Source: National FFA Organization sent via AgPR–the news distribution service for agriculture
INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Convention & Expo, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Indianapolis annually, will continue to take place in the city through at least 2040, officials announced Tuesday.
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, advisers, alumni and supporters to Indianapolis from across the country.
The convention has taken place in Indianapolis annually since 2006, with the exception of a three-year stint in Louisville from 2013-2015, and in 2020, when it was called off due to the pandemic.
The event is well-known for the number of blue-jacket-clad young people who blanket downtown. More than 36,000 hotel room nights were booked for last year’s event, which had an estimated economic of nearly $40 million on the city.
“We’re thrilled about the opportunity to continue calling Indianapolis home for our convention through 2040,” Cheryl Zimmerman, executive secretary of the Indianapolis-based National FFA Organization, said in written remarks. “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 convention was already set to stay in Indianapolis though at least 2033 based on an extension reached with the city in 2020.
FFA was known as Future Farmers of America from 1928 until 1988, but changed the name to recognize the growth of agricultural education to encompass more than 300 careers in science, business and technology.
“Keeping the National FFA meeting in Indy continues to be a priority for our city and our entire tourism industry,” Chris Gahl, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Visit Indy, said in written comments. “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.”
This year’s event runs from Tuesday to Nov. 1, with events happening at the Indiana Convention Center and dozens of other off-site locations around the state.
