From the first 20-minute walk to the Georgia World Congress Center to the last moments during the Grand Awards ceremony, California DECA members truly embodied the spirit of “Going the Extra” this April at ICDC. Out of 26,000 members, California brought a delegation of 660 students, proudly representing our state on an international level. 

Whether in the testing rooms or the presentation halls, California DECA showcased the results of many months of hard work and dedication with 84 placing as a Top 20 finalist, 51 as a Top 10 finalist, and 18 bringing home ICDC glass. Adding to this success, California was awarded the Western Region Most Deca-cated Award, recognizing our state’s incredible dedication to DECA and its mission. These wins truly represent what makes California DECA stand out on the international stage and demonstrate the highest level of achievement. 

Beyond competition, students spent time navigating Atlanta and connecting with students across the country. Throughout hotel lobbies and conference halls, students can be seen trading California’s 75th anniversary pin for the coveted Labubu and Puerto Rico pins. In the Ignite, Elevate, Thrive, and Elevate Leadership Academies, members dived deep into leadership and chapter management skills to bring beyond ICDC. With the support of our voting delegates, we elected our 2026 – 2027 Western Region Vice President and Executive President. Outside the convention halls, California DECA also spent chapter nights at the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca Cola, building memories and connections with fellow DECA members that will last far beyond the trip. 

As the 2025 – 2026 DECA year comes to an end, ICDC is defined by more than just the results. It is the connections made between sessions and the leadership lessons gained through this conference that truly shape the DECA journey. As we head into the summer and a new school year, California DECA has already demonstrated what it means to be the “Next Big Thing” for the 2026 – 2027 school year.