80th National FFA Convention Dear FFA Advisors and Members: Dear FFA Advisors and Members: As part of Greetingsthe National FFA, we know the future of our members is bright! The 80th National FFA Con- vention is a time to share the excellent qualities of The time is almost here. Indianapolis the organization not only with each other, but with is excited to be your host city for the the host city as well. quickly approaching 80th National FFA Convention! City leaders and This will be our second year in the city of Indianapo- the hospitality community have been lis, and we will continue to show the community the working hard with your FFA leadership to pre- far-reaching influence of FFA in the lives of young pare our home to share with all of you. In just two people and the future of the agriculture industry. months, more than 50,000 of you will descend on Indianapolis is sure to be amazed, yet again, when Indianapolis for a gathering of young leaders. they see firsthand the outstanding qualities and I am pleased to tell you that our preparation to host boundless potential our members possess as a result you actually began 20 years ago. That’s when our of their experiences in agricultural education city leaders committed to the deliberate development programs. of our world-class convention district in a safe, con- What is one of the first things that those unfamiliar venient and connected downtown—an ideal location with FFA remark upon meeting members? The blue for such a significant and historic gathering of young corduroy jackets! This year’s convention theme— people. Blue Jackets, Bright Futures—exemplifies the leader- As many of you know, the National FFA Center is ship, service and other skills learned in located here in Indianapolis and is extremely well FFA to make your future bright! respected in our community. Hosting your national Use this Second Edition Advisor’s Planning Guide to convention this October and for five more years will help prepare for the event. As always, the national provide all of our citizens an up-close opportunity FFA convention will be packed with can’t-miss op- to experience your energy, vitality and outstanding portunities from helping chart leadership. policy and electing national Therefore, I look forward to personally greeting you officers to receiving recognition all soon. Again, I am confident that you will enjoy for outstanding achievements your visit to our city. We are extremely proud of and sharing ideas with members our hometown and the many exciting attractions, from across the country. hotels, outstanding restaurants and shops that are well within safe distance from each other. We’ll see you in October! So, on behalf of the hundreds of volunteers, hotels and restaurant personnel and hospitality leaders pre- paring for your visit, we will see you soon and safe travels to all. Sincerely, Sincerely, Sincerely, Larry D. Case, Ed. D National FFA Advisor Bart Peterson Mayor Welcome Back to Indianapolis Welcome ................................................... 3 CALL TO CONVENTION Welcome Back to Indy ............................... 4 Greetings TableConvention of Sessions Contents ...................................8 Career Show ............................................ 11 State Photo Schedule ................................ 12 elcome to the 80th National FFA FFA Alumni ............................................... 13 Convention. This is the time for you to shine! Collegiate .................................................. 14 As more than 50,000 FFA members and guests Workshops ................................................ 16 visit Conseco Fieldhouse, the RCA Dome, the Indiana Convention Center and the Indiana State National Days of Service ............................ 24 Fairgrounds, we will be bringing you exciting Tours ........................................................ 28 generalW sessions with motivational speakers, Planning ................................................... 44 special guests and FFA members from around Official Dress ............................................. 46 the nation being recognized for their outstanding Registration .............................................. 47 achievements. Other highlights will include the Housing .................................................... 48 career show, leadership development workshops Food Court ............................................... 50 for students and advisors, and the National Days Shopping Mall ........................................... 50 of Service. This year, make sure to take advantage Entertainment ........................................... 52 of the opportunity to learn about yourself and the Indianapolis Attractions ............................. 55 organization. Take time to lead, set examples for Parking ..................................................... 60 others and serve others in the community. This Maps and Directions ................................. 61 is your time to share what FFA means, and what Shuttle Information ................................... 63 bright futures are ahead!! Your 2006-2007 National FFA Officer Team, Indy 4 Convention Events 8 Registration 47 3 WHAT TO EXPECT IN INDY trance. Beat the rush and pre-register for the convention through the convenient online convention registration option.Welcome FFA! As you anticipate the 80th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, all the excitement of the event – includ- CONVENTION REGISTRATION BADGES ing terrific tours, dining options, entertainment activities For recognition, safety and security, please instruct and a vibrant downtown environment – awaits you. your students and attendees to wear their convention AMERICAN DEGREE CEREMONY badges at all times – not just when attending conven- tion sessions or the career show. These badges will assist To accommodate the large number of American De- Indianapolis volunteers in identifying convention attend- gree recipients and their guests, Convention Session #8, ees should they need assistance or directions to conven- the American Degree Ceremony, will be held in the RCA tion locations and events. The city of Indianapolis has an Dome on the American Degree Stage. 11 p.m. curfew for all minors under the age of 18, and Welcome Back to Indianapolis Circle Centre Mall has a 9 p.m. curfew on weeknights. AMERICAN DEGREE RECEPTION FFA members attending the 80th National FFA Conven- The National FFA Organization will host an American tion will be exempt from this curfew, but only if they Degree reception from 7 - 9 p.m. on Friday evening prior can be easily identified and are behaving appropriately. to Saturday’s American Degree Ceremony. The reception will take place in the Sagamore Ballroom of the Indiana Please note: This does not guarantee students free run of Convention Center and will feature former national FFA the city at night. Convention registration badges will be officer Mark Sanborn. All American Degree recipients sold at the main convention registration desk in the Indi- receive one free admission to the reception and can re- ana Convention Center. Lost badges may be replaced at quest up to three free tickets to the American Degree either the main convention registration desk or Conseco Ceremony (Convention Session #8). Fieldhouse; there will be a $5 fee. CONVENTION ARENA SESSIONS CONVENTION TICKET Eight of the nine scheduled convention sessions will REFUND PROCEDURE take place in Conseco Fieldhouse. Doors for all sessions As with most public events, convention event tickets will open one hour prior to the session start time, with are nonrefundable. Opening session tickets may only be pre-session activities beginning half an hour prior to the exchanged at the onsite convention registration coun- session start. ter at the Indiana Convention Center. Exchange of these tickets will be accommodated if the desired session has CONVENTION REGISTRATION LOCATION available seats. Tickets sold for activities such as con- Pre-registration is your best option to avoid the certs, Xtreme Bulls, hypnotist performances, etc., are lines at onsite registration. If you are unable to pre- nonrefundable. These tickets may not be exchanged or register and take advantage of reduced prices, the main returned unless the event is cancelled. In the case of a convention registration desk will be located in the cancellation, you will receive instructions on receiving Indiana Convention Center off the Maryland Street en- your refund. 4 Welcome Back to Indianapolis Welcome FFA! CONCERTS assist convention attendees during their travels back and On Wednesday and Thursday, enjoy the concert series forth between convention venues. Please understand sponsored by Chevy and RFD-TV. For more information, there will still be automobile traffic on this street, so see entertainment. please be attentive. DOWNTOWN ENVIRONMENT INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS FFA members and activities will be in the middle of a Ten CDEs will take place at the Indiana State Fair- true, exciting downtown city environment. Downtown grounds, 38 blocks north of downtown Indianapolis. The Indianapolis is clean, safe, well-lit and easy to navigate. Indiana State Fairgrounds is self-contained, with fencing Please remember, there will be a substantial amount of surrounding the facility. Ample food and beverages will vehicular and pedestrian traffic surrounding all our con- be available for sale at the fairgrounds, and breaks have vention locations. FFA convention locations include the been built into the CDE schedules to allow for meals Indiana