Events, Conferences and Conventions

About ACES: The ACES Conference is a premier leadership experience held over four weekends each winter in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This overnight conference focuses on personal growth, team building, and career readiness. Through hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions, students develop leadership skills that prepare them to succeed in their chapters, schools, and future careers.

Why Attend? ACES offers a fun, high-energy environment where members connect with peers from across the state and strengthen their commitment to agricultural education.

When & Where? Sheraton, Harrisburg-Hershey

• Weekend 1: January 31-February 1, 2026
• Weekend 2: February 14-15, 2026
• Weekend 3: February 21-22, 2026
• Weekend 4: February 28-March 1, 2026

Important Information: For more information, contact Mike Brammer at [email protected] or 717-580-4864

About FLC: The Fall Leadership Conference is a one-day event held each fall. Open to first- and second-year members, this conference introduces students to the FFA organization and builds foundational leadership skills through interactive workshops and activities.

Why Attend? Kick-start your FFA journey by learning the basics of leadership, teamwork, and communication—all while meeting new friends and getting excited about your role in FFA!

When & Where? October 7th, 2025, Blair County Convention Center

Important Information: For more information, contact Mike Brammer at [email protected] or 717-580-4864

About JAMS: JAMS (Junior Agricultural Members Summit) is a one-day leadership and exploration conference designed specifically for middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade who are involved in a middle school agriculture program, agricultural education class, or agriculture club. Throughout the day, students will rotate through five interactive workshops that introduce them to opportunities within agricultural education and FFA. Sessions highlight key areas such as:

• FFA traditions, symbols, and ceremonies
• Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs) appropriate for middle school students
• The different FFA degrees and how members progress in the organization
• Opportunities in public speaking and the AgriScience Fair
• What it means to be “In the Jacket” and involved in FFA leadership

In addition to workshops, students will also participate in a community service activity with their chapter, reinforcing the importance of service and teamwork within agriculture and FFA. The conference is designed to give younger students a fun, engaging introduction to FFA and agricultural leadership opportunities while connecting them with other middle school agriculture students from across the state.

Why Attend: JAMS is a great opportunity to explore what being involved in agricultural education and FFA is all about. You’ll participate in hands-on workshops, learn about events you can compete in, discover leadership opportunities, and connect with other students who share your interest in agriculture. If you're curious about FFA, leadership, or the many opportunities available through your agriculture program, JAMS is the perfect place to start.

When & Where: 4.11.2026, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM, Cumberland Valley High School

Important Information: 

• Registration closed on March 6th, 2026
• Registration is $20 per attendee, which includes participation in the conference and a conference t-shirt.
• Students should arrive dressed in nice jeans, and will receive a conference shirt to change into upon arrival. Teachers and chaperones are asked to participate in the day by assisting with workshops, supervision, or event support.
• For more information contact Dianna Jarema at [email protected]

About MLS: The Member Leadership Series is a set of virtual and in-person workshops provided by the National FFA Organization to help members strengthen core leadership and personal growth skills. Sessions focus on topics like goal setting, communication, and teamwork, and are designed for all experience levels.

Why Attend? Whether you're a new member or chapter officer, MLS helps you grow as a leader, build confidence, and apply valuable skills in your FFA journey and beyond.

When & Where? Multiple Opportunities 

Important Information: https://www.ffa.org/participate/conference/ffa-member-leadership-series/

About Mid-Winter Convention: Held each January during the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the Mid-Winter Convention celebrates the achievements of FFA members from across the state. Students are recognized for earning their FFA jackets, receiving Keystone Degrees, and excelling in agricultural education.

Why Attend? Experience the pride of being part of Pennsylvania FFA in front of a statewide audience, celebrate member accomplishments, and be inspired by the impact FFA has across the Commonwealth.

When & Where? January 12th, 2026, 2PM, New Holland Arena at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex

Important Information: For more information, contact Mike Brammer at [email protected] or 717-580-4864

About National Convention: Held each fall in Indianapolis, Indiana, the National FFA Convention & Expo brings together over 70,000 FFA members from across the country to celebrate agricultural education, compete in national events, attend leadership workshops, and explore career opportunities in the Expo Hall.

Why Attend? Be part of the largest celebration of FFA in the nation! Compete, learn, connect, and leave inspired by the scale and spirit of the FFA community.

When & Where? October 29th, 2025-November 1st, 2025, Indianapolis, IN

Important Information: https://convention.ffa.org

About New Century Farmer Conference: Hosted by the National FFA Organization, the New Century Farmer Conference is an intensive, all-expenses-paid professional development experience for college-aged students pursuing careers in production agriculture. Held each summer, this competitive program equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to successfully manage and grow agricultural operations.

Why Attend? Gain cutting-edge insights into ag technology, business planning, and risk management while connecting with industry leaders and like-minded peers who share your passion for production agriculture.

When & Where? 

Important Information: Applications open December 15th. https://www.ffa.org/participate/conference/new-century-farmer/

About Next Gen: The Next Gen Conference is a career-focused event hosted by the National FFA Organization that connects high school FFA members with industry leaders, hands-on learning, and real-world career pathways in specific agricultural sectors. Each conference has a unique theme—such as animal systems, plant science, or agricultural technology—and is designed to prepare the next generation of ag professionals.

Why Attend? Explore your future in agriculture through immersive experiences, expert speakers, and career networking—all while discovering how your FFA skills connect to real opportunities in the ag industry.

When & Where? 

Important Information: https://www.ffa.org/participate/next-generation-conference/

About State Convention & Activities Week: Held each June at Penn State University, the Pennsylvania FFA State Convention brings together over 1,500 members, advisors, and guests for a multi-day celebration of student achievement. Members compete in Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs/LDEs), attend leadership workshops, receive awards, and elect the next team of state officers.

Why Attend? State Convention is where passion meets purpose. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, connect with FFA members from across the state, and be inspired by the impact of agricultural education.

When & Where? June 9th - June 11th, 2026, The Pennsylvania State University 

Important Information: For more information, contact Mike Brammer at [email protected] or 717-580-4864

2025 Delegate Manual

2025 Activities Week Packet

CDE/LDE Information

Authorization & Health Forms

About SLLC: SLLC is a three-day leadership experience held each spring in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where FFA members learn how government and advocacy intersect with agriculture. Participants tour the Capitol, take part in issue-based workshops, and meet directly with legislators to share their FFA stories and perspectives.

Why Attend? Develop your voice as a young leader, understand how policy shapes agriculture, and make a real impact by engaging with decision-makers who influence your future.

When & Where? March 22-24, 2026, Sheraton, Harrisburg-Hershey

Important Information: SLLC Attendance requirements 

Chapters with: 

• Up to 99 members - may bring   5 students.
• 100-149  members - may bring   6 students.
• 150-199  members - may bring   7 students.
• 200-250  members - may bring   8 students.
• 251-299  members - may bring   9 students.
• 300-349  members - may bring 10 students.
• 350 plus members - may bring 11 students

For more information, contact Mike Brammer at [email protected] or 717-580-4864

About the Big E: The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) is the largest agricultural event on the East Coast and serves as a regional competition for FFA members from across the Eastern U.S. Held each fall in West Springfield, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania FFA members who qualify compete in Career and Leadership Development Events, showcase their skills, and represent the state on a multi-state stage.

Why Attend? Compete with the best from the region, experience a unique blend of agriculture and culture, and take pride in representing Pennsylvania FFA on a larger platform.

When & Where? September 12-13, 2025, West Springfield, MA

Important Information: For more information, contact Mike Brammer at [email protected] or 717-580-4864. https://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/ffa

About WLC: WLC is National FFA’s premier leadership development experience, held over multiple weeks each summer in Washington, D.C. FFA members from across the country gather to strengthen their leadership skills, explore the nation’s capital, and develop a Living to Serve Plan that drives positive change in their communities.

Why Attend? Discover your purpose, grow as a servant leader, and leave inspired to make a difference—both in FFA and in the world around you.

When & Where? Washington, D.C.

2026 Conference Dates

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Important Information: https://www.ffa.org/conference/washington-leadership-conference-wlc/