DECA's Challenges provide members with opportunities to demonstrate the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom through innovative challenges in partnership with several corporate partners. Each challenge has a unique focus and a specific set of required tasks and timelines.
This year, our corporate challenge sponsors have provided members with 12 challenges to compete in. The top performers will receive recognition on stage at DECA's International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, CA., with approval from the chartered association advisor.
All corporate challenge guidelines and submission links can be found at deca.org/challenges.
Learn more about each challenge below:
1. Stukent: DECA at the Bell Challenge
Write and produce your very own episode of DECA at the Bell. Creativity is encouraged; what matters most is the ability to engage the audience while connecting something in the world of business to the world of DECA. The topic/theme of the 2026 challenge is Positioning.
- Who: 2-4 members
- What: Script and up to 3:30-minute video
- Due: October 30, 2026
2. IE University: Social Influence in the Real-World Challenge
Social influence tactics are persuasive strategies used by communication experts in marketing, advertising, and negotiation to effectively shape behavior and decision-making in various real-world situations. This challenge is the perfect opportunity to develop and apply your knowledge on these fascinating topics that are relevant to nearly every dimension of our daily lives.
- Who: 2-3 members
- What: 3-5 minute video and mock-up ads (billboard or video format)
- Due: November 30, 2026
3. Stukent: Social Media Marketing Simternship Challenge
Take charge of a dynamic simulated company, strategically allocating your ad budget to maximize revenue. Craft captivating content, engage target audiences and analyze your metrics across simulation rounds. Showcase your social media marketing skills in this exciting challenge.
- Who: Individual
- What: Virtual simulation
- Due: October 14 - December 1, 2026
4. Hospitality Sustainability Innovation Challenge
Behind the scenes, hotels and resorts are working hard to reduce their environmental footprint. Your task is to select a hospitality brand and design a digital or experiential idea that encapsulates the brand's DNA, immerses guests, and encourages them to participate in the hotel/resort's sustainability efforts.
- Who: 1-4 members
- What: 3-5 minute video and digital assets (mock-up)
- Due: December 11, 2026
5. MDA: Disability Is Diversity Challenge
Create a focused Disability Is Diversity presentation that highlights the obstacles and experiences of navigating an educational environment with differing abilities. Learn firsthand about the barriers encountered by a student with a disability and determine how you can advocate for needed change.
- Who: 1-3 members
- What: 4-minute video
- Due: December 18, 2026
6. Adobe: Personal Branding Challenge
Develop a comprehensive personal brand that includes a logo, résumé and personal vision statement. Create your concept using Adobe Express tools and submit your project components on the template.
- Who: Individual
- What: Adobe Express template
- Due: December 18, 2026
7. NPCF: Social Impact Leader Challenge
Demonstrate your creativity by developing the next breakthrough cause-marketing campaign for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Working in teams, DECA chapters will create an original, innovative fundraising initiative that incorporates NPCF branding and advances its mission.
- Who: 1-4 members
- What: 4-minute video, fundraising campaign and social media campaign
- Due: January 8, 2027
8. NASPO: Procurement for the Public Good Challenge
Develop a solution to a purchasing, sourcing or operational challenge impacting a school or community organization. Teams will evaluate options and recommend a strategy that improves value, efficiency, sustainability, innovation or overall impact.
- Who: 2-4 members
- What: 3-5 minute video and an evaluation matrix or comparison tool
- Due: January 8, 2027
9. AICPA: The Future of Accounting Challenge
In this challenge, teams act as consultants for the AICPA, developing a student-focused marketing and engagement plan. Participants will create a strategy for the CPA Pipeline Team to help high school and college students better understand the value of student membership and increase interest in joining AICPA's student community.
- Who: 2-3 members
- What: 3-5 minute video and financial plan/budget
- Due: January 11, 2027
10. Adobe: Food Truck Challenge
Create a unique food truck concept that meets the needs of a specific target market while effectively utilizing branding, design and marketing strategies.
- Who: 3-4 members
- What: Adobe Express template and up to 60-second video
- Due: January 15, 2027
11. Knowledge Matters: Digital Presentation Skills Challenge
Demonstrate your digital presentation skills utilizing a Virtual Business simulation in a one- to two-minute digital presentation. The top finalists will deliver a live, digital presentation.
- Who: Individual
- What: 1-2 minute presentation
- Opens: January 2, 2027
- Due: February 1, 2027
12. Invest: Insurance Pathways Innovation in Action Challenge
You are a young professional launching a new insurance agency and want to build the ultimate team of next gen leaders. Create a business plan introducing the key professionals you would hire, their essential duties to your company's success and how each role could be appealing to Gen Z.
- Who: 2-5 members
- What: 3-5 minute video and digital assets (mock-up)
- Due: February 1, 2027
