The ELS Experience for Association & Chapter Officers

Jun 1, 2026

Summer may feel like an off-season for most DECA members, but it’s actually the kick-off event for those who attend the Emerging Leaders Summit this July in Tysons, Virginia.

ELS is more than a conference for association officers; it's also designed to help chapter officers gain leadership skills, meet members from across DECA and return to their chapters inspired for the year ahead.

So, Why Should You Attend ELS?

1. Build Your Leadership Skills

Through interactive workshops and activities, chapter officers will gain new skills in just 3 days that they can take back to their chapter and become stronger leaders before the school year even starts.

Skills like:

  • Public Speaking
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-Solving
  • Collaboration

2. Meet Members From Across DECA

  • Connect with different officer teams from across the regions.
  • Share chapter ideas and goals.
  • Build friendships and professional connections.

3. Bring New Ideas Back Home

ELS is filled with ideas that YOU can bring back to your association or chapter, whether it’s:

  • Membership Campaigns
  • Social Media Ideas
  • Fundraising Strategies
  • Team Building Activities
  • Chapter Events

ELS helps officers return bold and ready to lead.

Leadership Starts at ELS

Beyond the workshops, ELS creates unforgettable memories and new pathways to build your chapter from the ground up. The best officers do not wait for opportunities to grow; they go after them.

This July, take the opportunity to grow as a leader, strengthen your association or chapter and experience everything ELS has to offer. Because ELS isn’t just for association officers, it's for chapter officers too!

Questions?

No items found.

Discussion Questions

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4

Classroom Connection

Career Cluster:

Instructional Area(s):

Performance Indicators:

No items found.