Expo Hall Opens Doors to Career Exploration and Experiences
Thousands of FFA members are welcomed into the National FFA Expo by agriculture industry professionals, colleges and businesses who all share one mission: to empower the future generation of agricultural leaders. While the Expo setup takes place only days before FFA members arrive in Indianapolis, Ind., planning happens months before. National FFA Expo Event Manager Haley Perry and her team have been working around the clock to ensure the 500,000-square-foot space is transformed into an interactive Expo.
“This year is actually a record-breaking year for us with exhibitors,” Perry says. Exhibitors are up 14% over just last year, with 345 unique stops to make along this blue carpet.
The National FFA Expo is a place where connections are built and FFA members are exposed to industries, careers and experiences that will set them up for life.
“They’re very eager to engage with you, talk about career exploration, colleges and universities and what programs they have,” Perry says.
One of the organizations represented at the Expo is Ducks Unlimited, a wetland waterfowl conservation organization that is not only passionate about preparing students for the real world, but also wants to ensure their success.
Betsy Newbill, Ducks Unlimited’s youth engagement coordinator, wants FFA members to embrace the opportunities the Expo is presenting them with. “Everybody’s here for the exact same reason and that’s to talk to the students,” she says. “So don’t be nervous about the adults and don’t get nervous about the extravagant booths. We’re here to engage with you.”
With college representatives such as Texas A&M and Mississippi State to industry professionals like John Deere and Ducks Unlimited, the expo hall brings together a wide range of opportunities for FFA members. Whether students are planning their future careers, discovering new products or building connections, the Expo makes those interactions possible. t is all about setting members up for success.
