Planning for the 82nd National FFA Convention
8 Steps to Convention Planning Success
With so many activities to choose from during the national FFA convention, it’s a good idea to have a plan. Make the most of your chapter’s time at convention by following these eight easy steps!
Step 1
Use the Convention Planning Grid to schedule all essential activities, including any meetings, Career Development Events, award ceremonies or meal functions that require your attendance.
Step 2
Decide which sessions to attend and block out their times on the planning grid. Each convention session has a different theme; choose the ones that are most likely to appeal to your students’ needs and interests. Don’t forget, pre-session activities begin 30 minutes prior to each session.
Step 3
Schedule time for both you and your students to attend leadership and student workshops. You’ll all walk away with new information, new ideas and a renewed commitment to personal and professional success!
Step 4
Identify time for Career Success Tours of “must see” sites in and around Indianapolis. Use the online convention registration system to reserve your tour time.
Don’t forget about the onsite Career Development Event tour series. It’s a great opportunity to show students the fun and excitement of national competitions.
Step 5
Block out the time your group will spend in the career show. You definitely won’t be able to see everything in one trip, so you might want to schedule an hour or so on more than one day. Make a list of what you must see the first time, then head back later for more. Encourage your students to explore future careers and educational opportunities.
Step 6
On Wednesday, get pumped for the week by attending a special concert in Lucas Oil Stadium! Star power will be on hand during the Wednesday evening event to kick off an energy packed week! Up to 25,000 FFA members, advisors and guests will be able to partake of this star-studded celebration.
Step 7
Make time for entertainment. There are many options available–a concert, Bulls and Broncs and even hypnotists.
Step 8
Schedule times to reconvene with your group throughout the day. It’s a good idea to reserve time for group reflections at the close of each day. Allow each student to share his or her experiences and review the next day’s schedule.
Official Dress
For sponsors, potential supporters, parents, members and advisors, the national FFA convention represents the character of the organization. It’s important to maintain the professional, positive image FFA has earned over the years. Proper official FFA dress lends members a unique identity among young adults as leaders and thoughtful citizens. The National FFA Organization strongly encourages all advisors to ensure that FFA members in attendance at the 82nd National FFA Convention follow the standards of proper official dress as outlined in the Official FFA Manual:
Females
- Black skirt – at least knee length, hemmed evenly across the bottom, with a slit no longer than two inches above the knee, excluding the kick pleat. Black slacks may be appropriate for traveling and outdoor activities.
- White collared blouse with official FFA scarf
- Black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe
- Black nylon hosiery
- Official FFA jacket zipped to the top
Males
- Black slacks
- White collared dress shirt with official FFA tie
- Black shoes
- Black socks
- Official FFA jacket zipped to the top
To order official dress items, visit Shop FFA.
Venue Maps
Click here for maps of all convention venues.
The Convention website is sponsored in part by STIHL as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.
