Start Where You Are: Turning Your First Job into a Launchpad

Presenter: Tyler Schuster, Texas Tech University 

Location: FWCC - Lone Star Stage

Your first job might be after school, on weekends, or over the summer—and chances are, it won’t be your dream job. That doesn’t mean it isn’t important. In this workshop, students will learn how early jobs can help them discover their strengths, build confidence, and clarify what they want for their future. We’ll talk about how to gain real-world skills, work hard with purpose, and use every experience—no matter how small—as a stepping stone toward a career they’re passionate about. Students will leave with a better understanding of how to balance responsibility, growth, and dreaming big while preparing for what comes next after high school. This session is designed to help FFA members see their current jobs and experiences as valuable tools for building a successful future.

Leading with Impact

Presenter: McKenna Hunter, Texas Farm Bureau

Location: FWCC - Room 201 A-C

This interactive workshop is designed to help FFA members unlock their potential as confident leaders and effective teammates. Participants will explore what it means to lead with purpose while developing communication and collaboration skills. Through engaging activities and real-world scenarios, members will build confidence in expressing ideas and working with others. The session also provides practical strategies that can be applied in meetings, competitions, and everyday interactions. By the end, members will feel ready to lead with impact.

From Show Ring to the Real Work: Turning Livestock Experience into Career Skills

Presenter: Riley Reep, Texas Pork Producers

Location: FWCC - Room 202 AB

Through showing livestock in FFA, you learn the power of hard work, resilience, and how to serve others. You connect with a community that becomes your family. However, your journey doesn't have to end at the show ring. Our industry is filled with unlimited possibilities. In this interactive session, students will learn how to translate their livestock experience into real-world career advantages. This workshop will help them recognize the value of their experiences and confidently step from the show ring into the real world.

Careers in the Western Industry

Presenter: Carley Myers, Four Sixes Ranch

Location: Room 203 A-C

The Western industry offers far more career paths than you might expect. Join Carley Myers from the legendary Four Sixes Ranch as she shares insight into diverse careers ranging from ranch management and equine training to marketing, media, business operations, and beyond. Learn what it takes to stand out in this unique industry with practical advice on building a strong resume, mastering interviews, and developing your personal brand. Whether you’re looking to work on a ranch, behind the scenes, or in a leadership role, this session will equip you with the tools, tips, and connections to turn your passion into a successful career.

Do It Anyways; Stop Waiting, Start Living

Presenter: Chloe Zittergruen, Iowa FFA Association

Location: FWCC - Room 204 A

There’s never a perfect time to start, so why keep waiting? In this interactive workshop, you’ll discover what’s been holding you back and take a real step toward a goal you’ve been putting off. Through engaging activities and honest conversations, you’ll learn how to act even when you feel nervous or unprepared.

Animal AgTech: Building the Ranch of the Future

Presenter: Dr. Bain Wilson, Ranchbot and Jimmy Curtis, Cattlemax

Location: FWCC - Lone Star Stage

Farmers and ranchers have a history of adopting new technologies as the scale of their operations have expanded and labor comes at a greater premium. The advent of widespread internet access, satellite communication, GPS, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence have accelerated the pace of innovation in Animal Agriculture. Come learn about technologies that are shaping the future of the livestock industry.

How to “Future-Proof” Your Career Choice!

Presenter: Rick Elmore, Talent Outreach Manager, HOLT Group

Location: FWCC - Room 202AB

In today’s rapidly evolving world, Artificial Intelligence and outsourcing are impacting many career paths. This workshop outlines career opportunities that are more resistant to these changes. Discussions include high-risk areas, safe career options, and how to develop a strong plan for the future. Participants will also learn from real-world examples connected to industry. Join us for an informative look at careers and what your future could hold.

The Sound of Leadership

Presenter: Sarah Marshall, Tennessee FFA Association

Location: FWCC - Room 202 CD

This engaging workshop explores how intentional listening strengthens communication and leadership. Participants will reflect on how messages are sent, received, and often misunderstood, while building practical skills to communicate more clearly, collaborate effectively, and lead with confidence.

The Secret Sauce to Success: Closer Than You Think

Presenter: Tayler Sullivent Garcia, National Roper Supply

Location: Room 203 A-C

Students are often given resources that build the foundation of leadership. However, one of the most important components of leadership is self-awareness. This session demonstrates how understanding your leadership personality improves effectiveness. Participants will gain tools to better understand themselves and why it matters. Students will leave recognizing that leadership begins with the individual they see in the mirror.

Stay #ROOTED in a Scroll World

Presenter: Dawson Shannon, Springtown ISD

Location: FWCC - Room 204 A

Stay #ROOTED in a Scroll World is an engaging workshop designed to help students and young leaders stay grounded in real-world skills, values and agriculture roots in today's fast-moving digital culture. We will explore the importance of balancing technology with authentic experiences through interactive discussions, leadership activities, and practical connections to agriculture and FFA principles. The workshop emphasizes work ethic, responsibility, and personal growth-encouraging attendees to build their future on purpose and character, not just algorithms. Stay truly ROOTED in what matters most.

The Foundation of You: Building Success from the Ground Up

Presenter: Chance Kanode, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Location: FWCC - Lone Star Stage

Just like a home, developing a solid personal foundation allows us to build the life that we want to develop.  Through interactive activities, students will explore the foundation that they are creating to build success in the future. Each student will have the opportunity to explore what commonalities and differences others see as important aspects of building a foundation to reach success.

Authentic Leadership

Presenter: McKenna Hunter, Texas Farm Bureau

Location: FWCC - Room 201 A-C

This workshop invites FFA members to explore what it means to be an authentic leader. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how authenticity builds trust and influence in real situations. Through discussion and reflection, members will examine the difference between leadership and management. The session also guides participants in connecting their personal motivations to their actions. Each member will leave with one practical way to lead more authentically.

Service in Action

Presenter: Lucinda Mares, Colorado FFA Association

Location FWCC - Room 202 CD

This workshop focuses on the importance of service and how small actions can create a lasting impact. Members will participate in interactive activities and discussions to explore how service shapes their chapter, community, and personal legacy, while identifying ways they can make a difference.

Do It Anyways; Stop Waiting, Start Living

Presenter: Chloe Zittergruen, Iowa FFA Association

Location: FWCC - Room 203 A-C

There’s never a perfect time to start, so why keep waiting? In this interactive workshop, you’ll discover what’s been holding you back and take a real step toward a goal you’ve been putting off. Through engaging activities and honest conversations, you’ll learn how to act even when you feel nervous or unprepared.

Careers in the Western Industry

Presenter: Carley Myers, Four Sixes Ranch

Location: FWCC - Room 204 A

The Western industry offers far more career paths than you might expect. Join Carley Myers from the legendary Four Sixes Ranch as she shares insight into diverse careers ranging from ranch management and equine training to marketing, media, business operations, and beyond. Learn what it takes to stand out in this unique industry with practical advice on building a strong resume, mastering interviews, and developing your personal brand. Whether you’re looking to work on a ranch, behind the scenes, or in a leadership role, this session will equip you with the tools, tips, and connections to turn your passion into a successful career.