2021 New York State FFA Convention Engagement Activities
Keynotes and Entertainment
Monday, May 10 - Comedian Greg Warren
Greg Warren, most recently seen on “Late Night with Seth Meyers”, "The Late Late Show on CBS" and “Last Comic Standing” " has built a strong fan base with an act inspired by his Midwestern upbringing. His CDs, “Fish Sandwich” (2017) "Running Out of Time" (Sept 2013) and "One Star Wonder" (June 2009) hit #1, #3 and #6 respectively on the iTunes Comedy charts. Self-deprecation, frustration and an arsenal of lifelike characters highlight Greg's colorful perspective. Greg shares stories of overcoming setbacks as a West Point Cadet, a Denny’s busboy, a college wrestler and a Pringles salesman. He underlines the show with a unique message on how to utilize humor to get past failure.
Tuesday, May 11 - Keynote by Sam Demma
Sam is an entrepreneur, youth coach, and keynote speaker. His goal is to provide students with the tools and strategies they need to become servant leaders in their schools, businesses, communities, and in the lives of those around them. And it all started with…garbage. At the age of 17, he co-founded PickWaste, a grassroots initiative that brings people together to pick up trash in their communities. That experience confirmed to him how small, consistent actions could have a big impact, and he lives that message in all he does.
Wednesday, May 12 - Magician Derek Hughes
The live performances of celebrated conjurer, "Stand Up Magician" Derek Hughes, have been lauded by audiences and critics alike, with the New York Times calling him "thoroughly entertaining." Hughes has performed his magic on MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, The Tonight Show and was a top 10 finalist on NBC's "America's Got Talent". He's performed in comedy clubs across the country to sold out audiences. Besides being laugh out loud and an amazing performer, he's also head writer and frequent accomplice on TRU TV's and Netflix "The Carbonaro Effect".
Friday, May 14 - Keynote by Amberley Snyder
From a young age Amberley had a great sense of communication with her horses and before long she was competing in barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, and goat tying. In 2009, she qualified for the National High School Finals in the pole bending and won the National Little Britches Rodeo Association All-Around Cowgirl World Championship. Amberley was very active in FFA during her adolescent years, and in 2010 was elected the Utah FFA State President.
On January 10, 2010 Amberley’s truck slid off the road and rolled and she was ejected from the vehicle. She was slammed into a fence post that broke her back and immediately she lost feeling in her legs. After five hours of emergency surgery the doctor’s prognosis was she would never regain use or feeling below her waist. He told her if she had worn her seatbelt, she would still have use of her legs. The one mistake she made that day changed her life forever, but it has not defeated her competitive spirit. The top priority for Amberley was not even to walk, but to ride her horses again. Remarkably after only 4 months after the accident, she was back on her horse.