2017 Session 1

This is Session 1 of the 2017 (90th) National FFA Convention & Expo. The session opened with the introduction of the 2016-2017 National Officer Team, a presentation of colors by the T.C. Howe High School Junior ROTC Color Guard, the national anthem, and the opening ceremonies led by National President David Townsend around the theme "I Can, We Will," framed through a Full House "Townsend Edition" motif. Speakers and segments included reflections from past National President Taylor McNeil, performances by the National FFA Band and Chorus, remarks from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Hughes Act with a gavel presentation from the Georgia FFA Association, and an address from National FFA Advisor Dr. Steve Brown on modernizing the organization. Keynote speaker Laila Ali closed the session by sharing her boxing career, her relationship with her father Muhammad Ali, and her message on pursuing passions and serving others, before the session was formally adjourned.