As a DECA member, one of the most monumental moments in each DECA year is your association’s conference! It’s the moment where months of preparation, leadership and competition all come together in one place. For some members, it’s their first taste of DECA beyond the chapter level; for others, it’s a familiar but still exhilarating milestone.
No matter where you are in your DECA journey, your association’s conference is so much more than just an event on the calendar! It's where your growth happens, connections are formed and the trajectory of your DECA year can truly change.
Competing
Competition at your association’s conference begins well before the opening session. Mapping out your road to success before you ever step onto conference grounds is essential. This involves establishing a consistent study routine, taking multiple practice exams and regularly reviewing performance indicators until they become second nature. It also means practicing role-plays face-to-face, whether with a teammate, advisor or friend, so you can become comfortable thinking on your feet and communicating your ideas clearly.
By the time you arrive at the conference, competition should feel like a culmination of your preparation, not the starting point. Your first written presentation, role-play or DECA exam should never happen at your association’s conference. Instead, treat the conference as your opportunity to refine, apply and showcase the work you’ve already put in. When your preparation meets confidence, you give yourself the best chance to perform at your highest level when it matters most!
Running for Office
If you’re interested in or actively pursuing an association officer position, chances are you’ll be campaigning throughout your time at the conference. Campaigning in DECA is one of the most meaningful leadership experiences you can have, but it’s also one that should be rooted in authenticity. Rather than focusing solely on speeches, posters or slogans, prioritize being genuinely present with the members you hope to serve.
Engage in genuine conversations, listen to members’ ideas and concerns and be your true self in every interaction. A conference is not just a time to share your platform when you’re campaigning, but also a chance to learn from your association in real time. Use these experiences to think creatively and innovatively about how you can improve the association, ensuring your ideas are shaped by the people you aim to represent. When your campaign is driven by sincerity and service, it leaves a lasting impression far beyond election results.
Networking
Your association’s conference will be an incredibly special opportunity to meet more people at once than you likely will at any other point in your DECA year. From members and advisors to association officers and industry professionals, every interaction has the potential to turn into a meaningful connection.
Be intentional and genuine in your conversations. Introduce yourself, ask questions and take the time to learn about others’ experiences in DECA. Some of the most impactful connections are made in between sessions, in hallways or while waiting in line. These relationships often extend far beyond conference weekend, creating a support system, mentorship opportunities and friendships that continue to shape your DECA journey long after the conference ends.
Professional Development
Your association’s conference is one of the best opportunities you’ll have to grow beyond competition. Conference sessions and workshops are intentionally designed to help you develop as a leader, communicator and future professional. By attending these sessions, you gain new perspectives, practical skills and ideas that you can immediately apply to your chapter.
Equally important is the opportunity to meet and learn from industry professionals. Whether through workshops, networking events or casual conversations, these interactions offer insight into real-world careers and pathways connected to DECA’s clusters. Asking questions, taking notes and staying engaged allow you to make the most of these experiences.
