Get a head start on the 2026-2027 competition season with DECA's updates, topics and resources for next year's competitive events program.
Complete guidelines will be posted in the DECA Guide and on deca.org by July 1, 2026.
Educational Program Updates
The following changes to DECA’s Educational Program are effective for the 2026-2027 school year.
CHAPTER CAMPAIGNS
The use of Adobe Express as part of the chapter campaigns submissions is required. For the promotional campaign, Adobe Express must be used for one outreach activity. For the community service campaign, Adobe Express must be used for the form of publicity or promotion. Adobe Express for Education is available to all DECA chapters.
COMPETITIVE EVENT
After a three-year project, the evaluation forms for all competitive events in DECA’s Competitive Events Program have been updated. As a result, outlines for Prepared Events have also been updated.
- New Evaluation Levels have been defined to provide more guidance to volunteer judges, and the exemplary score sets the standard. See pages 40-41.
- Career Competencies are now being evaluated in place of 21st Century Skills to align with Advance CTE’s Career Ready Practices.
- Team Decision Making Event case studies will only include five performance indicators.
- Prepared Events with a written entry are now weighted 50% for the written entry and 50% for the presentation.
- Presentation Evaluation Forms now include a standardized section on presentation technique.
SCHOOL-BASED ENTERPRISES
A non-refundable $25 application fee is required for each submission to the School-based Enterprise Certification Program. Following online submission, an invoice will be automatically generated and emailed to the chapter advisor. Payment must be received to complete the Gold Certification or Gold Re-certification process. The fee supports the review of the increasing number of annual submissions, contributes to the cost of plaques and medallions awarded to certified SBEs and ensures program sustainability.
Business Operations Research Topic
Participants collaborate with a local business or organization to research what drives customer loyalty and repeat engagement. Using the research findings, participants will develop a strategic plan to strengthen customer retention through loyalty programs, personalized experiences or relationship-building initiatives.
Financial Consulting
You will assume the role of a financial consultant meeting with a small-business owner in their late 50’s who is beginning to think about retirement and succession planning. The client wants to explore options for selling, transferring, or winding down their business while maximizing financial security.
Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling
You will assume the role of a sales representative for a tour wholesaler that designs immersive, experience-based group travel packages (culinary tours, cultural immersions, adventure itineraries). A local travel agency is looking to move away from traditional group bus tours and wants to modernize its offerings for younger travelers.
Professional Selling and Consulting
You will assume the role of a sales representative for a company that offers an integrated platform combining AI-powered customer service tools and retail analytics. A regional retail chain owner has scheduled a meeting to learn how your solution can reduce response times, lower staffing costs, optimize inventory, and improve the overall customer experience both in-store and online. Your goal is to explain how your platform can help the business operate more efficiently while increasing customer satisfaction and sales.
