Packed with leadership workshops, networking opportunities and DECA spirit, attending DECA's Emerging Leaders Summit (ELS) is a great way to step into your role as a leader.
Whether it’s your first time at ELS or you’re back for another summer of DECA excellence, these five tips will help you make the most of your ELS experience and ensure you leave more inspired, empowered and ready to lead!
1. Lead in the Little Moments
ELS is full of collaborative activities where you’ll be placed in small groups with other student leaders. These moments are the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and inspire others.
Don’t just sit back—be the one who makes sure everyone has a voice and participates in all activities. Encourage quieter members, offer to go first and ask others for input. True leadership is inclusive and empowering those around you!
2. Take Meaningful Notes
Workshops at ELS are packed with insight on everything from team building to time management to member engagement. But don’t just take notes—customize them. Write down how each point can apply to your specific role, chapter or association.
Think in action steps: “This recruitment idea could work at our first meeting,” or “Use this activity to raise money for our chapter.”
3. Be Collaborative
ELS isn’t just about building your own skills—it’s about sharing and learning from others. Take a moment to ask the people around you what they’re planning for their chapter or association this year. You might discover someone working on a similar initiative, and that conversation could spark a meaningful collaboration. Whether it's co-hosting a virtual event or sharing resources, these connections can lead to bigger opportunities for the members you serve!
And don’t forget to stay connected by exchanging social media handles or connecting on LinkedIn. If you haven’t already, consider creating a DECA Instagram account to share your leadership journey. You’d be surprised at how many new ideas and friendships start with one post or DM!
4. Bring Something to Trade
One of the most fun and personal ways to connect with others at ELS is through trading DECA pins or friendship bracelets. These are a great way to start conversations and make lasting memories. Make fun DECA bracelets in your association colors or bring extra ICDC pins to hand out. I met one of my DECA besties at ELS 2023 when I was given a DECA friendship bracelet!
5. Don’t Miss DECA After Dark
Make sure to attend DECA After Dark, a highlight of ELS featuring fun, interactive workshops hosted by the Executive Officer Team. These sessions are packed with energy, ideas and real-world leadership takeaways! DECA After Dark allows you to interact with officers who’ve been in your shoes and want to help you lead boldly. It’s a fun way to end the night in an engaging setting you won’t want to miss!
The more you put into your ELS experience, the more you get out of it. When you show up with intention, curiosity and a collaborative spirit, you’ll walk away with friendships, inspiration to pursue big ideas and the confidence to empower others.
We can’t wait to welcome you to ELS 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, very soon!
