‘Convention in a box’: Indiana FFA prepares for virtual state event

TRAFALGAR, Ind. — Although a lot of events and activities have either been canceled, postponed or changed due to strict restrictions and regulations put into place to help slow the spread of COVID-19, Indiana FFA is still holding the 91st Indiana FFA State Convention, just not in the traditional format.

The 2020 Indiana FFA State Convention will be June 16-18, but instead of being held in person on the Purdue University campus, it will be held virtually.

Rob Hayes, director of the Indiana FFA Association, said the organization is really excited about the upcoming convention and the state officers have been working hard to still create a unique and enjoyable convention for members.

Although it will look different from a traditional convention, Hayes said they are trying to maintain as much normalcy as they can.

“The main thing of focus will be the sessions,” said Hayes, adding that the convention will continue to have six sessions.

Hayes said the sessions will recognize award winners, thank sponsors and have state officer retiring addresses.

He said a lot of the sessions will have quite a bit of pre-recorded content, but the plan is for the sessions to be livestreamed with the state officers hosting the sessions.

Hayes said the state officers and the organization are still nailing down plans for the video sessions, but they will look different from normal sessions.

“There will still be student leadership workshops online,” said Hayes, adding that some of the workshops will be recorded, but some will be live, as well.

Hayes said that even though the format for this year’s convention is nontraditional, there will still be traditional components, including a keynote speaker and an emphasis on community service.

He said that he hopes FFA members and their chapters will participate in local service projects in their communities.

Hayes said any FFA member can stream the state FFA convention, but chapters have the option to register and receive a “convention in a box.”

A “convention in a box” will include FFA buttons, ribbons and FFA programs, as well as exclusive access to extra student leader workshops.

For more information about the virtual convention, visit www.inffa.org/.