This year marked the 3rd year that stage hypnotist Michael C. Anthony took the stage at the National FFA Convention, and oh boy—did we have a blast! His shows were packed, the energy was hypnotic, and the laughter was nonstop. Every year, it’s incredible to watch FFA students and advisors let loose and have fun.
And this year, the Convention and Expo broke their all-time attendance record with more than 73,000 FFA members and guests participating in the event. The convention generated $41 million to its host city and the state of Indiana.
Michael C. Anthony’s 2 shows started at 6:00 p.m. and on day 1 of the 1st show, we went and checked out the line – people started lining up at 2:15 for the 6:00 p.m. show – thousands of eager FFA members wanting to be hypnotized. You gotta love that.
As we chatted with the people who came up on stage after the show, it was heartwarming to hear so many stories about Jim Wand—my late husband—whose shows became a highlight of this convention for decades. Jim first performed for the FFA over 25 years ago, and what started as one performance soon grew into an annual tradition. He had a special connection with the students and advisors, and his shows were always filled with laughter, leadership, and a whole lot of fun.
To this day, Wand Enterprises is proud to carry forward that tradition. Michael C. Anthony has done an amazing job honoring that legacy while adding his own powerful mix of hypnosis, mentalism, and showmanship. He starts every show with a little mentalism – and astounds everyone. I think in 2023 he had 80 people on stage all eager to be hypnotized. Each year we look forward to the National FFA Convention and are super proud to be part of it and carry on what Jim Wand started so many years ago.
Here’s to another unforgettable year at the 98th FFA National Convention & Expo and to keeping the laughter and wonder alive for generations to come.