When I have attended National FFA Convention in the past, my favorite part has been going to the rodeo or concert one night. This gave me a chance to meet other FFA members from around the United States in a laid-back setting. Energy is always high, and everyone seems to be having fun. It also gave me a chance to spend time with everyone from my chapter. Since the convention is towards the beginning of the year, I was able to get to know first-year members who traveled with us during this time. Moments like these are the ones I will remember forever from my time attending three National Conventions in high school. National Convention has so many amazing aspects that it is hard to pick just one part!
Jodie-
When I was a freshman in high school, I had the opportunity to attend the National convention in Kentucky. During my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to go to nationals again, but this time it was in Indiana. FFA members from across the country all come together and when you are in the sessions, at the career fair, just walking down the streets, there is an energy like none other. My favorite part of convention was seeing all of the blue jackets. There was even a chapter in Missouri that had the same name as my home chapter! National convention is such an amazing thing to experience and be a part of, and if you are ever offered the opportunity to go, I would definitely recommend it!
Jake-
I had the amazing opportunity to attend National Convention in Indianapolis and Louisville. Though there are differences and similarities amongst each, one thing stuck out to me more than anything about National Convention in both cities. Yes, the trade show and sessions are amazing, but still, something stuck out to me. That thing is the FFA members that attend. From coast to coast, coming from countless backgrounds, this is what makes convention so special. A moment that is still ingrained in my mind is the sight of jackets from countless states walking around. I have a challenge for those going this year. Find an individual from each state, make a list and add them on a social media platform. By doing this, not only do you get to meet people, but you now have a connection in each state. You never know when you may run across that person again or be in their neck of the woods!
Cole -
I had the opportunity to attend national convention my sophomore and senior year, because of this I was lucky enough to visit both convention sites. I’d have to say while I can never get enough of the conversations you have with new friends you make, my all time favorite thing to do was to make it a goal to have a conversation with one member from every state! I found that the best way to do this was to go to the section of nationals where every state has a display, this way I not only got to meet these people but I got to see just what made their state so unique. I remember my sophomore year I was running out of hope of meeting every state but just before convention ended I saw a glimmer of hope by seeing a jacket with the last state I needed: Alaska. This journey made my national convention experience so rewarding because I not only felt accomplished for finding each state but making meaningful connections while doing it!
Lane-
Unlike all of my teammates, I have never been to the National FFA Convention. I have always wanted to go but due to athletic events, I wasn’t able to attend. My perspective for this will be one from the outside looking in from my years of wanting to attend convention. The most impressive thing to me is that there are so many blue jackets that fill the streets of Indianapolis. Having FFA members from across the nation shows that the organization is thriving and growing rapidly. It also shows how these members have a passion for agriculture with the drive and determination to make a difference.
Laken-
I was fortunate enough to experience National FFA Convention both in Louisville and Kentucky. Though both conventions were different, the atmosphere of Convention is always the same. There is no way to describe the feeling of being surrounded by 60,000+ people all dressed in the Blue Jacket. Instead of being back home where FFA is really only taken seriously by those involved, you’re surrounded by people who all share the same passion for leadership and agriculture. I have always loved going around the Expo, gathering signatures from different states and making friends. I also love sitting in sessions as they open with a laser show. The music is loud, the energy is high, and you know you are about to experience an FFA event like never before.
Chandler-
Being able to both attend and compete at Nationals is something that has highlighted my FFA career. The amount of passion, leadership, and love under one roof is breathtaking. What I would recommend to people going to National Convention is be up for anything. In my opinion, if you go with a mentality strictly of “ I’m going to do this, and then this.” then you’ll miss some of the great stuff. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and broaden your horizons. If you meet a member from another state, go hang out with them! Explore the career show, sit in on some sessions, dance, sing, and talk to people from all over. This convention is an opportunity like none other. It’s an adventure. If you’re competing, good luck! If you’re attending, safe travels!
Gwen-
I have always loved National Convention, and have also been given the amazing opportunity to experience it both in Louisville and Indianapolis! Though experiencing the sea of blue on FFA Way in Indianapolis is a sight that will take your breath away. Some of my favorite convention activities are of course the Expo and everything it has to offer. I have also loved the tours my chapter would go on, as we would always try and explore a different part of the agriculture industry. I have seen Thoroughbred horse farms in Kentucky to Fairlife Dairy in Indiana. Also given the chance at convention you can come home and say you met someone from every state! Not many people can say that! Convention is just one of the most life changing experiences I have ever been a part of. The people and the experiences you have here will stay with you for the rest of your life! Safe travels, and happy National FFA Convention.
CD-
At the FFA National Convention, I love to walk through the trade show, seeing the new equipment and ag technology along with speaking with the vendors. Two years ago I remember seeing the new Atonmus tractor by Case IH. the future of farming is here and GPS is another tool for producers to use. I also enjoy to walk through the college booths, all over the country there are some great schools and I enjoy to see what each of them have to bring to the national level and compare to other programs all around the country. Just remember there is “Just One’ national FFA Convention Expo and it is a great time.
Have Fun at Convention,
2018-2019 Iowa FFA State Officer Team
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