CDECA ICDC 2023: Student Recap

The Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference is anticipated for months by DECA members. Collegiate students from across the globe gather to network, gain leadership skills and compete for the coveted DECA Glass. CDECA ICDC 2023 was full of enriching workshops, competitive events and incredible sightseeing. Here are five attendees' insights on how they Got The Edge with DECA this CDECA ICDC.

The following questions were answered by DECA members who attended ICDC in Orlando.

1. What was your favorite memory from ICDC?
2. What was your biggest takeaway from the conference?
3. What can you / others look forward to for the next ICDC?

Lettie Hastings, TX

1. My favorite memory was our 18-person dinner at Paradiso in Terra. As a small chapter, it meant everything to us to have multiple chapters come together to network, lead and laugh together even though many of us competed against each other! It was truly such a beautiful night.
2. My biggest takeaway from the conference was to not get so stressed! I was stressing myself out over competition, voting delegates and more. At the end of the day, everything worked out and my association exceeded my expectations. They deserve more spotlight and support!
3. I am beyond excited to welcome everyone to ACC’s home city! There are so many things to do in Austin. I’m looking forward to networking with more chapters this upcoming year and excited to see my state association grow!

Jordan Sampson, GA

1. Having my name be called as a finalist! Every time you hear someone’s name from your chapter being called for any type of recognition, it’s a win!
2. While preparation is important, being present at each moment is key! Half the battle with competing is presentation skills. Talk to everyone and make genuine connections, the more real you are with your conversations, the more real connections you will make!
3. Networking and the thrill of competing!

Samer Youssouf, NV

1. There are too many to count, but one of my favorite memories must be after the opening ceremony. Natty Rico the DJ/musician was playing the saxophone and some members from UW-Whitewater and I started dancing to the music. It was a great way for us to bond and become friends while also a nice way to show off some moves I had.
2. The biggest takeaway I got from ICDC was from Scott Welle, which was “It’s not failure but feedback!” I thought it was a really nice way to summarize the best method in dealing with setbacks and continuing our motivation not to give up and how to take our mistakes to learn and improve as leaders.
3. I am looking forward to not only revisiting Austin since ENGAGE 2021 but also seeing even more collegiate members attend and growing my network and connections. You can expect to experience a different type of passion, one filled with people who are ready to connect and compete with everything they have learned!

Hunter Webber, CO

1. Going to Universal with my chapter members before competing so that we could get closer and connect more as a group! Also getting to see our chapter and chapter members name up on the screen for the Leadership Passport Program!
2. The biggest takeaway was learning how to be a leader, not only in this organization but in my professional and social life as well. Being able to support those who are emerging leaders to become the best versions of themselves!
3. Next year I will have graduated, but I’ll still be supporting my other chapter members in achieving their ICDC goals! I hope to come back as a mentor for competition practice and eventually see them walk onto that podium!

Eleanor Stoa, WI

1. My favorite memory from ICDC was winning glass for the first time.
2. I went to a workshop about delegation at ICDC where I learned a lot about how to be an effective leader.
3. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and competing again!