As conference season ramps up, one of the most exciting parts of DECA events is meeting new people. Whether you’re heading to Power Trip or preparing for your district competition, networking can open doors to new friendships, leadership opportunities and future career prospects.
Here are a few ways to make those conversations count:
1. Start with Shared Ground
The easiest icebreaker? DECA itself. Ask someone what event they’re competing in, what their favorite part of a conference has been so far or what their chapter has been up to this year. You’ll be surprised how fast the conversation takes off once you find shared experiences.
2. Quality Over Quantity
You don’t need to meet everyone in the room to make an impact. Focus on having genuine conversations rather than collecting a multitude of brief introductions. Sometimes, one excellent chat can lead to a friendship that lasts the rest of your DECA journey.
3. Be Present, Not Perfect
Don’t stress about having the “right” thing to say, just be you! Smile, listen and let the conversation flow. People remember how you made them feel way more than they remember what you said.
4. Keep the Connection Going
If you meet someone awesome at a conference, reach out to them afterward! Follow them on Instagram, connect on LinkedIn or send a quick message saying how great it was to meet. Staying in touch is what turns a quick conversation into a lasting connection.
5. Support One Another
Networking in DECA is about building community. Be there for other members by offering encouragement before someone's event, providing advice based on your experiences or including others in conversations around you. Supporting one another is what makes our organization so strong, and you never know how one small act of kindness might inspire someone else.
As Power Trip kicks off and district competitions get closer, remember that the connections you make are often the most memorable parts of each conference. So go out there, be confident and make connections that last far beyond conference season!
