Ankeny High School FBLA attends National Conference in Orlando, FL
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) brought together more than 16,000 students and academic advisers from forty-eight states and territories to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from June 28 – July 2, 2024. 117 of these FBLA students represented the state of Iowa in a variety of business, entrepreneurship, and computer science competitive events. The annual FBLA National Leadership Conference convenes the best career and technical education (CTE) students in the nation where outstanding students competed in more than one hundred competitive events, attended learning workshop sessions with industry leaders, attended state meetings, explored the large expo exhibit hall, and networked with many students and adults.
The trip and conference were a great experience and a success for everyone. Ankeny High School had three FBLA members in attendance with Isabel Crabbs, Eden Schuchart, and Carson Upenieks, along with their adviser Carrie Wempen. The FBLA members performed well in their event group event of public service announcement. Here they were asked to create a 30 second video that shares the benefits and opportunities around FBLA, as well as raise awareness on a specific issue. The students needed to qualify at the state level to attend this conference. At the National Conference, Ankeny did not have a top 10 placer but the state of Iowa did have one placer from New Hampton who placed 4th in Securities and Investments. In addition to this, our member, Isabel Crabbs was recognized on the main stage as the 2024 – 2025 Iowa FBLA state president.
There was also time to take in some local tourism in and around Orlando such as Universal Studios. Thank you to all that supported our fundraisers as well as the donations that were provided to help make this conference opportunity possible. We appreciate everyone’s support and feel fortunate to live in a place where support is very positive. We hope to attend next year and are hoping for your support again.
Article by: FBLA Adviser Carrie Wempen