| FFA Nation

Revive your FFA spirit at the 84th National FFA Convention

Blair Thomas | 08/30/2011 |

Nearly 55,000 FFA members and guests from across the country will descend on Indianapolis this October for the fun, educational and motivational experiences of the 84th National FFA Convention. This year’s event themed “I Believe,” kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 19, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 22. So brush up on the five “I believe’s” of the FFA Creed, and get ready to make memories at one of the largest annual student conventions in the country.

As many of you returning attendees know, you can’t fit all that is great about the convention into one list. So here are our top 10 suggestions for how to spend your time in Indianapolis.

After you’ve read through our list, head on over to ffa.org/convention for more events and news about the 2011 national FFA convention.

1. Show off your FFA pride on the way to the convention!
This year for the first time, FFA chapters can order commemorative convention T-shirts before the national FFA convention starts. Shirts are available now at Shop FFA (ffa.org/shop). Place your order no later than Oct. 9 to receive your shirts before traveling to Indianapolis. The T-shirts will also be sold at the convention.

2. GRAB a convention T-shirt designed by FFA members!
Another first – convention tees designed by FFA members. From all designs submitted in the National Convention Tee Design Contest using the FFA Design Studio, 12 finalists were posted on Shop FFA so FFA members could vote for their favorites. The six winning T-shirt designs will be sold only at the convention. Plan to buy one – or maybe one of each!

3. Get ready to serve!
Since its start in 2006, the FFA National Days of Service has become a favorite annual convention event. Lend a hand at one of more than 10 local organizations and make a difference in the Indianapolis community. This year’s Days of Service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20, and Friday, Oct. 21, but advance registration is required.

4. Celebrate Native Americans!
At this year’s convention, pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans especially as they relate to FFA, agriculture and agricultural education. Scheduled activities include a historical display of Native American heritage and agriculture in the Indiana Convention Center and remarks from Chief Earl Old Person of the Blackfoot Nation who was a member of FFA in the 1940s.

5. Discover a career!
You can expect a different look at this year’s National FFA Agriculture Career Show. This year’s show is getting a new location, which means more space and more great booths. Be sure to visit this year’s show to see the new booths, as well as favorites from previous years, and win great prizes!

6. Get motivated!
During the convention, we’ll not only hear from the keynote speakers, but also from our FFA leaders. Hear departing comments from your national FFA officers, and thank them for their year of service as we welcome six new national FFA officers for the 2011-12 year!

7. Explore Indianapolis!
Explore some of Indiana’s rich agriculture and career opportunities in the field on a Career Success Tour or Educational Tour! One tour, always a favorite, is a guided walking tour at the Indiana State Fairgrounds that will allow you an up-close look at participants in national career development events.

8. Strap on your spurs!
You’ll be on the edge of your seats as rodeo’s hottest acts compete in two big shows on Thursday, Oct. 20 and Friday, Oct. 21. The Three Hills World’s Toughest Bull and Broncs – National FFA Edition, brings the best bull and bronc riders to the Indiana State Fairground’s Pepsi Coliseum for the crowning of the series champion!

9. Get down with your favorite musical acts!
Get ready for a wild night of country music! This year’s National FFA Convention Concert features 2010 CMA Male Vocalist of the year, Blake Shelton (he was also on NBC’s hit show The Voice!); three-time Grammy nominee and 2011 CMT award nominee for Group Video of the Year, Little Big Town; and 2011 CMT award nominee for Duo Video of the Year, Steel Magnolia. Get your tickets now, they’ll go fast!

And as always, make plans to attend the National FFA Band and Chorus Concert and the various other venues where FFA members show off their own talents.

10. WATCH the convention!
The best part of this year’s national FFA convention? You can enjoy it from anywhere. SchoolTube will be streaming every convention session live on its website, www.schooltube.com, and the full session videos will be available online after the convention. Also, you can tune in to the sessions on RFD-TV during the week as well. So even those who can’t make it to Indy can join in on the convention fun!