Oklahoma State University to host national Block and Bridle convention

Thursday, October 15, 2015

The Oklahoma State University and Panhandle State University Block and Bridle chapters are set to host the 96th Block and Bridle National Convention Oct. 15-17 in Tulsa.

Block and Bridle is a national organization dedicated to animal agriculture. OSU’s chapter is housed in the animal science department in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, but is open to all majors. Block and Bridle’s primary objectives include the promotion of animal agriculture and the development of future professionals in the agricultural industry, according to the national Block and Bridle club.

This year will be OSU’s first time to host the Block and Bridle convention. OSU and Panhandle State were asked to host the convention and have been planning details for months.

“OSU is fully responsible for the convention from logistics and planning to tour stops, speakers, sponsorship and everything in between,” said Deb VanOverbeke, OSU Block and Bridle adviser.

The three-day convention will include agricultural tours, etiquette sessions, networking events and a visit to the Oklahoma aquarium. Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt and Gus Gustafson are also slated to speak at the convention.

Alyx Hanson, OSU Block and Bridle reporter and convention co-chair, said she has been helping to plan the convention since last year.

“We came up with a theme, logo, budget, tour ideas, speaker ideas and a location,” Hanson said. “It was my job to help contact speakers and I will help guide tours during the convention.”

Nearly 450 students and advisers from 37 universities are registered to attend next week, VanOverbeke said.

Hanson said she went to last year’s conference in Texas and is looking forward to this year’s in Oklahoma.

“I am excited to show so many students what Oklahoma has to offer and of course, highlight how wonderful OSU is,” Hanson said. 

For more information about the 96th Block and Bridle National Convention, visit www.blockandbridle.org/convention.

Story by Rachel Metzger