By Sofina Zhu, @sofinazhu_ | Markham District High School, ON
The start of the DECA year is full of big decisions, and one of them is whether Power Trip is worth the ride. The Ultimate DECA Power Trip takes place from November 20-22, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky to bring DECA members across the world together and build growth, leadership, and community. If you’re on the fence, here are a few reasons to consider going:
What will you learn?
Power Trip is packed with workshops and speakers that cover skills you can use from leadership and communication to chapter management and goal setting. Sessions are useful for any member who wants to compete with more confidence or contribute more to their chapter. Many of these skills, such as public speaking, teamwork, and organization, apply to role-plays, presentations, and group projects, so hearing from experienced speakers gives you a closer look at how others have built their leadership skills! Power Trip also shows how DECA connects to the business world and helps you see how the skills you practice in your events apply to careers in marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and more.
Who will you meet?
The Ultimate DECA Power Trip experience connects you with thousands of DECA members! You’ll meet and network with students from different schools, regions, and countries, and each conversation is a chance to talk competition tips, chapter ideas, and stories. You can also meet association officers, advisors, and alumni, whose journeys show what’s possible in DECA and can guide you toward your own leadership path. The people you meet can become future officers, mentors, or even business partners, so let the Power Trip help shape your professional network!
How will it help your chapter?
The best part of Power Trip is what you bring home! Members who attend can return with fresh ideas for events, recruitment, and fundraising, and motivation to share with their chapter. Seeing how other chapters run their meetings, organize fundraisers, and keep members engaged gives you a new perspective on your own chapter’s approach.
Whether you’re a first-year member or a seasoned competitor, Power Trip is a chance to learn, connect, and get inspired before the busiest part of the DECA season begins. We’ll see you all in Louisville!
