NATIONAL CONVENTION INFORMATION & TIPS

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Jim Rose

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Sep 6, 2026, 9:59:26 AMSep 6
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National FFA Convention registration opens soon, so I wanted to send a few helpful resources, reminders, and tips your way. I know you have a lot on your plates this time of year, so hopefully having everything in one place makes convention planning a little easier.

 

As always, if you have questions or need assistance, please reach out!

 

AVAILABLE NOW – CONVENTION PARKING

 

Planning to drive to convention? Parking passes are NOT purchased through the National FFA Convention registration system. Chapters will need to purchase parking passes for all vehicles—including cars, buses, and vehicles with trailers—directly from Indianapolis parking vendors. Please plan ahead and secure the appropriate parking for your group before arriving in Indianapolis.

 

A few other transportation reminders:

  • Rodeo shuttle passes are available for purchase through the National FFA Convention registration system.
  • National FFA no longer provides hotel/housing shuttles, so chapters are responsible for arranging their own transportation between hotels and convention venues.
  • Chapters with students competing in CDEs or LDEs should review their event orientation materials for specific competitor shuttle information.

 

SEPTEMBER 9 – CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPENS

 

Convention registration opens Wednesday, September 9 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

 

Before registration opens:

My biggest tip: If you want any of the limited-capacity activities, be ready to register when the system opens at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Many opportunities fill quickly.

 

Opportunities to Consider:

 

SEPTEMBER 16 – CONCERT & RODEO TICKETS OPEN

 

Concert and rodeo tickets open Wednesday, September 16 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

 

This is important: You MUST be registered for convention before you can purchase concert or rodeo tickets.

 

Once you register, you will receive a National FFA Convention & Expo registration confirmation email. Save this email! It will contain the private links you need to purchase your concert and rodeo tickets when ticket sales open. Your offer code is the middle seven digits of your registration code.

 

Please note that concert and rodeo tickets will be sold through two different ticketing systems this year:

      • Concert tickets will be purchased through Ticketmaster.
      • Rodeo tickets will be purchased through SaffireTix.

Your registration confirmation email will include the private purchase links and any information needed to access ticket sales. These private links help ensure tickets are available specifically to registered National FFA Convention & Expo attendees.

 

Tips for Purchasing Tickets

  • Register for convention well in advance. You must be registered before you can access the private concert and rodeo ticket links.
  • Save and have your convention registration confirmation email ready. The private links to purchase tickets will be included in that email.
  • Remember there are two different ticketing systems this year: concert tickets will be sold through Ticketmaster, while rodeo tickets will be sold through SaffireTix.
  • Create or sign in to your Ticketmaster account in advance so you aren't trying to set up an account when tickets go on sale.
    • More information will be released by National FFA related to SaffireTix.
  • Have your payment method ready before sales open.
  • Remember that concert and rodeo tickets open at the same time. If you plan to purchase tickets for both, have a plan! Consider having two advisors/adults ready—one to purchase concert tickets and another to purchase rodeo tickets.
  • Don't wait until the last minute to find your confirmation email or links. Have everything pulled up and ready before 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
  • If you run into an issue or have concerns or feedback about the ticket process, please send them to state staff. We are happy to help troubleshoot and make sure concerns are shared through the appropriate channels. I appreciate ND advisors continuing to represent our state professionally, including online.

 

SCHOOL LEADERS SUMMIT

 

National FFA will offer a special two-hour School Leaders’ Summit during the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo.

 

The summit will be offered twice:

  • Wednesday, October 21 | 10:00 a.m.–Noon
  • Thursday, October 22 | 10:00 a.m.–Noon

 

Advisors can select this option in the convention registration system when registering school leaders.

 

More information: School Leaders' Summit – 99th National FFA Convention & Expo

 

Questions about the summit can be directed to Jill Wagner at jwa...@ffa.org.

 

2026 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

 

There is A LOT happening at convention this year! A few things to have on your radar:

 

    1. Pin Challenge – Page 19 of the Implementation Guide - Be sure to check out the Convention Pin Challenge and encourage your students to participate! 99th National FFA Convention Implementation Guide.docx | Powered by Box
    2. Expo & Shopping Mall - Take some time to explore the exhibitors, colleges, industry partners, educational experiences, and shopping opportunities available throughout the Expo. Exhibitors, Expo and Shopping Mall – 99th National FFA Convention & Expo
    3. Implementation Guide - If you are planning convention, the National FFA Convention Implementation Guide should be one of your first stops. It is packed with information to help you prepare your chapter and students for convention. FFA.ORG | Powered by Box
    4. NEW! Drone & Robotics Demonstration - National FFA is excited to offer a Drone & Robotics Demonstration at the National FFA Convention & Expo, October 21–23! In partnership with Minds-I Education, 20 teams of four FFA members will be selected to showcase their drone building, programming, and piloting skills in a demonstration modeled after the Aerial Drone Competition Pro. Grants are available to help establish new teams, and travel funding is available for teams selected to participate at convention. Teams will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested chapters are encouraged to act quickly. This could be a great opportunity for students interested in drones, robotics, programming, engineering, and agricultural technology! For additional details, please click HERE. Interested in this opportunity, complete this form.

 

HAVE CONVENTION QUESTIONS?

 

National FFA has several great resources available when you are looking for an answer.

 

Please take advantage of these resources, but also know that I am happy to help! If you have questions, run into an issue, or aren't sure where to find something, please reach out.

 

Convention will be here before we know it!

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