Last FFA Convention for Louisville Starts Wednesday

The 88th National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Convention and Expo opens tomorrow and runs through October 31. Registration is available on site for $75 if you did not pre-register. The schedule, a map and other information (housing, tourist attractions, parking, etc) can be found on the FFA webpage.

The convention was held in Louisville from 1999-2005 and has since been alternating with Indianapolis as the host. Following a pattern of three cycles, the convention will be moving to Indianapolis for 2016-2018 as planned. However, the bid for the 2019-2021 cycle will also go to Indianapolis.

It is estimated that the convention brings approximately 60,000 visitors to the Louisville area every year, making it one of the largest conventions to meet here. These visitors also bring roughly $40 million to the local economy. Losing the convention will be a hard hit for the city.

According to the FFA, an evaluation of the city determined that there are not enough affordable hotels and meeting spaces to meet their needs anymore. Specifically, a lack of double-occupancy rooms near the Expo Center.