Convention & Event Planner Intern

The National FFA Organization is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to the future of agricultural education. Established to support students and educators in agricultural learning, the organization fosters the development of leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. With a nationwide presence, the National FFA Organization hosts numerous events, programs, and learning opportunities designed to empower FFA members and their communities. The Indianapolis-based National FFA Center serves as the headquarters and hub for these efforts, coordinating major initiatives including the annual National FFA Convention & Expo.

The Convention and Events Management team within the National FFA Organization is currently seeking an enthusiastic and organized Intern to join their team for a paid internship starting June 2, 2026, and concluding November 5, 2026. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event planning, logistics, and execution, focusing primarily on the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, one of the largest agricultural education events in the country. Scheduled for October 21-24, 2026, in Indianapolis, this event attracts more than 70,000 attendees, including FFA members, teachers, advisors, alumni, exhibitors, sponsors, and other key stakeholders.

The role of the intern will be integral to the successful delivery of this large-scale event, which features over 300 individual events spread across four major venues and five host hotels. The intern will work closely with the events management team, assisting with event orders, logistical planning, and managing various programs and event areas during the convention and expo. Responsibilities will also include organizing materials, participating in committee meetings, and supporting communication activities such as coordinating phone calls and compiling reports. This hybrid position requires a commitment to working onsite at the National FFA Center a minimum of 20 hours per week during the internship period, with in-office days scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

A unique aspect of this internship is the requirement to attend the National FFA Convention & Expo in person, including the critical move-in and move-out phases from October 18-24, 2026. The organization provides hotel accommodations and meals for the intern during this convention week, emphasizing the importance of on-site presence and hands-on event support during the largest event of the year. This immersive experience will expose the intern to various facets of event management, including practical problem-solving, coordination among multiple stakeholders, and the rigorous demands of managing a major multi-venue event.

The National FFA Organization values individuals currently enrolled or recently graduated from post-secondary education, especially those specializing in tourism, hospitality, convention, meeting, or special event planning. While prior experience with event management systems and design software is advantageous, candidates engaged in professional organizations such as the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) or Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) are highly encouraged to apply to gain valuable industry insights and connections.

In summary, this internship offers a comprehensive learning environment tailored to individuals aspiring to develop careers in event management and logistics within the agricultural education sector. The opportunity to be involved in a high-profile national event, coupled with supportive mentorship from experienced professionals, makes this position both a challenging and rewarding experience for emerging event planners.