It’s almost here. Finally, the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo begins next week!

We can’t wait to see you in Indianapolis — Here’s a special message from our national advisor, Dr. Park!

Before you hit the road to #FFA23, here’s some news you can use:

• Avoid the on-site registration lines with three easy steps.
• See something, say something.
• Download the guidebook app.
• Know the venue entry policies.
• Concert and rodeo ticket reminders
• Know the venue cashless policies.
• Travel safe and smart.
• Park safely.
• Use the established loading zones for buses.
• Be a convention know-it-all.

For chapter advisors who haven’t completed ALL steps of the registration process, expect unusually long lines at the Indiana Convention Center, Hall A. Those steps include:

1. Add attendee names for every registration purchased.
2. Assign agenda activities to each attendee’s name.
3. Ensure all attendees have completed their Health, Safety and Event Participation and Code of Conduct e-waiver.
4. Their badge will not print out without this step completed.

These steps should be completed before you travel to Indianapolis. Links and instructions are available in your registration confirmation email. If an attendee doesn’t have a waiver accurately completed, they will not receive a badge to enter the event. Remember: An attendee under 18 MUST have their e-waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Having trouble? Email our team.

Let someone know if you see an FFA member or guest behaving inappropriately or not living up to our Code of Ethics! Throughout convention, you will see signs with a QR Code that you can scan to report bullying, harassment, bias or other misconduct. Click here for more information. Once you access the page, use code FFAEvent.

Find your way around #FFA23 with our guidebook app! Check out everything you can see and do at convention with this free app!

For your safety, all convention participants are subject to airport-style searches at venue entries. This applies to all convention venues, including Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Indiana State Fairgrounds.

For safety reasons, prohibited items include but are not limited to:

• Knives (all types and all sizes)
• Weapons of any kind, including chains, knives, firearms and spiked jewelry
• Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances, vaporizing pods, vape pens or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
• Smoking, including vaping, is prohibited in all venues
• Laser pens/pointers of any type
• Outside food or drinks
• Oversized bags
• Pepper spray/Mace
• Any other item deemed unacceptable by event/building management

1. Entry Policy: You must have your Ticketmaster mobile ticket, and everyone must have their convention badge on and out for security. You must have your badge to be admitted into the event. No exceptions.
2. You must sit in the seat that is on your ticket. Neither the concert nor any of the rodeos are general admission seating.
3. Please refrain from bringing large bags, backpacks or shopping bags to these events.

Know the venue cashless policies

All the concession stands at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana Convention Center, Indiana State Fairgrounds and Luas Oil Stadium are cashless. Click here to find the locations for Reverse ATMs that change cash into cards. You can still use cash at the FFA Shopping Mall and FFA Mega Store, located in Halls B-E at the Indiana Convention Center.

• Walk in pairs of three
• Obey traffic rules at all times, whether as a driver or pedestrian
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Make sure to lock your hotel room whenever you leave. Do not prop your door open.
• Keep up to date on local construction, by visiting here

Park safely

Our team works closely with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to promote safety and reduce preventable crimes. Help us out when you park by following these guidelines:

• Always lock your car or bus doors.
• Do not leave valuables visible inside cars or buses.
• A trunk is the safest place for valuables if you must leave them.
• Do not store an extra key under the car, fender, gas cap, etc.
• Only park in approved areas.

Use the established loading zones for buses

Make sure you keep attendees safe by only using established loading zones for buses in Indianapolis!

Indiana Convention Center: South curb lane of Maryland Street between Capitol Avenue and Meridian Street (one block west of ICC). Loading and unloading in front of the Indiana Convention Center on Maryland Street or Capitol Avenue is NOT permitted.

FFA Concert at Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Significant construction is ongoing around Gainbridge Fieldhouse. If you have purchased a bus parking spot, plan to walk to and from the concert from your bus. Other buses may drop off and pick up on South Street between Capitol Avenue and Pennsylvania. You may be asked to keep your bus there until after the concert for the same spot pick up. (ADA loading zone: Pennsylvania Street and Georgia Street. Follow the directions of the Indiana Metropolitan Police Department.)

Be a convention know-it-all

The A to Z Guide is the best answer to your questions. Check it out in the mobile app or the convention website!

Those unable to attend the national convention and expo can watch it like never before on FFA Live!, our streaming broadcast that begins with the first drop of the gavel on Wednesday, Nov. 1, and ends with the election of the 2023-24 National FFA Officers on Saturday, Nov. 4. Visit here for more information!

From all of us at National FFA, thank you! We can’t wait to see you!

Safe travels,