The Silicon Valley Career Development Conference (SVCDC) was such an amazing experience! From exciting workshops to great competition, the Silicon Valley chapters came back with so many new skills, fresh ideas, and tons of motivation for states! The conference was full of learning, meeting new people, and understanding what leadership in DECA is really all […]
Read MoreThe Silicon Valley Career Development Conference (SVCDC) was such an amazing experience! From exciting workshops to great competition, the Silicon Valley chapters came back with so many new skills, fresh ideas, and tons of motivation for states! The conference was full of learning, meeting new people, and understanding what leadership in DECA is really all about. Here’s what we took away from this unforgettable weekend!
Leadership, Creativity, and Everything In Between
One of the best parts of SVCDC was the workshops! We got to attend sessions like “Catapult Your Career with Creativity” and “Thinking Like a High Performer”, where we learned how to solve problems in creative ways and think like leaders. Turns out, being creative is all about looking at challenges from a different angle and finding unique solutions. We also learned how to communicate like pros. Whether it’s delivering a roleplay pitch or leading our chapter, being able to speak clearly and confidently makes a huge difference. The workshops reminded us that anyone can be a great leader as long as they stay open to new ideas, adapt to challenges, and inspire others.
Kicking the Competition!
The competitive events at SVCDC ran like clockwork, thanks to the incredible effort of the coordinators, judges, and volunteers. Everything was so well-organized, from check-ins to feedback sessions, and it made competing feel smooth and stress-free. It was clear that everyone behind the scenes worked hard to make the conference a great experience for all of us.
What stood out most was seeing how newer and growing chapters performed. Many of them brought fresh energy and creativity to their events, proving that you don’t need to be a large chapter to make a big impact. Watching these chapters step up and shine was so amazing. We are so excited to see their growth, and thrilled to work with these new and upcoming chapters.
Making Connections in the DECA Game Room
After all the workshops and competition, we got to hang out in the DECA Game Room, and it was so much fun! It was a great way to meet other members, play games, and share stories about our DECA journeys. We even picked up some new tips from other chapters about how they run their meetings and competitive prep. It was such a great reminder that DECA isn’t just individual chapters, it’s about a bigger community.
Looking Ahead
SVCDC 2025 was way more than just a conference, it was a chance for all of us to grow as leaders and teammates. We learned so much, made some amazing memories, and left with ideas that we can’t wait to bring back to our chapter. Samay Sikri, our new Silicon Valley Vice President, said it best: “I am so honored and privileged to serve as the 2025–2026 Silicon Valley Vice President! Silicon Valley, get ready for a great year ahead of us!” We’re so excited to take what we’ve learned and turn it into action. From building stronger teams to helping every member grow, this year is going to be one for the books, and we will see you at states!
Team 74 at WRLC: Expanding Our Horizons This year’s Western Region Leadership Conference (WRLC) was an incredible experience for Team 74! From interactive workshops to fun activities that bonded us as a team, we came back inspired, energized, and ready to lead our chapter to new heights. The conference was packed with valuable sessions, amazing […]
Read MoreThis year’s Western Region Leadership Conference (WRLC) was an incredible experience for Team 74! From interactive workshops to fun activities that bonded us as a team, we came back inspired, energized, and ready to lead our chapter to new heights. The conference was packed with valuable sessions, amazing networking opportunities, and a chance to experience what leadership truly means within DECA. Here’s a recap of what we took away from this experience.
One of the highlights of WRLC for our team was attending the Pitching Sustainability Workshop. This session focused on sustainable business practices, covering key areas such as respectful and secure work environments aligned with OSHA standards, wage systems that ensure equal pay for different roles, and the importance of making smart material choices. We also discussed resource stewardship and circular systems, which aim to create efficient, waste-reducing business models. The facilitators emphasized how to effectively pitch these sustainability initiatives by making them easy to visualize for stakeholders in terms of revenue and profit. The biggest takeaway? Ensure that your pitch is relevant and solves a real problem – authenticity is crucial.
The professionalism workshop provided valuable insights on how to maintain a professional demeanor in various situations. We learned about effective communication, including crafting impactful elevator pitches, which are useful not only in DECA competitions but also in real-world professional settings. The workshop highlighted the importance of body language, eye contact, and active listening in creating a strong professional presence. We left this session with a deeper understanding of how to present ourselves confidently and effectively, no matter the scenario.
DECA Bingo turned out to be a fantastic way to relax, unwind, and connect with members from other chapters. This activity was designed to help us meet new people, share experiences, and learn about how other chapters are navigating their challenges. It reminded us of the importance of collaboration and that we’re all part of something bigger. Networking can be both productive and fun, and DECA Bingo was the perfect way to build connections in a relaxed setting.
The workshop on expanding our leadership skills explored different qualities of effective leaders, such as adaptability, empathy, and decision-making under pressure. We learned about the “Leadership Compass,” a tool that helps identify different leadership styles and understand how to bring together a balanced team. This understanding will help us better support our chapter by leveraging the strengths of our members. We also discussed how to handle challenges and lead effectively during uncertain times, which will be instrumental as we take on future projects.
WRLC 2024 was much more than just a conference; it was a transformative experience that left us with a toolbox of practical leadership skills, strategies for promoting sustainability, and the motivation to take our chapter to the next level. From the workshops to the social activities, every part of the conference was a chance to grow – both as individuals and as a team. We’re excited to take what we’ve learned and put it into action, making our chapter more impactful and ready to face new challenges.
We can’t wait to share these new ideas with the rest of our chapter and encourage everyone to join us next year for another unforgettable DECA adventure!
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 […]
Read MoreReady 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!