DECA Competitive Events (International Career Development Conference)

Competition · DECA Inc.

DECA runs nearly 60 competitive events across marketing, finance, hospitality, entrepreneurship, business management and personal financial literacy. Students join through a school chapter and advance from chapter-level competition through district/regional and state conferences to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) each April (2027 ICDC: April 17-20 in Anaheim, CA). Entry is through membership dues rather than an application, and any student in grades 9-12 with a business interest can join — no prior coursework required. Exact dues vary by state chapter.

Who can apply

GradesGrades 9–12

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

FieldsBusiness · Marketing · Finance · Entrepreneurship · Hospitality & Tourism

Logistics

Cost to youDECA membership dues (national + state/chapter); amount set by your chapter

Financial aidNot listed

StipendNot listed

FormatVaries

LengthSchool-year cycle; ICDC held each April

WhereChapter/regional/state conferences vary; 2027 ICDC is in Anaheim, CA (April 17-20, 2027)

Applying

OpensRolling — join anytime in school year

DueICDC eligibility cutoff is historically mid-February; 2027 ICDC is April 17-20 in Anaheim, CA

You submitJoin your school's DECA chapter (ask a business/marketing teacher); there is no separate application — you advance by placing at chapter, then district/state, then ICDC (April 17-20, 2027 in Anaheim, CA).

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