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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.
The Ethics of Leadership
Ethical leaders exist in all walks of life. They are the individuals who step forward when crises occur, come to the rescue of others and generally do what's right—no matter what. Anyone can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? In today's high-visibility, social world, more people are taking note of leaders’ behavior and holding them accountable.
DECA Direct Magazine: Next Level Leadership
A new school year brings new chances to elevate your leadership to the next level. Discover fresh ideas to enhance your chapter and become a leader worth following in your school, community and beyond.
The Next Level is Inclusion
It has never been more important for emerging leaders to be characterized by teamwork, innovation, competency and integrity. Fortunately, those are the valued characteristics of DECA’s student leaders. What if this moment needs you and the unique values that drive your leadership?
Top Tips for Socially-distant Membership Recruitment
Building your chapter’s membership is one of the most important ways to set it up for success in the new school year. But what are the best ways to recruit within the “new normal” of more virtual interactions and less in-person activities? Learn how to recruit new members the socially-distant way with these top tips.
The Power of the Diamond
Throughout your DECA career, you’ll wear the blazer, throw up a DECA diamond symbol and add lots of blue to your wardrobe. You will also undoubtedly hear DECA’s core values and mission statement more times than you can count. But have you ever stopped to think about what they really mean?
Cultivate Your Chapter’s Culture
2020 is a year that has changed all of our lives. If your DECA chapter has experienced a decline in recent months, struggling to cope with virtual meetings and maintain engagement, your chapter culture may need a boost.
Discover Your DECA Leadership Style
There are hundreds of assessments to help you pinpoint your leadership traits, but the only one you need to take your leadership to the next level is the DECA Leadership Style Quiz.
Influence with Informal Leadership
While you may not have an official leadership title, you still have the ability to help take your chapter to the #NextLevel with your informal leadership influence. Read on to learn more about informal leadership and how you can use it to make this year a success for you and your chapter.
DECA Members Raise $7,000 Through the MDA Muscle Corp Program
DECA members raised over $7,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) this summer through the pilot MDA Muscle Corp Program. Twenty-one DECA members successfully completed the program and earned 40 hours of community service.
Mountain View High School Virtual Recruitment
Like for many chapters, this year’s DECA kickoff meeting was unique for Mountain View High School in Georgia. Even though the meeting was held through Zoom, the chapter still found a way to make it one of their best meetings yet.
10 Ideas for Collegiate DECA Freshman Recruitment
Collegiate DECA offers incredible opportunities for members, and every year dedicated officers aim to increase membership. However, it can be a struggle to think of new, creative ways to recruit new students. To help, explore these ten great ways to increase membership.
How to Raise Your Membership to the #NextLevel
As we enter a new year, it's time to get excited about membership recruitment! We know this year is going to look different, so here are some tips for taking your recruitment efforts to the #NextLevel!
