INDIANAPOLIS — Every year, the National FFA Convention and Expo brings about 70,000 visitors to Indianapolis, which makes about $40 million for the city.

This year’s convention is still on, for now.

Mandy Hazlett, associate director of convention and events for FFA, says they’re planning to host the large event as scheduled in downtown Indy. However, because of the pandemic, her team is developing backup plans as well.

“We know we’ll have to make a decision sometime this summer, but we don’t have a big red X on a specific date yet,” she told Inside Indiana Business.

Hazlett says what is working in their favor is time. The convention is scheduled for October 28-31.

“(Other events) didn’t get the benefit of time, and they had to quickly flip the switch and all of a sudden have to do their event virtual within days or weeks,” she said. “We’re taking advantage of the time to make sure that we are really thinking through every single angle…whether it’s in-person, or online, or whatever the case is.”

She said another factor in to their decision is what other states do. The convention draws FFA members not just from all over Indiana, but from all 49 other states as well, plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“We’re also waiting to hear what Departments of Education are deciding in each of those states in terms of what students will be allowed to do.”

She added that they are seeking updated guidance from the CDC.