8 Tips to Help You Navigate National FFA Convention and Expo
How is FFA growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world? For many young people, growth occurs during the National FFA Convention & Expo. FFA members and advisors from all over the country will be gathering in Indianapolis, Ind., for the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct. 26-29.
"No matter where you are in FFA, you’ll find inspiration and direction to become a leader and influencer, ready to make an impact. During this event, find out who you are, who you want to become and how you can change how the world grows," the organization said on its website.
Here are a few tips from National FFA to help make your convention experience a positive one.
1. Avoid the registration lines with three easy steps.
For chapter advisors who haven’t completed ALL steps of the registration process, expect unusually long lines at the Indiana Convention Center, Hall A. Those steps include:
1. Add attendee names for every registration purchased.
2. Assign agenda activities to each attendee’s name.
3. Ensure all attendees have completed their Health, Safety and Event Participation and Code of Conduct e-waiver.
These steps should be completed before you travel to Indianapolis. Links and instructions are available in the registration confirmation email. If an attendee doesn’t have a waiver accurately completed, they will not receive a badge to enter the event. Remember: An attendee under 18 MUST have their e-waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
2. See something, say something.
Let someone know if an FFA member or guest is behaving inappropriately or not living up to the Code of Ethics. Throughout convention, there will be signs with a QR Code that can be scanned to report bullying, harassment, bias or other misconduct. Click here for more information. Once you access the page, use code FFAEvent.
3. Download the guidebook app.
Find your way around #FFA22 with our guidebook app! Check out everything you can see and do at convention with this free app!
4. Know the entry policies
All convention participants are subject to airport-style searches at venue entries. This applies to all convention venues, including Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Indiana State Fairgrounds. For safety reasons, prohibited items include but are not limited to:
• Knives (all types and all sizes)
• Weapons of any kind, including chains, knives, firearms and spiked jewelry
• Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
• Laser pens/pointers of any type
• Outside food or drinks
• Oversized bags
• Pepper spray/Mace
• Any other item deemed unacceptable by event/building management
5. Know the venue cashless policies.
All the concession stands at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana Convention Center, Indiana State Fairgrounds and Luas Oil Stadium are cashless. However, cash can be used at the FFA Shopping Mall and FFA Mega Store, located in Halls B-E at the Indiana Convention Center.
6. Park safely.
FFA works closely with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to promote safety and reduce preventable crimes. Help by following these guidelines:
• Always lock car or bus doors.
• Do not leave valuables visible inside cars or buses.
• A trunk is the safest place for valuables.
• Do not store an extra key under the car, fender, gas cap, etc.
• Only park in approved areas.
7. Use the established loading zones for buses.
Make sure to keep attendees safe by only using established loading zones for buses in Indianapolis:
• Indiana Convention Center: South curb lane of Maryland Street between Capitol Avenue and Meridian Street (one block west of ICC).
• Lucas Oil Stadium: West curb lane of Capitol Avenue from South Street to McCarty Street or east curb lane of Missouri Street from McCarty to South Street.
• FFA Concerts at Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Significant construction is ongoing around Gainbridge Fieldhouse. If you have purchased a bus parking spot, plan to walk to and from the concert from your bus. Other buses may drop off and pick up on South Street between Capitol Avenue and Pennsylvania.
8. Be a convention know-it-all.
The A to Z Guide is the best answer to your questions. Check it out in the mobile app or the convention website.
See the schedule here.
The 2023 National FFA Convention & Expo will take place Nov. 1-4, 2023.
Read More:
4 Ways FFA Shaped My Life for the Better
FFA Has-Been? No, Your Role Just Changes
