This April 18-21, Collegiate DECA is headed to Louisville, KY, for Collegiate DECA ICDC! Whether this is your first Collegiate DECA ICDC or you're an experienced competitor, being prepared for the largest Collegiate DECA conference of the year is a must.
From booking your flight to planning fun activities in Louisville, this article breaks down everything you need to know to create your itinerary.
Thunder Over Louisville
What better way to kick off the Collegiate DECA ICDC experience than with Thunder Over Louisville! Since 1988, Thunder Over Louisville has served as the official opening session for the Kentucky Derby season and is the nation’s top airshow and one of the largest annual fireworks shows in the country.
This year, the event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, so we encourage your chapter to make plans to arrive in Louisville on Friday night to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Learn more about the exciting kickoff to the Kentucky Derby season in this article.
Travel Discounts
DECA has arranged special airfare considerations for those attending Collegiate DECA ICDC. Check out special deals and discounts below:
- Delta Airlines: Please click here to book your flights.
- You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1(800) 328-1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY4HX.
- *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
- You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1(800) 328-1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY4HX.
- Southwest Airlines: To utilize the discount, book via SWABIZ® using this link. Discount valid for travel 4/16/2026 to 4/23/2026.
- Tickets booked via the Eligible Distribution Channel(s) to or from the Airports during the Booking Dates for travel during the Travel Dates are eligible for name changes up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure of the Eligible Traveler’s flight at no additional cost. The itinerary must remain the same in order to not be subject to a potential change in fare.
- To request a Self-Service Name Change Request to a ticket booked by an Eligible Traveler, the Eligible Traveler named on the ticket must call the Primary Partner Service Desk at 888-479-2249 for SWABIZ and SPS booking. A Self-Service Name Change Request cannot be made by the Customer’s travel manager on behalf of the Eligible Traveler. Self Service Name Change Requests cannot be made on SWABIZ, SPS, Southwest.com or mobile app.
- United Airlines: Please click here to book your flights.
- You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday (closed for major U.S. holidays) at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance or visit united.com/meetingtravel and enter discount code ZRZN218402.
- Booking fees are waived for United Meetings reservations.
- You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday (closed for major U.S. holidays) at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance or visit united.com/meetingtravel and enter discount code ZRZN218402.
Looking for information on getting around Louisville while at CDECA ICDC? Please visit this page.
Things To Do in Louisville
After a busy day of workshops and competition ends, members are encouraged to explore the excitement of the home of the Kentucky Derby! With more than 120 attractions, Louisville has something for everyone to see and do. Check out our top recommendations:
- Step up to the plate at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
- Head to the ballpark to cheer on the Louisville Bats
- Explore the innovative Muhammad Ali Center
- Immerse yourself in the history of the Kentucky Derby at the Kentucky Derby Museum
Members can purchase tickets to these attractions and more directly through this page.
The Inside Track Pass
The Inside Track Pass is an exclusive discount program for convention and show participants to use while in Louisville. Take advantage of special offers and discounts from some of the city’s most popular sites, including retail shops, restaurants and attractions.
Just download the mobile app and show it at the following locations around town for access to their special discounts and offers.
