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Compete

Preparing for Success: Summer Competition Preparation

Jun 1, 2026

Taking steps during the summer sets you up for success when competitions begin. Whether you’re competing in a prepared event or a role-play event, getting started early can make a huge difference.

College Success

Lip Balm to Life Choices: Finding Your College Essay Topic

Jun 1, 2026

Your future goals can shape the stories you choose to center your college essays around. One of the best ways to brainstorm a strong essay topic is by looking at the projects, hobbies and products that connect back to you.

Chapter Strategy

Your Chapter’s Guide to Finishing Your School Year Strong

Jun 1, 2026

As the school year ends, it's important to make sure members feel recognized, celebrated and motivated for what’s next. Here's a guide to finishing the year strong so you can hit the ground running next school year.

Conferences

The ELS Experience for Association & Chapter Officers

Jun 1, 2026

DECA's Emerging Leader Series is designed to help association and chapter officers gain leadership skills, meet members from across DECA and leave feeling inspired for the year ahead.

Career Insights

The Real World Awaits

Jun 1, 2026

Though finding an internship may sound a little terrifying, employers are excited to see our generation eager to get involved in their industries. Discover both the benefits of an internship and how to secure one in this article!

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: K-pop Revenge?

May 25, 2026

Step into the role of the promotional director for Shony Pictures Animation. The vice president wants you to create a promotional plan for the theatrical release of Revenge at K-pop Hall.

Chapter Strategy

Leveraging the DECA Brand to Make a Community Impact

May 22, 2026

By following three key steps, chapters can turn simple connections into lasting impact, transforming participation into true community influence. Community involvement is just the beginning of DECA success.

Spotlights

First Place Wasn’t The Best Thing I Got From DECA

May 19, 2026

From making states to earning first place in PMFL and placing top 20 at ICDC, DECA gave me confidence, leadership skills, unforgettable friendships and lessons that will continue to shape my future long after I graduate.

Partners

16 Personal Finance Terms Everyone Should Know

May 18, 2026

Learning the language of personal finance is one of the most practical steps you can take toward feeling more in control of your money. This guide walks you through 16 essential terms, from everyday basics to more advanced concepts.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Tradeshow Planning

May 18, 2026

Step into the role of the owner of Splendid Foods, a business that produces varieties of protein bars, granola bars and other nutritious snacks. Your business partner has asked you to determine the marketing plan for a food industry trade show.

DECA News

Congratulations to the 2026-27 Marriott Foundation Curriculum Grant Recipients

May 13, 2026

Congratulations to the following chapters selected to receive the VBC–DECA Hotel Challenge Curriculum Grant provided by the J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

DECA News

Apply Today for the Adobe x DECA Luminary 2026 Program

May 11, 2026

The DECA Luminary Program is an opportunity for exceptional chapter advisors who not only excel in their roles but also show strong potential to mentor fellow advisors within their chartered associations by leading professional learning experiences.

College Success

Major Keys: Unlocking College Success with a DECA Mindset

Sep 23, 2025

Success doesn’t come from luck; it comes from preparation, strategy, mindset and staying true to yourself. For many, college feels like the biggest stage of their life. But in reality, it’s actually not all that different from being a DECA member.

Compete

Would Taylor Swift’s Marketing Score Well on a DECA Rubric?

Sep 23, 2025

Taylor Swift has clearly conquered the music industry, but what if she stepped into the world of DECA competition? Let’s look at how she would perform in each section of the Principles of Marketing Event.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: How to Protect a Mobile Bank Account From Identity Theft

Sep 22, 2025

Step into the role of a financial advisor at First Bank. A customer wants to open a mobile banking account to pay more bills online but is worried about identity theft and has asked for your help.

Career Insights

Filling The GAP: The Secret Behind Katseye's Viral Marketing

Sep 18, 2025

GAP’s recent marketing project shows that authentic brand representation, positive customer connections and creative engagement can be the key to marketing magic. Here's what the campaign teaches us about successful marketing.

Leadership

Call Her DECA: Why Podcasts are the Next Big IT Girl​​

Sep 18, 2025

There is a new IT girl in town, and she is in your earbuds. Like DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, podcasts prepare a new generation of thinkers, doers and dreamers who are ready to take the mic.

Compete

Navigating DECA's Competitive Events Page

Sep 18, 2025

Choosing the right event can be overwhelming. Check out this directional guide on how to use the DECA Competitive Events page to assist you in making your decision!

Career Insights

Inside the Marketing of the Summer's Biggest Films

Sep 17, 2025

Behind every billion-dollar blockbuster film is a creative team of entertainment marketers who are pulling strings to rewrite the rules of entertainment. Check out the best entertainment marketing wins from this past summer.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Marketing to a Younger Demographic

Sep 15, 2025

Step into the role of a marketing specialist for Station Hardware, a retailer specializing in home improvement products. The director of marketing wants you to create a marketing plan that will introduce the brand to a new demographic.

DECA News

Vector Marketing and DECA Celebrate 20 Years of Partnership

Sep 12, 2025

DECA proudly celebrates 20 years of partnership with Vector Marketing Corporation - a collaboration that has empowered DECA members and educators to succeed in and out of the classroom.

Chapter Strategy

Here Are 5 Themes for Your Next Chapter Meeting

Sep 12, 2025

Meeting themes are a great way to show your school that DECA is extraordinary. They also encourage and persuade someone unfamiliar with DECA to attend the meeting, boosting member retention.

Career Insights

Generation Z’s Buying Power is Reshaping Retail Trends and Revitalizing Malls

Sep 11, 2025

NRF’s Hot 25 Retailers list reflects the growing influence of Generation Z, and it likely won’t be the last list to do so. These retailers offer shoppers engaging experiences and curated events.

Chapter Strategy

Three Hats, One Head: Balancing School, Work and DECA

Sep 10, 2025

Between classes, jobs and DECA, finding balance takes that extra effort. Here are four tips to help you effectively balance responsibilities and make the most of every opportunity!