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Summer Kickoff Events: Starting the Year on a High Note
A summer kickoff event with your DECA chapter is one of the best ways to build early excitement, make important contacts and begin recruiting members even before the school year starts.

5 Ways to Maximize Your ELS Leadership Experience
Whether it’s your first time at ELS or you’re back for another summer of DECA excellence, these five tips will help you make the most of your ELS experience and ensure you leave more inspired, empowered and ready to lead!

Exploring Phoenix During ELS
With its vibrant downtown, warm weather and inspiring atmosphere, Phoenix is the perfect backdrop for leadership growth and unforgettable memories at ELS. Looking to make the most out of your time? Check out these spots before your departure!

Take Off with Travel Marketing
Not only is summer a time of increasing temperatures, but it's also a time of increased travel. Here are three marketing techniques used within the travel and tourism industry for you to consider during summer travel.

Making the Most of Your Summer with DECA
We’re well into summer, but your DECA journey doesn’t have to hit pause just because school is out. Whether you’re looking to build your resume, strengthen your leadership skills or stay connected with the DECA community, there are countless ways to make this summer one to remember!

The Summer of DECA Quest
Summer of DECA is ready for takeoff! This digital scavenger hunt is packed with exciting missions and will be updated weekly throughout the summer. From catching sunsets to mapping out your 2025-2026 DECA goals, there's an adventure waiting for everyone.

Pitch Decks: Your Questions Answered
New for the 2025-26 school year, six competitive events will replace the previously required 10-page written paper with a 20-slide pitch deck. Check out this article for answers to questions about the change to Pitch Decks.

2025 Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference Keynote Speaker & Sessions
DECA is excited to share a look at the 2025 Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference keynote speaker and sessions. Join us on July 23-24 for two days filled with content focusing on instructional content that connects DECA to the classroom.

Download the 2025-2026 DECA Guide
The DECA Guide provides all the information you need to have a successful year. Explore our learning programs, check out this year’s calendar, access competitive event guidelines and so much more!

DECA Hosts Luminary Program Powered by Adobe in San Francisco
This elite professional development experience brings together distinguished DECA chapter advisors from across the DECA network to deepen their leadership, instructional, and digital skills in a unique “train-the-trainer” format.

How your DECA Judge Thinks like a Shark Tank Investor
DECA judges use mental shortcuts just like investors. Learn how to craft your pitch to match their mindset and make your project more memorable.

From FOMO to Finalist: How to Bounce Back After ICDC
Competing in DECA is an opportunity that shapes young business leaders in a multitude of ways. So whether you placed this year or not, your DECA journey is far from over. Set the precedent for a new year, one filled with growth, confidence and achievement.

Small Businesses and the Costs of Hyper-Personalization
What does hyper-personalization mean for small businesses with limited resources to invest in AI-powered hyper-personalization technologies? MBA Research helps us explore this year's Business Operations Research competitive events topic.

Announcing the Winners of the 2022 DECA Pumpkin Contest
Congratulations to the winners of DECA's Annual Pumpkin Contest! With an impressive 500+ 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!

Case Study of the Week: A Lifelong Career in the Lodging Industry
Step into the role of the general manager at Hugo Inn – Capitol City, a full-service hotel and conference center. The district manager wants you to prepare a short presentation about different job opportunities in the lodging industry for a local career fair.
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Selling You: How to Maximize Your Bargaining Power in Job Salary Negotiations
Getting the most out of salary negotiations can be daunting when you’re new to the working world. While salaries across the country vary from region to region, there are some general tactics everyone can keep in mind to bring their best to the negotiating table.
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Non-Traditional SBE's: Printing and Engraving
School-based enterprises usually emerge in response to an identified need in the marketplace for a particular product or service. These two gold-certified, non-traditional SBEs are switching things up by providing their schools access to printing and engraving shops.

From a Handshake to a Helping Hand: Connecting with Community Professionals
Stepping into a conversation with a professional can be intimidating, but with five key steps, you can create a connection that goes from an introductory handshake to a long-term career helping hand.
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Sauk Rapids-Rice DECA's First Officer Induction Ceremony
Sauk Rapids-Rice DECA hosted its first successful officer pinning and induction! The event consisted of professional headshots, music, dinner, a formal presentation of the executive council and the induction of all other junior officers.

Case Study of the Week: Using Research in Halloween Merchandising
Step into the role of the director of merchandising and operations for Fright Night Costumes. The senior vice president wants you to analyze new research information and decide how the stores should change current inventory.

Non-Traditional SBEs: Banks and Credit Unions
School-based enterprises usually emerge in response to an identified need in the marketplace for a particular product or service. These two gold-certified, non-traditional SBEs are switching things up by providing their schools access to banks and credit unions.

From Your Chapter to Your Community: All Those in Favor Say, “Let’s Vote!”
This November, general elections will take place. After registering to vote, research local poll locations, schedules and each candidate running. Be prepared to stand in line for your turn to vote on Election Day (Tuesday, November 8, 2022) or seek the availability of early voting.

Spotlight on Customer Service
What is customer service and why does it matter to your future career? Experts from Chick-fil-A, Men's Wearhouse, Publix and Walgreens share their thoughts.

Case Study of the Week: Gambling with Financial Security
Step into the role of a financial advisor. A client has asked you for advice on investing for the future.