FFA spending last convention in Indy until 2016 - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Each year, FFA brings the largest convention crowd to Indianapolis. But this weekend is the last stop here for another three years.

In 2013, the convention returns to Louisville, which hosted it from 1999-2005.

Jennifer Barnett with the Louisville Convention and Visitors Association said they're "absolutely thrilled to have it return. It made a huge impact on our community when it was there for seven years and we truly missed it when it left. Our restaurants, attractions, hotels - every venue set records."

And it's no wonder.

At 55,000 strong, FFA ranks as the largest convention for both cities and the second most lucrative for Indy, right behind Gen Con.

Chris Gahl with Visit Indy expects this year's convention to provide a $40 million bump to the local economy.

A group of FFA students from Colorado said they each spend "a couple of hundred dollars" here.

As one male teen said, "they like all the kids spending money on stuff they never get to buy."

Losing FFA definitely hurts the Circle City, with Visit Indy still working to fill the void.

"We still have some work cut out for us," Gahl said. "2014 and 2015 look very strong. We're able to replace and grow some of the conventions convening here."

While FAA returns to Indianapolis in 2016 for three years, Indy would love to host it permanently, just like Louisville would.

Tim Kidwell, an agriculture teacher from Mason County, West Virginia said, "Where it's held doesn't matter a whole lot," but added, "it's impressive we make that impact on cities."

Calvert Sherard, an ag advisor from South Carolina, agreed.

"We'll go where all the action is. Wherever 50,000 blue and gold are, it's going to be a great time," Sherard said.

Sydney Parsley, an FFA student from Arizona, said of going to Louisville next year, "It's cool, because it's been here a long time and we're getting to travel to different places."

FFA spokesperson Kristy Meyer said that's essentially what FFA thought when it decided to rotate between the two cities.

"Both have great facilities and we thought it was a good chance for our students to experience different urban settings," Meyer said.

She noted FFA will return to Louisville in 2019 for another three years, with no decision yet on what happens in 2022 and beyond. Count on both cities to wage aggressive campaigns to host the convention long-term.

Earlier version

Starting today you will notice thousands of teenagers in familiar blue jackets roaming the streets of downtown. They are among the 55,000 visitors for the FFA convention.

They represent the largest convention for the city, and all-told, those teens will be spending about $38 million, making their convention the city's second-largest moneymaker. 

Indianapolis has hosted this convention for a number of years. But this is the last year before the convention leaves for a two-year break.  And their impending exodus is presenting a big void in the convention industry, and the economy of Indy.

"We still have some work cut out for us," said Chris Gahl of the Indiana Convention and Visitors Bureau. "2014 and '15 look very strong. We're able to replace and grow some of the conventions we are currently convening here."

Gahl said Indianapolis is trying to attract individuals from Chicago, Louisville and Cincinnati. "We are in a fall leisure campaign in those markets to invite visitors to come to Indy and spend a long weekend."

The convention folks have known for the past three years they were losing the FFA for two years. The convention will be returning in 2016.

What that means for you is possibly some good hotel deals next fall if you're thinking about a "staycation" during Fall break.

As for today and the rest of this week, those 55,000 young people downtown will create some traffic issues.

Georgia Street, one of the main thoroughfares downtown, has been renamed "FFA Way" to welcome the city's largest convention. Georgia Street is closed eastbound now through October 27. Traffic will only flow one-way westbound.

Pennsylvania, Meridian and Illinois Streets and Capitol Avenue intersections with Georgia Street will see intermittent closures to allow safe crossing for the FFA pedestrians.

That will also be the same with Delaware St. near Banker's Life Fieldhouse and South Street near Lucas Oil Stadium.

Each closure should last about 20 minutes.