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5 Ways to Maximize Your ELS Leadership Experience
Whether it’s your first time at ELS or you’re back for another summer of DECA excellence, these five tips will help you make the most of your ELS experience and ensure you leave more inspired, empowered and ready to lead!

Exploring Phoenix During ELS
With its vibrant downtown, warm weather and inspiring atmosphere, Phoenix is the perfect backdrop for leadership growth and unforgettable memories at ELS. Looking to make the most out of your time? Check out these spots before your departure!

Take Off with Travel Marketing
Not only is summer a time of increasing temperatures, but it's also a time of increased travel. Here are three marketing techniques used within the travel and tourism industry for you to consider during summer travel.

Making the Most of Your Summer with DECA
We’re well into summer, but your DECA journey doesn’t have to hit pause just because school is out. Whether you’re looking to build your resume, strengthen your leadership skills or stay connected with the DECA community, there are countless ways to make this summer one to remember!

The Summer of DECA Quest
Summer of DECA is ready for takeoff! This digital scavenger hunt is packed with exciting missions and will be updated weekly throughout the summer. From catching sunsets to mapping out your 2025-2026 DECA goals, there's an adventure waiting for everyone.

Pitch Decks: Your Questions Answered
New for the 2025-26 school year, six competitive events will replace the previously required 10-page written paper with a 20-slide pitch deck. Check out this article for answers to questions about the change to Pitch Decks.

2025 Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference Keynote Speaker & Sessions
DECA is excited to share a look at the 2025 Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference keynote speaker and sessions. Join us on July 23-24 for two days filled with content focusing on instructional content that connects DECA to the classroom.

Download the 2025-2026 DECA Guide
The DECA Guide provides all the information you need to have a successful year. Explore our learning programs, check out this year’s calendar, access competitive event guidelines and so much more!

DECA Hosts Luminary Program Powered by Adobe in San Francisco
This elite professional development experience brings together distinguished DECA chapter advisors from across the DECA network to deepen their leadership, instructional, and digital skills in a unique “train-the-trainer” format.

How your DECA Judge Thinks like a Shark Tank Investor
DECA judges use mental shortcuts just like investors. Learn how to craft your pitch to match their mindset and make your project more memorable.

From FOMO to Finalist: How to Bounce Back After ICDC
Competing in DECA is an opportunity that shapes young business leaders in a multitude of ways. So whether you placed this year or not, your DECA journey is far from over. Set the precedent for a new year, one filled with growth, confidence and achievement.

Recharge, Reassess and Restore: Your Chapter’s Guide to a Successful Summer
DECA doesn’t have to stop just because school is out. As a leader, take advantage of the summer months to prepare your chapter best to Go The Extra in the fall with three key tips: recharge, reassess and restore.

Meet 4 DECA Alumni Who Have Maximized their Momentum
Over its more than 75-year history, DECA has prepared more than ten million members for college and career success. Here's how DECA shaped the career paths of four alumni and advice they wish to share with current members.

Alumni Spotlight: Ramkishore Annachi
Ramki served as DECA’s Southern Region Vice President for the 2020-2021 academic year. He was an avid competitor from North Carolina who was fortunate to have the opportunity to serve at the chapter, association and executive levels of leadership.

Alumni Spotlight: Mackenzie Perez
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to be college and career-ready, but what does that mean? I had the opportunity to meet with alumna Mackenzie Perez and discuss how DECA prepared her for college success.

Case Study of the Week: Clarifying Transactions for an Office Supply Company
You are to assume the role of the controller at Office Supplies Company. The vice president of the company wants you to clarify transactions.

Helping Students Find Hope and Discover a Successful Path Forward
Every day, teachers work tirelessly to encourage students who mention feeling disconnected from school or don’t find the curriculum materials useful or relevant. Schools are aiming to address this by providing students with more experiences to engage in real-world applications that help them tie their interests and skills to rewarding careers.

3 Tips to Conquer Competitive Event Exam Anxiety
Do you get nervous before taking an exam? With these three easy methods, you will be able to overcome your test anxiety and stroll into your classroom or competitive event feeling confident that you will ace that test!

Positioning for the Future: DECA's 2020-2021 Impact
As nearly everyone has proclaimed, 2020-2021 was a year unlike any other. While it significantly changed the member experience, it was also a period of significant innovation that would position our organization even better for the future.

Valentines Day... But Make it DECA Style
The season of love has arrived! February is the month to cherish your loved ones and let them know how much you appreciate them. Here are three ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your DECA chapter!

Case Study of the Week: To Tell or Not To Tell
You are the director of human resources and director of customer relations for Soundwave Company Bakery, a regional chain of coffee shops with twenty-five locations. Soundwave Company Bakery provides the communities it serves with coffees, teas, muffins, scones, croissants and other beverages and freshly baked treats.

Case Study of the Week: Insurance Needs for Young Adults
You are to assume the role of a senior college student. You are meeting with a risk management advisor at an insurance organization to learn about the need for insurance, the benefits of having insurance and the consequences of not having insurance.

6 Steps to Create an Integrated Marketing Campaign
With so much competition in the marketplace, brands need to do everything they can to stand out to their customers. An integrated marketing campaign is not only effective, but it can boost brand awareness, build loyalty, and improve revenue. Here are six tips for creating an integrated marketing campaign.

Advertising: Generating Ideas
Learn creative thinking skills through an ideation process. Explore simple, fun, creative thinking techniques designed that can be used to generate ideas for paintings, photography, films, animations, graphic design, sculptures, fabric design, fashion design, industrial design or any special creative interest.