![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/133624680241372543_tn2-1.jpg\")
Texas FFA members will be wearing their distinctive blue corduroy jackets during the state convention. (Courtesy photo | Texas FFA)<\/p>\nA stampede of students \u2014 many wearing their distinctive blue corduroy jackets \u2014 will soon charge into Fort Worth.<\/p>\n
More than 16,000 agricultural students, their families and guests will visit the city for the 97th annual Texas FFA State Convention June 30-July 4 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The state convention will have an $18 million economic impact because attendees will stay at 40 hotels across the city, according to Visit Fort Worth, the city\u2019s tourism arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cCowtown and Texas FFA are a perfect match, both rooted in rich agricultural traditions and strong community values,\u201d said Ashley Dunkerley, a Texas FFA Association spokesperson.<\/p>\n
Bob Jameson, president and CEO of Visit Fort Worth, said the city has attracted sizable conventions to town this year, with more on the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cFort Worth continues to be a top choice for conventions because of our walkable downtown, authentic hospitality, and unique blend of Western heritage and modern amenities,\u201d Jameson said. \u201cConventions are a huge part of our tourism economy and we are excited about the expansion of the Fort Worth Convention Center that is currently underway.\u201d<\/p>\n
Robert Allen, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, said large conventions enable the city to get exposure to attract more tourists and businesses alike while sustaining the hospitality industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a big business (and) it\u2019s good business,\u201d said Allen, who praised Visit Fort Worth\u2019s efforts in their thoughtful approach to attracting conventions.<\/p>\n
The expansion of the convention center, which remains open during its renovations, could bring even more large gatherings to Fort Worth once completed in 2030, Allen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to showcase the city,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Texas FFA members will be wearing their distinctive blue corduroy jackets during the state convention. (Courtesy photo | Texas FFA)<\/p>\n
FFA activities are planned for the weeklong 2025 convention, including workshops, career development activities and specialized events.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Students will be recognized for their achievements as more than 150 scholarships, totaling $2.3 million, will be awarded to outstanding graduating seniors.<\/p>\n
The convention is scheduled to kick off June 30 with service activities that include volunteering at food banks and park cleanups. The state agriscience fair and an FFA rodeo are also planned.<\/p>\n
Convention activities include a keynote address by J.B. Mauney, a former professional bull rider; a quiz bowl; agricultural and leadership workshops; officer elections; and a concert with singer Wyatt Flores.<\/p>\n
Before 2025, Texas FFA held its 2022 convention in Fort Worth. FFA members will return to the city for their 2026 and 2027 conventions.<\/p>\n
The FFA convention is one of several large gatherings that boosted Fort Worth tourism.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In May, a record number of participants \u2014 more than 4,200 \u2014 came to Fort Worth from 45 states and six countries for the 2025 Texas Emergency Management Conference<\/a>. That group\u2019s 2026 meeting will return May 26-29 of next year.<\/p>\n In 2024, tourism brought 11.5 million visitors<\/a> to the city, generating $251 million in state and local taxes, according to Visit Fort Worth.<\/p>\n Visitors helped support more than 30,000 hospitality industry jobs that had an economic impact of over $3.5 billion, according to a study announced at the Visit Fort Worth annual meeting in February.<\/p>\n \u201cIf a convention gets you to Fort Worth, that\u2019s a win,\u201d Allen said. \u201cIt helps people think about Fort Worth in a different manner. It\u2019s all about business and sustaining jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric E. Garcia is a senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Disclosure: Mitch Whitten of Visit Fort Worth serves on the Report\u2019s board of directors<\/a>. News decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n
![\"Creative](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750614464_36_cc-by-nd-4.0.png\"\/)
<\/a><\/p>\n