention can be a time to reconnect with friends (and make new ones!) while showcasing your hard work and celebrating the accomplishments of others. If you plan to attend this year, here’s how to enhance and elevate your experience.
1. Secure your spot.
Getting ready for state convention begins long before the first gavel drops. Jennifer Jackson, executive director of the Texas FFA Association, suggests thinking ahead and manifesting how you can set yourself up to attend.
Whether it’s submitting a proficiency application, participating in a career development event or leadership development event, strengthening your chapter’s Program of Activities so you can compete in the National Chapter Award Program, volunteering for courtesy corps or running for an office, there are plenty of ways you can take your involvement in FFA to the next level.
2. Plan intentionally.
Whether you’re traveling near or far, your best to be where your feet are.
Work with your advisor(s) to find restaurants, attractions and tours that enable you and your chapter to experience agriculture in another part of the state.
“Knowing where you are and where you’re headed helps you have a game plan in place,” says Utah FFA Association executive director McKena Wallentine.
Don’t overlook the power of what’s in your pocket. A smartphone app, which is released before state convention, helps Utah FFA members, advisors and guests navigate the convention center, register for workshops, track times and locations and more, Wallentine says.
3. Come prepared.
“There’s no such thing as being too prepared, so plan ahead,” says Jocelyn Roache, 2022-23 New Hampshire FFA state secretary.
Roache encourages making lists and reviewing materials, such as interview questions, contest notes or speech flash cards, in the days leading up to competition. When filling your suitcase, remember to pack all pieces of Official Dress, including an extra pair of socks or pantyhose and, most importantly, your FFA jacket.
4. Explore everything.
Once you’ve made it, soak up all convention has nce you’ve made it, soak up all convention has to offer. In addition to general sessions, see what else is available to you each day.
For example, the Texas FFA State Convention includes professional and leadership development events such as member-led workshops and an exhibit hall featuring boutiques and a college and career fair. An overflow stage is also used to recognize noteworthy members and FFA programs.
Also, consider trying something new, especially if it’s outside your comfort zone. For example, New Hampshire FFA members mingle at a karaoke night and themed dance, while Utah FFA members are invited to a social gathering full of lawn games, food, music and more.
5. Maximize your time.
Although your days can quickly become filled with obligations, there will also be moments of downtime. Not every moment has to be productive, but you can make the most of the time you’re given, Jackson says.
“At convention, you’re filled with energy and excitement,” she adds. “Use this to propel you forward as you engage with others and prepare for the upcoming year.”
If you have an hour (or a few!) to spend with your officer team, complete a team-building exercise together. If you’re with your chapter, gather a few members and brainstorm ideas for upcoming meetings, events, service projects and more.
6. Network, network, network.
Establishing a great relationship often begins by saying, “Hello.” If the opportunity arises, Wallentine recommends using this time to visit with industry professionals as well as college or university representatives and FFA alumni.
“Introduce yourself and take advantage of having those conversations,” she adds. “You might shake the hand of someone who will be your future employer, and these types of connections will be valuable moving forward.”
7. Write it down.
Considering all you’re doing and seeing, inspiration may strike at any moment. Perhaps you’ll think of ideas for your supervised agricultural experience or hear something in a keynote address or workshop that resonates with you.
Pack a small notepad and pencil in your jacket pocket or backpack and carry it with you. Between activities or at the end of each day, set aside time to jot down ideas you’ll want to explore further, and potentially implement, after convention.
8. Share your story.
Everyone’s path in agriculture is unique. When you meet members from different chapters and parts of the state, share how you got involved in FFA and invite them to share their stories.
“We’re all like a big family,” Roache says. “When I was a state officer, I knew the names of almost every member in our association and had a personal connection with each of them.”
As you’re soaking up your experience, take lots of photos and videos. Share them with your friends and family when you return home, and consider posting on social media. Your state association may have specific hashtags to use, so be on the lookout for these to help further your engagement.
9. Celebrate others.
Our organization becomes stronger when we believe in one another.
“Be in the moment and soak in everything that’s going on,” Wallentine says. “Treat this as an opportunity to support others, while simultaneously learning and growing yourself to be more like those who’ve worked so hard to walk across the stage.”
As you watch members showcase their talents, compete at a higher level, receive awards and advocate for the agriculture industry, recognize and congratulate them. Cheer on your chapter members and thank your advisor(s) often. A few kind words can make a big difference.
10. Remember your “why.”
Before, during and even after convention, find moments to reflect on why you joined FFA. Use these thoughts to frame a few goals for the remainder of your time in the organization.
“No matter where you’re from, remember the one thing we have in common is we’re all wearing the same FFA jacket,” Roache says.
Above all, find what makes you — and your state — special and take pride in it. You’re part of what makes FFA special, and state convention is one of the many ways to recognize and contribute to the future of agriculture together.
My State Convention Story
Attending state convention was both memorable and impactful for New Hampshire FFA member
Emma Davidson.
“I’d never been to something like this with FFA,” Davidson says. “The environment was very welcoming and everyone was kind.”
Emma Davidson attended her first state convention in 2023.
Davidson, a high school junior and member of the Winnisquam FFA Chapter, attended her first Granite State Association of FFA Convention in 2023. She participated in three contests — prepared public speaking, employment skills and animal welfare — all of which helped boost her confidence and enabled her to share her interests with others.
“This is what made me excited for my upcoming FFA year,” she says. “I found people who shared common interests through icebreakers, which further enhanced my experience.”
Through the competitions and sessions she attended, Davidson was inspired by her fellow New Hampshire FFA members and entertained by the state officer team. She encourages members interested in attending their state’s convention to find a contest, event or activity to participate in and become involved from the get-go.
“You’ll have lots of jam-packed days and late nights, but it’s amazing and worth it in the end,” she adds.
Davidson hopes to see her chapter’s membership continue to grow in the future, ensuring more members have a chance to attend convention.
“Through FFA, I’ve gained many leadership skills,” she says. “I’ve learned how to be an effective communicator, and I want to continue to spread the word. Having more people at convention in the years to come means we’ll all be able to share such a fun opportunity.”
