FFA convention returns to Indianapolis

Young people adorned in blue corduroy jackets will once again fill the streets of downtown Indianapolis as the National FFA Convention returns this week.

The event is one of Indianapolis’ longest running and largest conferences, bringing thousands of students from all over the country to the state capitol. This will be the 94th year for the annual FFA Convention.

At a kick off event on Monument Circle Tuesday Gov. Eric Holcomb said the people behind the event are what makes it special.

“The innovators, the inventors and the pioneers transforming, really, this ag-bioscience sector that is surging at this very moment,” Holcomb said.

Last year the event was virtual because of COVID-19.

The convention brings 55,000 people to the city. Students participate in workshops, service projects and other programs during the four-day conference.

Indianapolis has been able to facilitate a number of large scale events since the pandemic. Mayor Joe Hogsett says the FFA gathering is one of the biggest.

“It’s all the more impressive when an event of this magnitude can be pulled off while addressing all appropriate health and public safety concerns,” Hogsett said.

Last year, the organization extended its contract with the city to keep the convention in Indianapolis through 2033.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.