What the Illinois FFA State Convention Is
The Illinois FFA State Convention is the annual gathering of the Illinois Association FFA, bringing more than 5,000 members, students, advisors, alumni and supporters together for three days of leadership development, recognition ceremonies, competitions and celebrations. The 98th convention, themed "Sparking Your Future," ran June 9-11, 2026, at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield. It is described as one of the largest youth leadership events in Illinois.
Who It Is For
The convention is for FFA members across the state's 403 chapters, which together enroll 39,890 students. Chapters send members, advisors and guests. Eleven members from a single chapter, for example, attended sessions, heard the retiring addresses from each state officer and took part in workshops. First-time attendees are part of the crowd each year.
What Happens There
Sessions and speakers
Programming includes stage sessions, workshops and recognition ceremonies. The 2026 speakers included National FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel and the retiring state officers, who give their final addresses as their term ends. A career fair brought colleges and agribusinesses to members, and attendees could take a tour of Springfield's history.
Election of state officers
A new State Officer Team is elected at each convention. In 2026 the team was elected Thursday morning, June 11, and installed immediately afterward. Six officers were chosen from 10 candidates selected by a committee in late April. Each officer sets aside college plans for 12 months to serve, and officers typically travel more than 20,000 miles visiting chapters, leading workshops and promoting agricultural education. Illinois has elected a State FFA Officer Team since 1929.
The 2026-27 team: President Bryer Nelson (Canton FFA), Vice President Collin Johnson (Franklin FFA), Secretary Owen Rigg (Williamsfield FFA), Treasurer Lane Perry (Marshall FFA), Reporter Haven Cash (North Clay FFA) and Sentinel Levi German (Nokomis FFA).
Awards and recognition
State awards recognize work-based learning through Supervised Agricultural Experiences, or SAEs: running an agricultural business, completing an agricultural internship, or conducting a scientific experiment and reporting the results. Proficiency winners are chosen for skill in recordkeeping, leadership and scholastic achievement. The 2026 convention named 48 state award winners across areas that included beef, dairy, swine, sheep, goat and poultry production, grain, forage and specialty crops, agricultural mechanics, agricultural communications, agriscience research and veterinary science. Several categories are split into entrepreneurship and placement tracks.
The convention also celebrates chapter achievement, State FFA Degree recipients, and Illinois FFA's national award winners and strong showing in leadership and career development events. The Illinois Foundation FFA raises funds for agricultural education and FFA programs, including awards given at the State Convention.
Key Dates and Where
- Most recent convention: June 9-11, 2026 (the 98th)
- Venue: Bank of Springfield Center, Springfield, Illinois
- Officer election: Thursday morning, the final day
The convention is held each year in June. Ask your chapter advisor for the dates of the next convention.
Questions
Do I have to be an officer or competitor to go?
No. Members attend for sessions, workshops and ceremonies, and many chapters bring groups of members and advisors.
How are state officers chosen?
A committee selects candidates in late April, and the team is elected at the convention. In 2026 six officers were chosen from 10 candidates.
How long do officers serve?
Twelve months, setting aside college plans for the year.
How do I register?
Registration runs through your FFA chapter and advisor.
Official Links
- AgriNews: Time for 98th Illinois FFA State Convention: dates, venue and theme
- AgriNews: Illinois FFA members develop outstanding projects: state award winners
- The County Chronicle: ALAH FFA members attend Illinois FFA Convention: attendance and activities
- Marshall High School: FFA State Officer Team 2026-27: officer election and team
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference
The 2027 From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference runs January 27-29 at the Bank of Springfield Center, serving Illinois specialty growers and local-food producers.
Springfield, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farm Bureau Official event details - Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference
Illinois Farm Bureau members meet at the Bank of Springfield Center on February 16, 2027 for the Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference, focused on state advocacy.
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The Illinois Farmers Union annual meeting offered a day of education and policy discussion for family farmers and ranchers, with a conservation talk and a National Farmers Union address, open to non-members. Held each year; most recent date shown.
3280 Northfield Drive, Springfield, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farmers Union Official event details - Illinois Beef Expo
The Illinois Beef Expo fills the Illinois State Fairgrounds with a junior show, livestock judging, a beef skill-a-thon, a cattle fitting contest and three live cattle sales. Held each year; most recent dates were February 19-22, 2026.
801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL | Organizer: Illinois Beef Association Official event details - Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale
Proven performance bulls sell on opening day of the Illinois Beef Expo in Springfield. Held each year; the most recent sale was February 19, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.