© 2024 Public Radio Tulsa
800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 631-2577

A listener-supported service of The University of Tulsa
classical 88.7 | public radio 89.5
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

FFA Convention Could Bring $8.9 Million To Tulsa

Tulsa's BOK Center
KWGS News Photo
Tulsa's BOK Center

The annual Oklahoma Future Farmers of America convention could bring as much as $8.9 million to Tulsa. 

 

That’s according to Tulsa Regional Tourism President Ray Hoyt.

 

“It really does change the economy and makes Tulsa more prosperous,” said Hoyt.

 

Hoyt described direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are things immediately associated with the conference, like the fees for using Cox Business Center and the BOK Center. Indirect costs are things like restaurant meals people might buy while they are in Tulsa.

 

Hoyt said direct costs are estimated at $5 million. The rest of the $8.9 million tally is indirect. 

 

He estimates 11,000 people will be in Tulsa for the convention.

 

“It drives sales tax, which is obviously important to our county,” said Hoyt.

 

10 million people visited Tulsa in 2019. Hoyt said the goal is to return to that number for 2022. 

 

With the FFA convention, Ironman, PGA, and Mayfest all scheduled closely together, next spring will be busy.

 

“It’s gonna be a crazy May for Tulsa. But that’s our goal, to build these events,” said Hoyt.

 

For the past 15 years, the FFA convention has been held in Oklahoma City, but potential NBA scheduling conflicts necessitated the move to Tulsa. The convention will be held every year in Tulsa until 2026.