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Announcing the 2025-2026 Virtual Business Challenge Round 2 ICDC Qualifiers
DECA congratulates finalist teams in the second round of the 2025-2026 Virtual Business Challenge (VBC). They have earned the opportunity to compete during the DECA International Career Development Conference this spring.
Love and Football: Marketing in February
Two of the biggest moments happen in February and brands that understand how to capitalize on them can generate massive revenue while building lasting customer relationships. Here's what DECA students can learn from February's marketing playbook.
Apply Now for the 2026 DECA Hotel Challenge Curriculum Grants
Through the VBC—DECA Hotel Challenge, more than $6,000 in curriculum grants will be awarded at the start of the 2026-27 school year to DECA chapters. Read on to learn how to apply.
Sending DECA Love this Valentine's Day
Let your DECA bestie, competition partner and fellow chapter members know how much they mean to you with this year's DECA Valentines!
Advisor Best Practice Spotlight of the Week: Tammy Cox
DECA advisor Tammy Cox has implemented a student-led project management structure for chapter events and initiatives, which has positively impacted her members and the chapter culture.
Study Smarter, Not Harder: Your Guide to Role-play Success
The most successful competitors don’t study harder; they study smarter. Here’s how to prepare efficiently, build real-world knowledge, and stand out in your next role-play.
American Marketing Association (AMA) Associate in Marketing Management Certificate Now Available
The AMA Associate in Marketing Management Certificate validates the marketing skills DECA students possess, signaling to colleges and employers that they’re prepared for what’s next. Learn how to gain access.
Case Study of the Week: Spot The Weaknesses
Step into the role of an accounting auditor hired by Operation Care, a local nonprofit organization. The chair of the board of trustees wants to increase accounting controls and has asked you to review current controls, report weaknesses and make recommendations.
The "Dupe" Economy: Strategy or Sabotage?
The "dupe" economy is a tricky two-sided idea. While it makes trends accessible to everyone, it also challenges the brands that invest time and money in innovation. In this article, explore the pros and cons of the "dupe" economy.
CTE & CTSOs 101: The Basics (But Better)
CTE gives you a massive head start and crucial exposure with real-world skills, industry-level gear and the kind of experiences that make a resume stand out. Let’s dive into why these acronyms are so crucial!
Beyond Repetition: Mastering Preparation for DECA Competitions
Preparation is the most important factor for success in competition! While many competitors repeat practice tests and role-plays in hopes of earning high scores, true preparation goes beyond practicing over and over again.
Words of Wisdom: Pieces of Advice From DECA Advisors
Chapters across the nation are preparing for one of the most exciting times of the year. To better understand these key elements, we asked DECA advisors in Florida DECA District 8 for advice they would give to members.
2021 DECA Pumpkin Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of DECA's Annual Pumpkin Contest! This year's contest had an impressive 565+ submissions from members all across the DECA world. The selection process was not easy, but the members have voted and we are excited to announce the top three winners in each category!
3 Steps to Win DECA Glass in Your Prepared Event
Wining DECA Glass is every competitor’s goal. Here’s how to achieve your goal in a prepared event.
DECA and Piper Sandler Complete 42nd Semi-Annual Survey of 10,000+ U.S. Teens
DECA and Piper Sandler completed the 42nd semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens® survey. This survey highlights discretionary spending trends and brand preferences from more than 10,000 teens across the U.S. with an average age of 15.8 years.
Case Study of the Week: Keeping the Fixings Bar at Burger Country Fresh
You are to assume the role of the operations manager at Burger Country, a fast food restaurant with five locations that specializes in hamburgers. The owner of the company has asked you to explain operational considerations in a new portion of each restaurant called the “fixings bar.”
Case Study of the Week: Remarketing a Classic Shoe Store
You are to assume the role of a marketing communications consultant hired by Cost Less Shoes, a national chain of discount footwear for men, women, and children. The CEO of the company has hired you to develop a marketing communications plan that will remarket the brand.
5 Ways to Improve Your Prepared Event
Written events can be difficult to master. What does a winning project look like? What kind of before-hand preparation is required?
Improving the Employee Experience
This year's Business Operations Research topic focuses on ways to improve the employee experience. We visited with Intuit, Men's Wearhouse and Marriott International to learn how they are charting a course for the future of their workplace culture based on their experiences from the past year.
Rules to Live By: The Nature of Ethics
When you think of ethics, what comes to mind? Doing what people say you should do? Obeying the law? While these can both be part of ethical behavior, it takes a lot more than just listening to authority figures or doing what’s legal to be an ethical person.
3 Ways to Handle Burnout
Have you ever experienced a case of burnout? If so, it can be a challenging experience. During the school year, we take on many responsibilities and may find it hard to balance work, academics and life with so much on our plate. It is important to find a way to take a break and rest–both physically and mentally–to avoid burnout.
Case Study of the Week: Investing Money at a Bank
You are to assume the roles of the investment manager and investment specialist at Cross Town Bank. You will be meeting with a customer to discuss options for investing in order to earn a return.
3 Ways to Celebrate a DECA Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner, and what better way to spend the Halloween season than doing it DECA style! Here are three ways you can celebrate Halloween the DECA way.
Case Study of the Week: Credit Card Ethics in the Workplace
You are to assume the roles of the human resources director and the operations director at Braxton Productions,. The president has asked you to determine if an employee’s actions are ethical, how to respond, and how to communicate any changes in processes to staff.
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