Kentucky FFA Seeks Keynote Speaker for 98th State FFA Convention

General Overview: The Kentucky FFA State Convention annually selects a keynote speaker that will address the convention audience during the opening session of the convention.  

What is Kentucky FFA? Kentucky FFA is the youth leadership organization for middle and high school students that are enrolled in agricultural education. FFA develops members’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. Current FFA membership in Kentucky is over 21,000. The annual convention primarily serves as a time to recognize student achievement, provide leadership development opportunities, and encourage networking among students  

Event Information

• Date: Tuesday June 8, 2027
• Time: The opening session begins at 3:30pm ET. 
  • The keynote address will begin at approximately 4:15 pm ET. 
  • A soundcheck for the keynote will be conducted at a time that meets the schedule of the keynote and the convention session production team. 
• Location: Central Bank Center – 430 W Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507
• Audience: Approximate session attendance is 1500-1800. This is mainly middle and high school FFA members, along with FFA advisors and FFA supporters.
• Keynote Requirements: 40-minute keynote address
• Theme: The address should be motivational for the student audience. Topics may include leadership, personal growth, making a positive impact, overcoming adversity, and similar topics. A convention theme will be selected in late December. This theme, along with the explanation of the theme, will be shared with the keynote.  
• Additional Services: The keynote speaker is also welcomed to provide a one hour workshop that could be offered prior to the opening session and/or on the day following the opening session. This is optional. If the selected keynote wishes to provide a workshop, Kentucky FFA will work with them to determine the best time for that. 
• Selling of Merchandise: The selected keynote is welcome to sell merchandise prior to and/or after the opening session. A table will be provided in a location near the convention hall.   

Budget: The budget for the convention keynote is $5,000. It is preferred that the speaker fee quoted be inclusive of travel expenses. If the fee is not inclusive of travel expenses, a detailed outline of travel requirements must be provided in the proposal that is submitted. If a workshop is also provided during the convention, the individual should outline the additional fee in their proposal.     

Timeline for Selection

• September 20 to November 10 – Individuals who have indicated an interest in being considered for the convention keynote, as well as those that have been recommended for consideration, will receive information about the event and be asked to submit a proposal.  
• November 16 to December 15 – The 12 Kentucky FFA State Officers will review the submitted proposals and will rank their top choices.
• Late December/Early January –  Based on the rankings, the opportunity to provide the convention keynote will be offered. Upon agreement, the proper documents will be executed.

Submitting A Proposal: Individuals that wish to be considered for the convention keynote are asked to provide the following information by November 15 via email to the point of contact.

• Name of Individual that would provide the keynote address
• Basic information about the individual, including their background, expertise, and experience as a keynote speaker. 
• Link to website(s) that provide(s) a segment of a keynote delivered by the individual and other relevant information that will be reviewed in the selection process.
• Speaker Fee to deliver 40 minute keynote address
  • If the fee is not inclusive of travel, a detailed description regarding requirements related to the travel must be provided, including who will be responsible for making travel arrangements. 
• List of any special needs and/or requirements regarding the keynote address and/or the individual providing the keynote. This could include, but is not limited to technology requirements, items to be handed out to convention attendees, selling of merchandise, and accommodations for the speaker. 
• Workshop (optional): Short overview of the content of the workshop should be provided if the individual is willing to offer a workshop during the convention. 
  • If the individual would also like to be considered to provide a workshop during the convention, the fee for that service must also be stated in the proposal.
• Previous FFA experience (optional): If the individual has previously served as a keynote/presenter at FFA events in other states and/or with the National FFA Organization, please provide a list of the states/locations and years in which those occurred.
• Point of Contact email address for questions
• Additional relevant information may also be provided 

Point of Contact

Kristan Wright, Kentucky FFA State Advisor (kristan.wright@education.ky.gov). 

Kentucky FFA Association

300 Sower Blvd

OCTE – 5th Floor

Frankfort, KY 40601