While summer is definitely a time to rest, reset and enjoy a well-earned break, it is also the perfect season to start thinking about the year ahead. Some of the strongest chapter experiences begin long before the first meeting. They start with a clear vision, a strong team and a plan that gives everyone something to look forward to.
Here are five ways to build your platform for the 2026–2027 year:
1. Start With Your Vision
Before planning events, decide what you want your chapter to be known for this year. Your platform should have a clear purpose, whether that is stronger membership, better competition preparation, more professional development or a more connected chapter culture.
- Advice: Pick two or three priorities your team can stay focused on all year. A simple, clear platform is easier to explain and easier to bring to life.
2. Network With Intention
Every class, internship, conference, community event or casual conversation can become a DECA opportunity. Some of your strongest speakers, judges, sponsors, mentors or partners may come from simply sharing what your chapter is doing.
- Advice: Create a short explanation of your chapter and keep it ready. When someone shows interest, get their contact information and follow up while the conversation is still fresh. Keep a shared list organized by speakers, sponsors, judges, mentors, campus partners and community connections.
3. Meet With Your Team Early
Set a day during the summer to bring your officer team together before the school year gets busy. This meeting should be more than a casual check-in. Use it to talk through goals, expectations, communication, strengths and what each person wants to contribute.
- Advice: Give every officer space to share ideas. The more ownership your team feels early on, the more excited and committed they will be when it is time to execute.
4. Build a Month-by-Month Plan
Once your team has a direction, map out the year. Include recruitment, conferences, competition deadlines, DECA Month, CTE Month, service projects, professional workshops and transition planning.
- Advice: Be realistic and intentional. A strong calendar should give your chapter structure without overwhelming your team. It is better to execute fewer events well than to plan too much and lose momentum.
- For example ➡ August can focus on recruitment, September on member engagement, October on professional development, November on DECA Month, January on competition preparation and spring on officer transitions.
5. Strengthen Your High School DECA Connection
Your local high school division is one of the strongest bridges to the future of Collegiate DECA. When high school members see what DECA looks like at the college level, they are more likely to stay involved after graduation.
- Advice: Reach out to high school advisors early. Offer support through competition prep, campus visits, college readiness workshops or invitations to chapter events. Make Collegiate DECA feel like the next exciting step in their DECA journey.
Building your platform should feel exciting, not overwhelming! The work you do this summer can shape your entire year. More importantly, it can help build the future of Collegiate DECA one connection, one event and one member at a time.
Enjoy your break, celebrate how far you have come and get excited for everything ahead. Happy summer, and happy planning The Next Big Thing!
