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. 

As the 2025 – 2026 school year comes to an end, it is officially time to pass the baton to the new 2026 – 2027 officer team. Transitioning your team effectively ensures that your legacy continues and that you set your chapter up for success. Here are three key tips to ensure a smooth transition for the next team:  

Execute a Digital Handover 

Losing access to accounts can cause communication and operational issues for the new team, so make sure you transfer all account information to streamline your chapter’s activities. Not only should you share or change passwords for drives and social media accounts, but you should also check for two-factor authentication. If a DECA account is linked to a personal phone number or email for verification, make sure to change it, so your new team can properly sign in. 

Develop a Plan for the Next Year 

Before the school year ends, consider hosting a transition meeting where the current officers can share advice and ideas for the new team to outline a plan for the 2026 – 2027 year. By sharing success and failures from the past year, the new team can be able to support the chapter to a greater degree and ensure everything is running smoothly. This meeting is also a great opportunity to develop a plan for next year. Consider outlining plans for competitive preparation, budget breakdowns, or bonding activities, so your chapter is aware of what to do when you begin the next year.

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. 

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.