Resources

Latest Updates

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What’s New in the 2026–2027 DECA Guide?

A new school year means new opportunities, and DECA’s 2026–2027 Guide is packed with exciting updates designed to help members develop real-world business skills, strengthen their leadership abilities, and prepare for success beyond high school. Centered around this year’s theme, “The NEXT BIG THING,” DECA encourages members to think beyond today’s possibilities and become the […]

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Becoming the Next Big Thing: Summer Preparation Tips for a Successful DECA Season

As the school year comes to an end, the countdown for the next competitive season begins. With exams and classes finally finished, this summer becomes a great opportunity to get ahead of the game and prepare for the 2026 – 2027 DECA year. Here are three strategic steps you can take this summer to strengthen […]

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Banquets and Bittersweet Goodbyes: California DECA Celebrates a Successful Year

The 2025-2026 California DECA year has officially come to an end. To celebrate the incredible growth and success, many chapters have hosted end-of-year banquets to recognize outstanding members, welcome new officers, and say bittersweet goodbyes as the summer begins. Here is a look at how each of California’s three districts closed out an unforgettable year. […]

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Pin Trading and Podium Finishes: The California ICDC Experience

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 […]

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ICDC Survival Guide: Tips and Tricks from Past Attendees

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 ChargerIf there’s one thing you don’t want to forget, it’s […]

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Team 75’s Favorite DECA Memories of their 2025-26 Term

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 […]

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What to Expect at the State Career Development Conference

The State Career Development Conference (SCDC) is one of the most exciting and impactful moments in the DECA year. Whether this is your first time advancing to state or you’re a seasoned competitor, SCDC is where months of preparation come together. From high-level competition to unforgettable connections, here’s what to expect—and how to make the […]

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Throwback Thursday | The Ultimate Power Trip: Lessons Your State Officers Brought Back

From November 21-23, 2025, your California DECA State Officers had the opportunity to travel to Arlington, Virginia, for DECA’s Ultimate Power Trip – an engaging, interactive national conference focusing on leadership, innovation, and career preparation. Throughout the weekend, we interacted with thousands of members (including our California DECA delegation), attended valuable workshops, and competed for […]

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Quick DECA Wins: Small Habits That Make A Big Impact

As we head into minicon season, remember that it’s the small, consistent habits that will build up to powerful changes. These micro-habits can improve your confidence, communication, and business knowledge, which can all make the difference in competition. Here are some ways to ‘Go the Extra!’ this year:  1. Attend Meetings  We all know that […]

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Community Service Campaign: Ways to Give Back!

As part of DECA Inc.’s Chapter Campaigns, the Community Service Campaign gives your chapter a clear, meaningful way to serve your community, gain recognition, and grow together as leaders. Here’s everything your chapter needs to know, from expectations and deadlines to submission instructions, benefits, and creative ideas! But first, why should your chapter participate? This […]

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Starting Off Your DECA Season Strong

As we jump into the school year, the upcoming DECA season is just around the corner! Whether this is your first year in DECA or your fourth, how you start the season will set the tone for the months ahead. Here are some resources and tips to make sure you’re taking full advantage of everything […]

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What I Wish I Knew as a First-Year DECA Member

California DECA provides a wide variety of opportunities—from competitive events and conferences to leadership experiences and personal connections. For a first-year member, these countless opportunities can seem overwhelming. Whether it be selecting your event or preparing for conferences, these tips will help you get started.  Picking the Right Event For competitive events, there are six […]

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The 2025 Emerging Leaders Summit: Main Takeaways

From July 9–11, 2025, hundreds of passionate DECA chapter and association officers came together in Phoenix, Arizona, for the 2025 Emerging Leaders Summit (ELS). The event brought together student leaders for leadership training, networking, and strategic planning, all designed to prepare them for success in the upcoming DECA season. Here are the main takeaways from […]

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The DECA Off-Season: 8 Ways to Stay Productive and Get Ahead

Just because the 2024-25 DECA season has wrapped up, doesn’t mean your progress and hard work have to! The off-season is one of the best times to continue working hard, serving as a valuable opportunity to reflect, recharge, and reset. Whether you’re a new first-year member or an experienced ICDC winner, summer is your chance […]

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Leading the Way: Meet Your 2025-2026 State Officers

This past March at the California DECA State Career Development Conference, the 75th State Officer Team was sworn into office. The State Officer Team is entrusted with leading and representing the thousands of members in California DECA towards greatness in every area possible. This year, Team 75 aims to empower chapters, elevate DECA student leaders, […]

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The Power of Being the One: How CA DECA members took the spotlight

From April 26-30, over 26,000 competitors from around the globe gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the 2025 International Career Development Conference, including hundreds of California DECA members and advisors. In total, California DECA had a delegation of 659 representatives competing across 45 competitive and online events, proudly representing our association. On the international stage, California […]

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What to Expect: Gearing up for ICDC

The countdown is on! ICDC is only a few days away.  Right now, you’re likely finalizing your roleplay and written preparation, reviewing Key Performance Indicators, and creating your handouts. But regardless of whether it’s your first year in DECA or your last, you are about to experience one of the most exciting and rewarding conferences […]

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District Career Development Conferences 2025

SV CDC Aum Patel: “SVCDC went great! I loved watching y’all push yourself to compete in your events, as well as make the most of the opportunity to network with members of other chapters. Our opening session was full of exciting activities with a bingo game, round robin, and a Keynote speaker. On Saturday, after […]

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Silicon Valley Career Development Conference 2025

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 […]

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Team 74 Takes on WRLC 2024

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 […]

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