Ready for WRLC 2024? Here’s What You Need to Know

From November 7-9, 2024, DECA members from across 12 Western states will unite in Bellevue, Washington for an unforgettable weekend of networking, competition preparation and leadership development. As you count down to WRLC, here is all that you should know to make the most of your time:.

Conference Highlights

WRLC offers close to 50 workshops on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, and more. Get insider information on hot topics and career paths with corporate expertise from industry giants like Adobe, Boeing, Starbucks, and JP Morgan.

Exclusive Pre-Conference Tours and Workshops: 

Go behind the scenes at companies including Google and Salesforce; see the iconic sights of Seattle’s Pike Place Market and more; plus head to the Bellevue Collection for an immersive retail marketing tour

Certification Labs:

Enhance your resume with proficiency certifications, such as Microsoft Suite and project management.

Competitive Advantage:

 Compete in WRLC mock competitions and take the opportunity to hone your skills: first-time competitors will dive into the Principles of Entrepreneurship, and veteran competitors will tackle Marketing Communications role-plays

What to Expect:

There are countless ways to network at WRLC. Between workshops, the marketing fair and after-hours events you will have several chances to connect with DECA members, alumni, and professionals. Be sure to check out the Association Officer and Advisor Reception for an insider’s look at what’s next for DECA

If you enjoy a good challenge, mock job interviews will be based on hospitality careers-your first look into the real world for future career paths​

Things to Do in Bellevue and Seattle

With all that on offer, you will not want to miss the pulsating cities of Bellevue and Seattle. Here are some places one should not miss:

Within walking distance from Hyatt Regency Bellevue:

The Bellevue Collection: Dive into the latest trends in retail marketing through an exclusive tour.

Bellevue Botanical Garden: Take a moment to visit this ravishing oasis in the city and in its ideal setting for networking or introspection.

Downtown Park – A place of relaxation and teamwork bonding right next to the conference venue.

A Brief Ride Away:

Pike Place Market is a place to visit in Seattle, with the array of food, crafts, and many other local things that the place boasts.

Space Needle: One does not leave Seattle without taking in this view from this most iconic landmark.

Get the Most Out of WRLC

Trying to figure out how to make this WRLC experience bigger and better? Take a look at this sneak peek from your Washington State DECA President on how to bring the excitement back home to your chapter:

“Hello California DECA! We are so excited to invite you to Washington State for the last-ever Western Region Leadership Conference. Between November 7th – 9th, you will immerse yourself in all Bellevue has to offer – natural beauty, innovative industries and exciting – while taking your DECA journey to the next level. Arrive early and participate in pre-conference tours, where you’ll have a chance to visit the Pike Place Market or tour many prominent companies in Seattle and Bellevue.

At the conference itself, you will get the chance to learn, grow, network and compete. With workshop sessions led by industry leaders, opportunities for certification testing, and the Western Region Invitational and Mock Job Interview competitions, you’ll never be bored! Make sure to make and bring friendship bracelets to trade with other members!

California DECA, the Western Region Leadership Conference is the place to be if you want to take your leadership skills “to infinity and beyond.” We’re so excited to see you there!”

-Manya Pradeep Narayan, WA DECA President

Whether it is a competitive skill one wants to develop, or certification and networking, Bellevue is the place to be this November!

Welcome back CA DECA members! Now that the new school year is well underway, let’s embrace all the opportunities DECA has in store. From competition preparation to leadership conferences, and making new friends, which might be done in several ways to make the experience in DECA more rewarding, today you are in for a treat as we have 4 pieces of advice from WHS DECA alumni Tamanna Gandhi to share with you!

1. Mentorship Program

One of the great ways to curve through those complexities is through mentorship. Tamanna Gandhi, DECA alum, and former VP for Leadership of the NorCal DAT 7 reflects on the tangential influence of having upperclassmen guide her journey:

“I was very fortunate to have upperclassmen guide me through my DECA journey, but I know that not everyone has a mentor they can ask for advice. Establishing a formal mentor-mentee program could allow new members to freely ask for advice in their written, a judge for their practice role-play, or even someone they can talk to during conferences.”

The mentorship will develop a supportive environment of shared learning.

It not only helps the new members, but it also allows the upperclassmen to share their knowledge and leadership skills as well. Consider forming a program whereby the veteran DECA members may mentor the new recruits with ways to prepare a written report, practice for role-plays, and even just general advice on how to deal with situations that will arise at DECA events. With this as your base, your chapter can encourage cooperation and ensure all members are prepared and supported.

2. Weekly Workshops and One-to-One Coaching

Workshops and personalized coaching go a long way in enhancing the competitive performance of a chapter. As Tamanna recounts, the weekly workshops that her chapter conducted were invaluable in their skill-building:

“The best thing my chapter did throughout the year was hold weekly workshops to offer competitive tips and, sometimes, individual meetings to sharpen members’ written reports and role-play skills. The collaborative atmosphere for advice and commitment to excellence definitely helped us become one of the most successful CA chapters at ICDC!”

In addition to this, the arrangement of weekly workshops in important competition areas like role-playing, presentation techniques, and report writing will enable members to work on perfecting their skills continuously. It shall be possible to provide individual coaching sessions for members who feel the need for personalized attention. This will prove to be a great factor, especially when the events are drawing near. This format allows for a culture of continuous improvement and preparation which will lead to the best outcomes at conferences.

3. Develop a collaborative culture, not a competitive one

While DECA is a competition, the actual secret to success lies in the collaboration effect one will have at the chapter level. As Tamanna so rightly brings out this dynamic:

“My number one DECA tip for chapter leaders is to foster a collaborative culture rather than a competitive one. Success follows chapters who encourage their members to share ideas, explore their creativity freely, and support one another.”

The true greatness of DECA chapters shines through when all members are working towards each other’s growth and elevation. Foster team building and collaboration through various activities that help bond your chapter or simply through brainstorming sessions regularly. Whether critiquing role-plays, listening to and providing feedback on presentations, or just cheering their comrades on-a collaborative environment lets members feel valued and motivated to succeed. As a leader, set the example by freely sharing your ideas and encouraging others to do the same.

4. Emphasize Leadership and Personal Development

Leadership means more than a title; it’s about the initiative you take, the peers you motivate, and continuous personal and professional growth. Many DECA alumni share how their leadership development experience took them out of their comfort zone and prepared them for an array of life experiences.

Tamanna firmly believes her experience as VP of Leadership taught her so many critical leadership skills that she now implements both in college and professional life. Public speaking, project management, and team collaboration are just a few of the skills that will be important for whatever career path she chooses in the future. As you head into your DECA year, be sure to lead at every opportunity: whether facilitating a meeting, mentoring younger members, or hosting a workshop. DECA leadership will translate directly into college, careers and beyond.

Bonus Tip – Attend Conferences and Competitions

Competitions and conferences are at the core of the DECA experience. Not only will these events let you showcase the skills you have honed, but it is also a chance to network with your peers, professionals in the industry, and future mentors. Make the most out of each competition through better preparation, setting personal goals for each competition, and taking time after each event to reflect on performance.

Connections you make and the feedback you receive from other people can serve as a game-changing element in your personal and professional life. Your year in DECA is what you make it, so go into it wholeheartedly and take part in all that DECA has to offer. Whether you are a first-year member or an experienced competitor, there is always more to learn and grow from, and to remember. So, as Tamanna and other DECA alumni have shown, the skills you develop through involvement in DECA will follow you long after high school; make this year one to remember! Good luck, and here’s to a successful DECA year ahead!

Welcome back CA DECA members! As the school year starts and DECA gets back into full gear, one of the most underground events is right around the corner—Corporate Challenges! This year. We have 7 challenges which you can compete in:

Ethical Leadership Challenge

DECA at the Bell Challenge

Unreal Campaign Challenge‍

Social Impact Leader of Tomorrow Challenge ‍

Auction Marketing Campaign Challenge

Digital Presentation Skills Challenge

Social Media Simternship™ Challenge

Participants might be asked to run an online campaign, develop a digital marketing strategy, or create content that aligns with the company’s brand and goals. These challenges typically require you to leverage both creativity and strategic thinking, making them an excellent way to build practical skills that are highly valued in the business world.

Insights on How to Succeed in Corporate Challenges

Participating in Corporate Challenges can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires a strategic approach. Keep reading for personalized advice from a first place winner from last year!:

1. Understand the Sponsor’s Goals

Before diving into the challenge, understand the sponsoring organization. Research their values, target audience, and recent initiatives. What are their business goals? What challenges are they currently facing? 

3. Prioritize Creativity and Innovation

While you should be aiming to stay in line with what the company wants, you need to do so in a way that stands out from the rest. Propose an innovative solution or present the information in a memorable way so that your submission is considered. Creativity is essential, but additionally, ensure that the creative ideas are FEASIBLE and actually address the challenge.

4. Focus on Clear and Professional Communication

A fifth-grader should be able to understand what you’re saying. That’s a core principle of every submission that I made. Ensuring that no matter what concept you are trying to get across, be it tough financials or a company rebranding, every level of management should understand what you are saying. If you plan on using jargon or complex language, your goal should be to showcase that you KNOW what the language means without requiring them to know what it means.

5. Collaborate and Seek Feedback

Corporate Challenges often allow for team submissions. If you’re working with a team, take advantage of each member’s strengths. Collaborate closely, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your DECA advisor, mentors, or peers. Oftentimes, it was other people who were able to point out flaws in the logic of my videos or submissions. Don’t get scared away by the idea of sharing the profits!

6. Follow the Guidelines Meticulously

Each Corporate Challenge will have specific guidelines and submission requirements. Be sure to follow these to the letter. Missing a deadline, exceeding word limits, or failing to include a required component can result in penalties or disqualification. 

Corporate Challenges offer a unique and valuable opportunity to engage with real-world business problems while showcasing your skills to industry leaders. Additionally, with the chance to win thousands of dollars, they are a lucrative chance to make some money! 

So, take on the challenge, and let your innovative ideas shine!