FFA members gear up for agriculture’s biggest student gathering

Thousands of FFA members will head to Indianapolis in October for the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, bringing together agricultural education, leadership development, competition, service, and entertainment. The 2026 convention runs Oct. 21 to 24, with additional activities beginning earlier in the week. Registration is now open, with early bird pricing available through Sept. 30. The annual gathering gives FFA members from across the country opportunities to compete for national honors, attend workshops, explore agricultural careers, and connect with other students and industry representatives. Registration now open Full convention registration provides access to events Wednesday through Saturday, including one opening session, general sessions, the American FFA Degree Ceremony, Expo, Shopping Mall, and student and teacher workshops. Early bird registration costs $95 per person through Sept. 30. The standard registration rate is $115 per person, while on-site registration beginning Oct. 20 is $120. Single-day registration is also available. From Sept. 9 through Oct. 19, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday passes cost $55 per person, while Saturday registration is $30. Onsite daily rates increase to $60 Wednesday through Friday and $35 Saturday. Saturday’s daily registration includes only the American FFA Degree Ceremony and Session 7. Several convention activities require separate tickets. The Oct. 21 concert costs $75 per person, hypnotist performances are $25, rodeo tickets are $45 and rodeo shuttle tickets cost $13. Career Success Tours are available for $30 per person. On-site registration and badge pickup will be available at the Indiana Convention Center beginning Oct. 20. Saturday badge pickup will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium. FFA members give back Service will again play a major role through the National Days of Service. Convention attendees can volunteer with local nonprofit organizations throughout Indianapolis, while delegates will have a separate service opportunity Monday, Oct. 19. National Days of Service shifts are scheduled Oct. 21 to 23. Members can also participate in an on-site service project on the Expo floor. This year’s project will have students make tie scarves to be distributed through local organizations’ outreach events. FFA chapters across the country are also encouraged to organize projects in their own communities. The National Days of Service program focuses on community safety; hunger, health and nutrition; environmental responsibility; and community engagement. Mini-grants are available to help chapters support service projects during October. Competition takes center stage FFA members will put their skills to the test during finals presentations at the Indiana Convention Center. The competitions highlight skills developed through agricultural education and FFA’s three-part mission of premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Finals presentations will be held across five locations within the convention center and will also be streamed. Music and performing arts remain part of the convention as well. National FFA Band and Chorus members from around the country will perform on stage, continuing a tradition that spans more than 70 years. National FFA Talent will give members another opportunity to showcase skills ranging from singing and playing instruments to other forms of entertainment. Workshops connect students, teachers Leadership and personal development workshops will be available throughout the convention. Student workshops are designed around leadership, personal growth and career preparation, while teacher workshops will provide agricultural educators with ideas and activities they can take back to their classrooms. FFA Alumni and Supporters will also have their own slate of events, including workshops, awards and professional development opportunities. The National FFA Expo will give students another look at opportunities throughout agriculture. Expo hours run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 23. The convention’s Shopping Mall is already sold out. Concert, rodeo round out convention Outside the competitions and workshops, attendees will have several entertainment options. Ty Myers will headline a private concert for registered attendees Wednesday, Oct. 21, with Avery Anna appearing as a special guest. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Rodeo performances will also be held at Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Evening performances are scheduled Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with an additional Friday matinee. Hypnotist Michael C. Anthony is scheduled for two performances Oct. 22 at the Indiana Convention Center.