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The Business of Halloween: How One Night Became a Billion-Dollar Industry

Every October, businesses across America start selling products that would seem absolutely ridiculous at almost any other time of year, from plastic skeletons taller than refrigerators to inflatable spiders the size of swimming pools. Stores fill their shelves with costumes people might only wear once, and enough candy to supply entire neighborhoods. All of this […]

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Beyond the Stage: How to Engage with DECA Before Conference Season

With official conferences and competitions beginning in 2027, there are still many great ways to participate and qualify for ICDC in this fall semester. Here are three ways you can be able to engage with DECA these upcoming months: Submit to Corporate Challenges Corporate Challenges serve as a tangible opportunity for you to qualify for […]

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Making Your MiniCon Count

As the DECA season gets underway, MiniCons are one of the first opportunities to connect with other members, explore competitive events, and get involved for the year ahead. Whether you are attending your first MiniCon or have been to one before, these events are a great way to start the season surrounded by other members […]

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Lead with Impact: How to Become a Stronger Chapter Officer 

Stepping into the role of a DECA chapter officer can be a rewarding milestone, but also can be an intimidating experience. Whether you are a new officer or a seasoned president, the best way to strengthen your chapter is by learning from the experiences of others. To support your leadership journey, we asked some current […]

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4 Steps to Set Your Officer Team Up for Success

As the 2026-2027 school year starts, organizing your officer team is a great way to ensure your chapter starts on the right track. Here are four simple steps to ensure you can achieve DECA success this year with a successful plan for leadership: Establish an Annual Strategy  From your Vice President of Marketing to your […]

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Starting Strong: Recruitment Strategies for a New Year

As a new school year begins, many students are searching for exciting clubs and organizations to get involved in. For DECA chapters, this is one of the most important times of the year. Recruitment isn’t just about growing your chapter – it’s about introducing students to opportunities that will shape their high school experience. Every […]

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Lessons and Lasting Connections: Team 76’s ELS Experience

From July 11 to 13, your California DECA State officers attended the Emerging Leaders Summit in Tysons, Virginia where they networked with fellow association officers, learned key leadership lessons, and built the skills to better serve our state. Here are some of our highlights and favorite memories from this trip: Robert Flores – President “One […]

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Photo by Juno Jo on Unsplash

How to Unlock your Potential with a Summer Internship

For many students, summer is a chance to slow down after a busy school year. It’s a time to catch up on sleep, spend time with friends and family, travel, and enjoy a well-earned break. While taking time to recharge is important, summer is also a great opportunity to explore experiences that can help you […]

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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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