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

The Summer Strategy Behind Howell DECA's Membership Growth
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.

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

Adobe Hosts 70 DECA Advisors for Luminary 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: AI in Marketing
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.

One DECA Calls Are Back
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!

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

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

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

Success Starts Before the First Bell
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.

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

Stay Ahead This Fall with the Encourage Preference Form Timeline
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.

DECA Duck Takes Flight at Smithville High School
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.

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

Major Keys: Unlocking College Success with a DECA Mindset
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.

Would Taylor Swift’s Marketing Score Well on a DECA Rubric?
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: How to Protect a Mobile Bank Account From Identity Theft
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.

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

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

Navigating DECA's Competitive Events Page
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!

Inside the Marketing of the Summer's Biggest Films
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: Marketing to a Younger Demographic
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.

Vector Marketing and DECA Celebrate 20 Years of Partnership
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.

Here Are 5 Themes for Your Next Chapter Meeting
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.

