With ICDC around the corner, packing and preparing for this conference can seem overwhelming. Before you embark on your journey to Atlanta, we asked some past ICDC attendees what items they actually found essential and what they wished they had brought.

What to Pack

Portable Charger
If there’s one thing you don’t want to forget, it’s a portable charger. With long days and constant communication, your phone battery can drain faster than you expect. Alyssa Chen from Granada Hills Charter High School shared, “I wish I packed a portable charger, so my phone won’t die during moments I want to capture.” To avoid losing contact with your chapter or missing out from recording fun memories, make sure to always keep a charger with you during the conference.

Digital Camera
While your phone works, having a digital camera can also make documenting your trip in Atlanta much more memorable. Stella Philips from Torrey Pines High School recalls, “My digital camera was perfect to take photos and vlogs. It made documenting the memories much better and way more fun!” ICDC goes by quickly, so bring a camera if you want something beyond phone photos to remember it.

Water Bottle and Cough Drops
From roleplays to late-night conversations, you will be talking constantly at ICDC, and losing your voice could be possible. Stella adds, “Bring some cough drops and a good water bottle so you’re good to go, especially if you’re competing.” Staying hydrated and taking care of your voice can make a huge difference in your overall experience.

Tips to Make the Most of ICDC

ICDC isn’t just about what you pack, it’s also about the energy you bring and the moments you choose to be a part of. Past attendees shared their biggest tips on how to make the most out of this trip.

Talk to New People
For many attendees, ICDC is a once in a lifetime experience to connect with thousands of students across the globe. The best memories often come out of spontaneous conversations and trading pins, so to have the full experience, try talking to new people. Sabine Chung from Canyon Crest Academy highlights, “I’ve made some of my closest friends from around the world at ICDC!” The connections you make at this conference can last long after you return from Atlanta, so start those conversations and get to know others.

Balance Competition and Fun
When competing at an international level, it is easy to get caught up in stress, but ICDC is much more than the competitions. Vincent Cheng from Lynbrook High School explains, “My best advice is to not be afraid. Whether it is making that funny introduction at the start of your roleplay or putting yourself out there to meet new people, don’t be afraid to do something.” Remember that even with the high stakes of this conference, ICDC is best when you can fully experience the opportunities around you and have fun in each of your activities.

Make it a Chapter Experience
Even with the many connections you may build, remember you are ultimately traveling and experiencing Atlanta alongside your chapter. From late nights in your hotel room to time spent together throughout the conference, use ICDC as a way to get to know your chapter better. As explained by Rachel Hodgson from San Pasqual High School, “Take the opportunity to form tighter bonds with people in your chapter!”

As you prepare to head off to Atlanta, remember to take time to pack well and make space for the moments and connections that will stay with you long after you return home.

California DECA, can you believe that it’s only a few hours until the 2026 State Career Development Conference begins? Your state officers, Team 75, are so excited to connect with you all and help make this SCDC the best one yet! 

For the past year, Team 75 has worked on several initiatives, from hosting industry professionals such as Cammie Dunaway on Champ Camp, updating the mini-con guide for chapters, and attending leadership conferences to meet other association officers and learn how to best serve California DECA’s members. As the end of our term comes near, we wanted to share some of our favorite memories from our term.

ICDC 2025 in Orlando, Florida

Kicking off our term by attending the International Career Development Conference, our team had the best time hosting California DECA’s Opening and Closing session, meeting other association officers at the Elevate Leadership Academy training and Association Officers Luncheon, and of course, competing! We are so grateful for the opportunity to connect with DECA members internationally and learn from one another’s associations to implement new initiatives and better serve our members.

The Emerging Leader Summit in Phoenix, Arizona

At ELS 2026, Team 75 attended a two-day leadership training, where we worked closely alongside other State Officers such as Michigan DECA, Rhode Island DECA, and Virginia DECA! From brainstorming membership growth strategies to practicing public speaking, our team was able to grow as leaders and learn how to best serve our members through creative initiatives. Cooling off from the hot, dry weather in Arizona, we had so much fun grabbing ice cream with other attendees and attending a DECA-hosted night at the bowling alley. 

Power Trip 2026 in Arlington, Virginia

Team 75 had the best time at DECA’s Power Trip, where we were able to compete, hear from keynote speakers, enjoy the State Officer luncheon, advocate for CTE funding to California’s district representatives, and learn about DC’s rich history while visiting monuments during DECA Night. Additionally, we were able to host California DECA’s Opening session and host a workshop, “Eye See DC, Learn to Create ICDC Winning Visuals”. 

Chapter Visits

Across California, Team 75 visited your chapters for special banquets, mini-cons, and leadership trainings! From hosting Q&A sessions, assisting with awards at mini-cons, or celebrating the previous DECA season’s successes at end-of-year banquets, we had the best time supporting CA DECA chapters and members. Thank you to every advisor and member for welcoming us and for your support! 

Thank you to the following chapters for hosting Team 75 for a chapter visit: Valley Christian HS, Basis Independent Silicon Valley, The Harker School, Milpitas HS, Irvington HS, Washington HS, Amador Valley HS, Foothill HS, 

Thank you, California DECA! This has been an incredible year, and none of CA DECA’s successes would have been possible without the support of our members, chapter advisors, California DECA state management and board, and volunteer judges. We hope you all enjoy SCDC 2026 and take advantage of all the workshops, booths, and events that this conference has to offer.

The State Career Development Conference (SCDC) is one of the most exciting and impactful moments in the DECA year. Whether this is your first time advancing to state or you’re a seasoned competitor, SCDC is where months of preparation come together. From high-level competition to unforgettable connections, here’s what to expect—and how to make the most of it.

Connect With DECA Members From Across the State

One of the most exciting parts of SCDC is the opportunity to meet DECA members from chapters all across the state. Between events, during meals, or at general sessions, you’ll be surrounded by students who share your drive for leadership, business, and competition. Take the initiative to introduce yourself—you never know if you’ll meet a future teammate, college peer, or lifelong friend.

Experience State-Level Leadership & Career Workshops

SCDC features engaging workshops and sessions designed to prepare members for leadership beyond the chapter and district level. These sessions often include advanced competition strategies, leadership development, college and career readiness, and insights from industry professionals. Be sure to attend—these workshops are designed to challenge you, inspire you, and help you grow as a DECA leader.

Compete at the Highest Level

At SCDC, competition is elevated. You’ll be competing against top qualifiers from across the state, presenting to experienced judges, and demonstrating your ability to think critically under pressure. Whether you’re presenting a roleplay, written project, or prepared event, this is your opportunity to perform at your best and earn a spot at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC).

Quick Competition Tips:

• Manage your time wisely. Stick closely to prep and presentation time limits.
• Master your performance indicators. Judges score based on these—make them obvious in your presentation.
• Dress professionally and appropriately. Your appearance should reflect the professionalism of the event.
• Present with clear structure. Strong openings, clear solutions, and confident conclusions stand out.
• Stay confident. You earned your spot at SCDC—trust your preparation and show it.

Final Thoughts

SCDC is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of your hard work and growth as a DECA member. Whether your goal is to advance, learn, or connect, arrive ready to challenge yourself and take advantage of every opportunity. Enjoy the experience, support your fellow members, and make the most of this incredible milestone in your DECA journey.

We can’t wait to see you at SCDC!