More than 70,000 students wearing blue corduroy jackets are in Indianapolis this week for the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it almost feels like a family reunion.”

That’s says Amara Jackson from Michigan, who is serving out her final week as National FFA President. This year’s event starts on Wednesday, Oct. 23 and wraps up with the final session on Saturday, Oct. 26. The theme of this year’s convention and expo is “Engage.”

“It’s our hope that our members and guests that attend National FFA Convention feel a deeper calling to become engaged with the people around them and with the experiences around them. When we’re truly engaged, we can give back to our local communities. When we’re truly engaged, we equip ourselves with knowledge and experiences that prepare us for life in-and-out of this blue jacket. When we engage, that that is when we build those skills and those experiences that ensure that we’re becoming the leaders that FFA upholds us to be.”

She says one of the highlights of the event is the Expo at the Indiana Convention Center, which features more than 300 exhibitors. Those include some of the nation’s top ag colleges like Purdue University and Cornell. Exhibitors also include some of the country’s top ag businesses, including Corteva Agriscience and Case IH.

“That Expo is a great chance for students who maybe aren’t sure of their next step after high school to figure out and have conversations in the agriculture industry of what could be that next step for them. That is the best place to walk around and have conversations with like-minded people to ensure your future success.”

Meanwhile, inside Lucas Oil Stadium, which is literally across the street from the Expo, the sessions are underway for the National FFA Convention.

“The sessions are one of my favorite things to go to at National FFA Convention. During that time, students are getting awarded for different leadership and career development events, including Agriscience Fair projects and Proficiency Awards. It’s a great time to learn what kind of project or contest you’d like to be involved in next year while watching other students get recognized at a national level.”

What’s Amara’s advice for those attending the National FFA Convention and Expo?

“I encourage you to do as much as possible. Soak up each and every experience. Find some time to go to the Expo. Find some time to go to multiple sessions. Find some time to explore and to meet people. There’s no reason we can’t walk away with more friends than what we came with. I encourage you to just be present—even when your feet might hurt from walking—and continue to find ways to get involved and engaged.”

For more information, visit Convention.FFA.org.