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Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Channel Strategies for Dr. Smoothie

Aug 10, 2026

Assume the role of the owner of DR. SMOOTHIE, a mobile beverage truck that sells smoothies. The investor wants you to identify resources needed for DR. SMOOTHIE to adapt its channel strategies.

Chapter Strategy

The Summer Strategy Behind Howell DECA's Membership Growth

Aug 9, 2026

The strongest DECA chapters don't recruit harder; they plan earlier. Discover three practical recruitment strategies your chapter can implement before school starts to increase awareness and membership.

Chapter Strategy

DECA Advisors - How Are You Making Your Classroom the Next Big Thing?

Aug 9, 2026

Show us how you're setting up your chapter for success this year by using the Next Big Thing materials and the competitive events resources from your back-to-school box for a chance to win a $100 Shop DECA gift card.

DECA News

Adobe Hosts 70 DECA Advisors for Luminary 2026

Aug 3, 2026

For three days, attendees participated in learning sessions with DECA staff and interactive workshops with Adobe team members. Advisors gained firsthand experience with Adobe Express and learned how to apply these tools to DECA's programs.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: AI in Marketing

Aug 3, 2026

Assume the role of the general manager for an outdoor holiday lights and decorations installation business while you analyze the use of artificial intelligence (AI) images in marketing materials and recommend how to proceed.

Leadership

One DECA Calls Are Back

Aug 1, 2026

These monthly calls are designed to bring members together to learn, connect and stay engaged throughout the year. If you're looking to develop your leadership skills, hear new ideas or meet new members, One DECA Calls are for you!

Chapter Strategy

The Not-So-Secret Branding Tool Your Chapter Needs This Year

Aug 1, 2026

Whether you're welcoming new members or promoting a fundraiser, consistent branding helps your chapter look polished, professional and recognizable. Adobe Express makes that easier than ever, and one feature every chapter should take advantage of is Brand Kits.

Chapter Strategy

2026–2027 High School Division Executive Officer Team Program of Leadership

Aug 1, 2026

Throughout the year, your Executive Officer Team is committed to helping members step into their Next Big Thing by empowering leaders, advancing career development and increasing collaboration with DECA's corporate partners.

Leadership

Handling the Hustle: How DECA Members Can Manage Stress and a Million Different Activities

Aug 1, 2026

As you step into your next school year, maybe even your last, make sure you don’t get so overwhelmed that you miss the present. Check out this list of the best, most positive ways to relieve stress and better balance all of your responsibilities.

Leadership

Success Starts Before the First Bell

Aug 1, 2026

Your success starts long before the bell even rings, with the choices you make, the habits you build and the attitude you bring into every opportunity. There are three ways to set yourself up for success before the school year begins.

Compete

Crushing Competition Day: A Morning Checklist to Pave the Way for Success

Jul 30, 2026

While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed the morning of your competition, these four, tried-and-true tips will set you up for success no matter how you're feeling about your event.

College Success

Stay Ahead This Fall with the Encourage Preference Form Timeline

Jul 28, 2026

To help chapters know what to expect, Encourage has shared key dates for the 2026–2027 preference form timeline to help advisors proactively communicate with members, answer questions and maximize participation throughout the fall.

Spotlights

DECA Duck Takes Flight at Smithville High School

Sep 24, 2025

Smithville High School’s DECA chapter has a new mascot, DECA Duck. What started as just a blue rubber ducky idea has become a school spirit sensation at DECA events and recruiting activities.

Chapter Strategy

IBM SkillsBuild to Launch 8-Part Webinar Series on AI for Educators

Sep 24, 2025

Starting September 25th, IBM SkillsBuild is launching an incredible 8-part webinar series designed specifically for educators ready to be enabled and become force multipliers.

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.