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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.
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.
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.
From Vision to Verity: How to Stay Consistent with Your 2026 Goals
As we begin February, many New Year’s Resolutions fade into wistful aspirations instead of life-changing habits. Here are some of my favorite tips for keeping consistent when the New Year’s sparkle wears off.
Tips for Small Chapter Growth
Although new chapter obstacles often felt insurmountable, every successful chapter begins in the same position. Here is a quick guide to help your DECA chapter prepare for future success!
Explore Holiday Trends: Consumers Shop Sooner, Spend More
The National Retail Federation says this holiday season will have consumers shopping sooner and spending more – emphasizing the deep impact that retail has on the overall economy and highlighting the career opportunities in the industry.
Case Study of the Week: Generational Marketing at Pottery Place
You are the owner of the small business Pottery Palace. Since the business opened one year ago, you have noticed that the majority of customers are females, age 25-55 years old. While you appreciate your customers, you feel that Pottery Palace is missing out on the large population of senior citizens in the area.
Case Study of the Week: A National Chain Makes Plans for a Rural Location
You are to assume the role of district operations manager for Go-Mart. The district vice president has asked you to determine which brand of Go-Mart retail store is best for a new rural location.
How to Craft a Stand-Out Cover Letter
A cover letter is an appetizer before the main course—your resume. Like any good appetizer, it gets you excited for what is coming next!
4 Essentials for Planning Your Future Career
Regardless of what field you want to pursue a career in, there are four essential elements that need to be part of your plan.
How to Land a Dream Career in the Apartment Industry
Don't roll the dice when it comes to discovering a dynamic and rewarding career! Once considered a best-kept career secret, DECA has helped increase awareness and promote the apartment industry as one that offers a “career of choice”, not of chance.
Minnesota DECA Is Back 2 Business
Minnesota DECA is "Back 2 Business" as they kicked off their first in-person conference at the beginning of November.
Collaborating with Other Chapters
Learning to collaborate with others is a fundamental skill that is useful in both DECA and the real world. So why not start collaborating with other chapters? By partnering with others, chapters can increase their members' skills, share best practices and better prepare for competition.
Case Study of the Week: Financial Planning for the Future
You are to assume the role of a financial counselor at Ready Financial Planning, a company that provides financial services for members of the community. A client has asked for your help in determining how to best act now to secure a financially sound future.
Dress for Success: Interviewing 101
Do your members know how to make a great first impression at a job interview? Use this presentation and guided narration from Men's Wearhouse in your classroom
Top 5 Tips to Prepare for Case Studies
Are you looking for ways to maximize this year’s competition season? Follow these five tips to learn how you can make this year’s competition your best one yet!
Case Study of the Week: Online Reviews to Boost a Ghost Tour
You are to assume the role of the owner of Gullet City Ghost Tours, a walking tour for residents and tourists visiting Gullet City. Your business partner wants you to determine how the business can solicit online reviews from customers for use in marketing.
