ORLANDO, FLORIDA – 297 members of California DECA gathered at the 2011 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) April 30 – May 2, 2011, for the highlight of the DECA year. Most were students there to compete in competitive events or participate in leadership academies along with approximately 14,000 other DECA members, business and industry professionals, and teachers from around the world. Each of these students is a highly qualified young business professional and is considered among the best of the best, having placed top 3 or 4 overall in their competitive event at the California DECA State Career Development Conference in March.
California DECA competed extremely well this year. Over 50 students were recognized on stage for their outstanding performance in their events with five students/teams taking 1^st place overall and being named the International Champion in their respective events. California also had one student place 2^nd overall and four take 3^rd place overall. In all there were 22 overall finalists, making it one of California’s best showings in recent memory. In addition to its competitve success, California had many students participate in one of four leadership academies to further their leadership skills and connect with fellow leaders from across the globe. California also recognized its top membership chapters and said thank you to its seniors during one of two state meetings.
This year marked the 60th anniversary for California DECA. For 60 years California DECA has prepared emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.