By Annie Phan, @deca.annie | Decatur High School, WA
DECA can sound scary, but compared to classic monsters like zombies, vampires and ghosts, DECA is like a breath of fresh air with a side of blazers. You even get to dress up in a business costume, talk to people and collect their Instagram or LinkedIn information, just like you go trick-or-treating for candy.
Here is what to expect at your first DECA Conference and some advice from DECA members.
1. Opening Ceremony
Your district leader will open the conference by saying “Hi” and going through the activities that will take place during the conference. Typically, the district leader organizes enjoyable activities for everyone to participate in, such as scavenger hunts, photo booths and games. So, there isn’t just competition, but also fun activities to do while you're not competing.
2. Competition
This can be scary but also very exciting. It’ll be more fun presenting in front of a real judge, and you’ll gain valuable experience from doing so. You’ll find a waiting area for your event. Check in 15 minutes early before your prep time and wait to be called. While you’re waiting, you’ll meet your competitors, don’t be frightened and say “hi!”. Then, when you are presenting, be confident and think positively. After competing, you can hang out with friends and wait for the result.
Pro Tip from a DECA member: Be confident in your abilities, because that’s what everybody first notices. You’ve spent time preparing for this, and it’s time to show it.
3. Networking
Besides all of the fun activities that you can do before and after you compete, you can network and gain connections. You can relate to them because they’re probably nervous too.
Pro Tip from a DECA Alumni: Get out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to at least five new people.
3. Closing Ceremony
Once everyone is done with the competition, you’ll come together and cheer for your chapter members, and they’ll cheer for you. The future district leader will be announced, followed by the presentation of awards (the conference schedule may vary). If you don’t make it to the next level of competition, this is just a motivation that you can use for next time. Do not be discouraged, and learn from any mistakes you may have made in your presentation. If you do make it, then that’ll be amazing. Nonetheless, you gain experience with talking in front of a judge, and when you practice, it’ll be a piece of cake (or candy).
Now you know what to expect for your first DECA conference, and you even have some advice from DECA members. It’s a lot more fun than you think and a lot less scary. Don’t forget to practice, be confident and do your best!
