The International Career Development Conference is the pinnacle of the DECA Year. This conference is the culmination of every decision that led you to qualify for ICDC. But once you are at the conference, you may be wondering: How can I make this experience truly exceptional?
The answer isn’t just in what you do, it’s in how intentionally you choose to experience every moment.
Capture More Photos Than You Think You'll Want
My teammates always joke that something didn't really happen unless I took a picture or video of it. And while that may be cheesy, there’s a reason behind it. ICDC goes by faster than you think. The days blend together, the schedule fills up and before you know it, it’s over.
The moments that feel small at the time: walking into opening session for the first time, laughing with your friends in the convention center or trading pins with someone you’ve never met before, are all the moments you’ll wish you could go back to. And no better way to do that than through pictures and videos!
Get Creative with Pin Trading
Pin trading with members from different associations is genuinely one of the best ways to meet others throughout the conference. To make this experience even more exciting, think of creative ways to trade.
If you have a “rare” pin, try trading it for two or three different pins, or trade up for something unique, like a hat or other fun DECA merch. The best part is the negotiations. Those quick “What would you trade for this?” conversations naturally turn into talking about your year in DECA, your association and your journey to ICDC.
Before you know it, you’re sharing stories and making lasting connections.
Stay Present, Even When You’re Tired
ICDC can get exhausting fast! Early mornings, long days and nonstop energy will catch up to you. But in those moments when you feel yourself zoning out, take a step back and remember how rare this opportunity really is. Thousands of members dream of being exactly where you are, and getting here took a full year of effort.
Choose to Go The Extra by staying present and truly enjoying every moment, even when you’re tired. Because this experience flies by, and before you know it, you could be a graduating senior wishing you could relive it one more time, or a returning member wondering if you’ll make it back again.
Redefine What a “Worth-it” Experience Means
Yes, for those of you competing at ICDC, being a finalist and winning the coveted DECA Glass is a huge goal. But even when I didn't win any awards my first two times attending, I found it impossible to leave without an overwhelming sense of gratitude and fulfillment.
ICDC is an experience like no other, and simply competing, putting yourself out there and earning your spot is an accomplishment in itself. So even if you fall short of your goals, make sure you walk away proud of the growth you’ve experienced and of showing up on the international stage. In the end, that’s what makes the experience worth it.
