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Advisor Best Practice Spotlight of the Week: Tammy Cox
DECA advisor Tammy Cox has implemented a student-led project management structure for chapter events and initiatives, which has positively impacted her members and the chapter culture.

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Your Guide to Role-play Success
The most successful competitors don’t study harder; they study smarter. Here’s how to prepare efficiently, build real-world knowledge, and stand out in your next role-play.

American Marketing Association (AMA) Associate in Marketing Management Certificate Now Available
The AMA Associate in Marketing Management Certificate validates the marketing skills DECA students possess, signaling to colleges and employers that they’re prepared for what’s next. Learn how to gain access.

Case Study of the Week: Spot The Weaknesses
Step into the role of an accounting auditor hired by Operation Care, a local nonprofit organization. The chair of the board of trustees wants to increase accounting controls and has asked you to review current controls, report weaknesses and make recommendations.

The "Dupe" Economy: Strategy or Sabotage?
The "dupe" economy is a tricky two-sided idea. While it makes trends accessible to everyone, it also challenges the brands that invest time and money in innovation. In this article, explore the pros and cons of the "dupe" economy.

CTE & CTSOs 101: The Basics (But Better)
CTE gives you a massive head start and crucial exposure with real-world skills, industry-level gear and the kind of experiences that make a resume stand out. Let’s dive into why these acronyms are so crucial!

Beyond Repetition: Mastering Preparation for DECA Competitions
Preparation is the most important factor for success in competition! While many competitors repeat practice tests and role-plays in hopes of earning high scores, true preparation goes beyond practicing over and over again.

Words of Wisdom: Pieces of Advice From DECA Advisors
Chapters across the nation are preparing for one of the most exciting times of the year. To better understand these key elements, we asked DECA advisors in Florida DECA District 8 for advice they would give to members.

From Vision to Verity: How to Stay Consistent with Your 2026 Goals
As we begin February, many New Year’s Resolutions fade into wistful aspirations instead of life-changing habits. Here are some of my favorite tips for keeping consistent when the New Year’s sparkle wears off.

Tips for Small Chapter Growth
Although new chapter obstacles often felt insurmountable, every successful chapter begins in the same position. Here is a quick guide to help your DECA chapter prepare for future success!

2026 is the New 2016? How a Meme Redefined an Artist and a Culture
If culture moves in cycles, then 2026 is pressing rewind. A growing nostalgia for the mid-2010s is redefining how brands market, how artists resurface, and how Gen Z defines cultural identity.

Participate in the Non-Competitive Stock Market Game Session
The SIFMA Foundation is offering a non-competitive DECA Stock Market Game running from February 9 through April 16, 2026. This is a great opportunity for students to test out the simulation and prepare for the Fall's Stock Market Game ICDC qualifier.

Spread the Love This Holiday Season
Are you looking to get involved with your community and make an impact this holiday season? Here are five ways to spread some holiday cheer!

NDSCS Members Virtually Attend the Main Street Summit
The North Dakota State College of Science DECA chapter attended the virtual Main Street North Dakota Summit, with Governor Doug Burgum being one of the speakers. Here are the key takeaways from his message.

A Quick Guide to Collegiate DECA Competitive Events
So, you've decided to compete in Collegiate DECA. Now what? What competitive events exist? How do you choose? We'll tackle these questions so that you can become a #NextLevel competitor!

3 Tips for Surviving Your Virtual Final Exams
It is hard to believe that the first semester is already coming to a close, but alas, the time has come. In a world of virtual classes, most exams also look different this year, but having effective study habits is just as important as ever. Here are three tips to be successful on your virtual final exams.

Collegiate DECA 2020 Virtual Case Simulation Competition Winners
Nearly 100 Collegiate DECA members participated in the Collegiate DECA Virtual Case Simulation competition, sponsored by long-time DECA partner, Knowledge Matters. Congratulations to the top three winners!

Helping the Community in a Time of Need
Even with everything thrown our way in 2020, DECA's emerging leaders still find ways to support our communities!

Watch Now: Executive Mentor Roundtable on De-stressing
Check out DECA’s Executive Mentor Roundtable on “De-stressing." Two executives share how stress—good and bad—plays a role in their everyday lives and offer tips and tricks to help you manage your stress in your personal and professional life.

5 Gears for a Healthy Lifestyle
Let's face it: being an emerging leader is not easy! We’re supposed to get good grades, be involved in our community, excel in extracurriculars and gain job experience. So, how can we manage it all? Read on the learn about the Five Gears!

DECA Direct Magazine: De-stress
Between school, volunteering, extracurricular activities and DECA, there’s never a shortage of things to do! Learn how to hit pause, slow down and discover the best ways to manage your stress.

5 Apps to Ease Your Stress
Looking to beat bad stress? Rather than endlessly scrolling through Instagram or stress-shopping on Amazon, turn to these apps to breathe, play and move your way to less stress!

Build Better Habits (and Break Your Bad Ones!)
Having the right habits is more important than ever as you navigate a busy school year. Read on to learn how you can create better habits in any area of your life, plus our tips and tricks for getting rid of your bad habits for good!

Mindfulness Your Way
You may have heard about mindfulness in one of your classes, and perhaps you’ve even tried meditating a time or two. For many people, meditation and other mindfulness practices are a go-to source for stress relief, getting in the zone before a role-play or resetting emotions after encountering an upsetting situation.

