top of page
Search

Make48 at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo

Last week, Make48’s CEO, Tom Gray, and Tool Tech Miles Davis made their way to the heart of the Midwest to represent us at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, IN. As a massive wave of over 70,000 attendees - wearing those iconic blue jackets - descended upon downtown Indianapolis, the energy for agriculture, leadership, and career exploration was electric!


The 2025 FFA Convention Experience

The Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and other central Indiana venues were filled with enthusiasm and learning last week. The National FFA Convention is a lively gathering that brings together members from all across the country, providing them with invaluable hands-on experiences and networking opportunities.


A Farming Simulator, a big green tractor, at the FFA Convention
Hands-on learning at the 98th National FFA Convention

This year's convention showcased the vast and innovative future of agriculture:

  • The Expo Hall was a bustling hub, featuring more than 300 exhibitors. FFA members had the chance to network and connect with industries ranging from agriculture and education to manufacturing and technology—right where Make48 fits in!

  • Hands-On Learning was a huge draw. Attendees could literally try welding, operate farm simulators, and explore more than 350 careers within agriculture.

  • Giving Back was central to the week. More than 3,000 delegates and students served the host city by participating in 28 service projects at local nonprofits.

  • Students received awards for their achievements and connected with over 80 colleges and universities offering agricultural programs.


To top off the week, the FFA introduced their new 2025-2026 National FFA Officer Team!

The 2026 FFA Officers
Nationals FFA Officers | https://www.ffa.org

For those interested in this organization, the FFA is an intracurricular student organization focused on developing members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. With more than 1,042,245 members in 9,407 chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the FFA is shaping future chemists, entrepreneurs, veterinarians, and leaders in countless career fields.


A huge commitment was also announced: after successfully hosting the event from 2006 to 2012 and annually since 2016, the National FFA Organization announced the expo will remain in Indianapolis through 2040!


Connections Made: Who Tom and Miles Ran Into

Tom and Miles were busy in the Expo Hall, engaging with thousands of future innovators and leaders. We were thrilled to see some familiar faces and key supporters of the Make48 mission, including Fastenal and Corteva. Also, in a great convention coincidence, Tom Gray ran into Ronda Hamm, an invaluable member of the Make48 Advisory Board.


Tom Green and Ronda Hamm posing in front of FFA student banner, smiling
Ronda Hamm and Tom Gray at 98th National FFA Convention and Expo

The opportunity to connect with these partners and the next generation of problem-solvers is what makes the FFA Convention so important to us. The convention experience was truly inspiring. Tom Gray reflected on the week. "Seeing over 70,000 young people dedicated to building skills, leading their communities, and embracing innovation is why the FFA Convention is a must-attend event for Make48. Their passion is the future of American ingenuity."


We loved our time at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo! Check out the official convention site for more information: FFA Convention.



 
 
 
bottom of page