Event has $40 million impact on local economy
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2014) — The 2014 National FFA Convention & Expo continues the second year of its three-year run in Louisville from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1. More than 60,000 FFA members from throughout the U.S. are expected at this year’s event.
The convention and expo will bring an estimated economic impact of $40 million, making it the largest convention and expo for Louisville this year. Attendees will stay in 136 hotels for a combined 39,247 nights within a 60-mile radius of Louisville. The event will stay in Louisville through 2015 before returning to Indianapolis for three years.
“Go All Out” is this year’s theme.
“It’s exciting to have the FFA returning, not just for the impact to our local economy but for what these students bring individually and what they represent,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “This is a gathering of more than 60,000 of our future leaders, young people who will shape the kind of society we will be — the entrepreneurs, the problem solvers, the care givers and educators.”
Students will have countless opportunities to engage exhibitors from more than 450 corporations, organizations and colleges at the expo inside the center. Other events will be held at venues downtown, in the suburbs and beyond.
Throughout the week, students will attend more than 85 leadership and personal growth workshops. FFA members will also tour industry destinations, including Papa John’s international headquarters, Ford’s Louisville assembly plant, Churchill Downs and more.
FFA members will also participate in community-service initiatives that include beautifying the city, volunteering at a local food bank, harvesting and distributing locally grown produce and packaging meals for families in need.
Other events include performances from country musicians, a rodeo and a dance.
News, features, sights and sounds from the 2014 National FFA Convention & Expo will be published in real time on FFA.org and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #goFFA all week. Portions of the event will be streamed live on iHigh.com.
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