Conferences

Greenhand Leadership Conference

Who: Freshman and first year members
Dates: N/A
Location: N/A
Price: $40

Greenhand Leadership Conference (GLC) introduces students to the benefits and opportunities in Agricultural Education, including SAE and FFA. This conference is the “hook-line-and-sinker to get students to buy into Agricultural Education throughout their four years in high school.

For more information, click on the GLC image!

Made for Excellence Conference

MFE APPLICATION (CLOSED)

Who: Sophomores
Dates: January 24-25, 2020 OR January 26-27, 2020
Location: Monterey, CA
Price: $150

Made for Excellence (MFE) Conference focuses on personal development starts with the individual. Self-discovery of talents, strengths, interests and personal character are emphasized as the individual is channeled to discover their passion in life. This conference focuses on "ME: one's personal skills and development of the ability to be successful."

For more information, click on the MFE image!

Advanced Leadership Academy

ALA APPLICATION (CLOSED)

Who: Juniors and Seniors
Dates: January 24-25, 2019 OR January 26-27, 2019
Location: Monterey, CA
Price: $150

Once a leader is comfortable with their own self and self-purpose, they can discover how to work with others and establish common goals. Student discovery of how to work as a team of innovative leaders in their chapter while analyzing program needs and creating a plan of action to create change, is the focus of this conference. This conference is about "WE: how leaders build relationships with others to establish common vision."

For more information, click on the ALA image!

State Convention

State Convention Application (February 4th)

Who: All Gilroy FFA members
Dates:March 18-23, 2021
March 23-29, 2022
Location: Sacramento, CA
Price: about $450 (fundraising opportunities will provided for students to help offset the cost)

State Convention is a great opportunity for students to gain leadership skills and learn about the opportunities that the FFA has to offer as well as celebrate their accomplishments and the accomplishments of others from the year. Students attend energy-filled sessions in the packed arena, a variety of workshops as well as connect to other FFA members from across the state. Students even have a private event in Knotts Berry Farm!

For more information, please click on the link provided.

You can also apply for a $200 State Convention scholarship through California FFA! Check out the CalAgEd website for requirements, application and accompanying paperwork. (Only one application per chapter.)

We encourage our members to get more involved in the planning and execution of State Convention. There are several opportunities for the students to do so. Most involve an online application, so be aware of the due dates! Below is a list of opportunities (& links) to get more involved:

Press Corps - due Feb. 1
Courtesy Corps - information coming soon
Sub Committees - due Dec. 1
State Officer Nominating Committee - due Feb. 1
State Office - due January 15

For more information, click on the 2018 State Convention theme banner (to be updated when new theme is revealed).

National Convention & Expo

Who: All Gilroy FFA members
Dates: October 28-31, 2020 (National Convention & Washington DC Experience through California FFA)
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Price: $1,850 (includes flight to and from convention, registration, hotel, ground transportation, and tours/concert/rodeo)

Every year, FFA members nationwide converge in one place to celebrate their accomplishments and find inspiration for their next steps. Motivational keynote speakers, energetic concerts, fulfilling workshops and a sweeping expo floor bustling with agricultural education and industry opportunities will have you snapping pics and grabbing videos of all of the experiences you’ll remember forever.

Want to be a National Convention Delegate? Check out the LINK about the application process to represent our state in Indianapolis!

For more information, click the "Just One" National Convention theme image!

Sacramento Leadership Experience

Who: Top 75 Seniors (application process)
Dates: February 25-28, 2020
Location: Sacramento, CA
Price: $350

California FFA’s premier capstone conference, individuals and teams are prepared to make things happen. Skills for solving problems, making decisions and accomplishing goals are developed. Students step into the role of one of California's State legislators, are assigned a specific California district and spend four days in Sacramento. SLE is all about the role of government, agricultural policy and advocacy. This conference focuses on "DO: the ability of the individual leader and team to put their vision into action.”

For more information, click on the SLE image!

Washington Leadership Conference

Who: Any Gilroy FFA member who applies (registration opens: March 5, 2019)
Dates: One week, chosen from the list below

Week 1: June 4-9, 2019
Week 2: June 11-16, 2019
Week 3: June 18-23, 2019
Week 4: June 24-30, 2019
Week 5: July 9-14, 2019
Week 6: July 16-21, 2019
Week 7: July 23-28, 2019

Location: Washington, D.C.
Price: $940 + flight (includes a shared room with up to 3 other students of same gender identification, conference materials, polo shirt, t-shirt, meals, transportation during the program, and all scheduled tours)

The WLC curriculum is based on the four tenants ME, WE, DO and SERVE. Building upon each of these four tenants gets students to the overall objective of the conference which is becoming an engaged citizen who can make a measurable positive difference in their community.

Each of these tenants are taught during a full dedicated day of the conference and through the context of our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. The Washington leadership conference is a delicate balance of providing FFA members with a premier leadership experience while exposing them to the rich history that DC has to offer.

For more information, click the WLC image!