The North Dakota FFA will host its annual state convention at a new location for the first time in nearly a century, moving to the Sanford Health Athletic Complex (SHAC) at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in 2025. The event has been held at the Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse on the NDSU campus for decades, but growing attendance has made the venue no longer sufficient.
In 2024, the convention drew more than 1,800 attendees, many of whom had to stand due to limited seating. The move to SHAC, with its larger capacity and modern facilities, will provide a more comfortable and dynamic environment for the state’s largest student organization. This move comes as a result of a surge in membership and the increasing popularity of the convention, which has outgrown its previous venue.
“The move represents more than just a larger venue; it’s about giving our members the resources and opportunities they deserve,” said Laiken DeMorrett, executive director of the North Dakota FFA Foundation. “Our members have worked hard to grow and succeed in agricultural education, and it’s important that our convention provides them with the space and resources to support their ambitions.”
The North Dakota FFA Foundation also sees the larger venue as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with industry leaders. The organization is actively seeking sponsors to help make the expanded event a success. Sponsorship packages will offer a variety of branding and promotional opportunities for companies looking to engage with thousands of students, educators, and industry professionals.
Sponsorship options include the following:
- Presenting Sponsor ($25,000): Naming rights, co-branded logos, and a 60-second commercial aired during each session.
- Session Sponsor ($10,000): Exclusive branding during one session, with a 30-second commercial.
- Suite Sponsor ($7,500): A branded hospitality suite with logo placements.
- Celebration Banquet Sponsor ($1,500): Branding at the banquet honoring state and American Degree recipients.
With more than 9,000 social media followers and a reach to over 8,700 direct mail recipients, sponsors will have the opportunity to connect with a targeted, statewide audience of future leaders in agriculture.
The FFA Foundation, which has supported leadership development and agricultural education for over 7,700 students in 96 chapters across North Dakota, plays a vital role in shaping the future of the state’s agricultural industry. By equipping students with the tools they need to succeed, the foundation helps develop the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The 2025 North Dakota FFA State Convention will take place June 2–5 at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex at NDSU in Fargo. For more information, visit NDFFAFoundation.com.