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13 Things Every Advisor Should Know for 2026-2027
Check out this quick guide to this year's changes and updates, from a redesigned competitive events rubric to new campaign and certification requirements.
Case Study of the Week: Inspecting An Ethical Dilemma In Finance
Assume the role of a financial analyst at RIVERBANK FINANCIAL, a reputable firm that manages investments and personal finances. You must address an ethical dilemma with the supervisor.
Finding Your DECA Niche
Whether you're walking into a conference room, stepping into a leadership role, or pursuing your personal goals, everybody wants to be the Next Big Thing. What truly sets you apart from everyone else is finding your niche.
Now Open: Advisor Best Practice of the Week Nominations
Last year, we asked you to nominate advisors who were implementing innovative best practices into their chapters and classrooms and we were able to shine the light on some incredible advisors.
Bring Tech Skills to Life in Just 15–20 Minutes
These quick, engaging 15–20 minute activities help students explore AI, cybersecurity, digital skills and other future-focused topics - perfect for a class opener, bell ringer or enrichment activity.
Watch Now: DECA's 2026-2027 Membership Video
DECA's 2026-2027 membership video is ready to inspire the next generation of members to discover their Next Big Thing with DECA. View and download the video now!
Watch the 2027 #DECAICDC Promo Video
Get ready to discover your Next Big Thing at DECA's International Career Development Conference hosted in Anaheim, CA, on April 17-20, 2027.
Case Study of the Week: Channel Strategies for Dr. Smoothie
Assume the role of the owner of DR. SMOOTHIE, a mobile beverage truck that sells smoothies. The investor wants you to identify resources needed for DR. SMOOTHIE to adapt its channel strategies.
The Summer Strategy Behind Howell DECA's Membership Growth
The strongest DECA chapters don't recruit harder; they plan earlier. Discover three practical recruitment strategies your chapter can implement before school starts to increase awareness and membership.
DECA Advisors - How Are You Making Your Classroom the Next Big Thing?
Show us how you're setting up your chapter for success this year by using the Next Big Thing materials and the competitive events resources from your back-to-school box for a chance to win a $100 Shop DECA gift card.
Adobe Hosts 70 DECA Advisors for Luminary 2026
For three days, attendees participated in learning sessions with DECA staff and interactive workshops with Adobe team members. Advisors gained firsthand experience with Adobe Express and learned how to apply these tools to DECA's programs.
Case Study of the Week: AI in Marketing
Assume the role of the general manager for an outdoor holiday lights and decorations installation business while you analyze the use of artificial intelligence (AI) images in marketing materials and recommend how to proceed.
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.
De-stress for Success
Life will always throw challenges your way, but the biggest challenges present opportunities for the greatest rewards. So, what’s the best way to manage stress? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some of the ways that work best for me.
Stress to Success: How to Use "Good Stress" to Succeed in Competition
Stress is often perceived as a negative experience, but the right kind of stress can actually fuel your success in competition and beyond. Read on to learn about "good stress", how to distinguish it from the bad and ways you can harness it to take your competitive edge to the next level!
Work Out the Stress
Today’s teens pack a lot into their busy schedules, which has caused stress levels and anxiety to increase in recent years. D’Andre Vasquez, DECA’s 2019-2020 High School Division President, discusses how he handles the stress in his life and how you can too!
