Wyoming DECA officer Team (Back Row) Charlie Thomes, Steven Bowen, Jose
Galicai-Beltran (Front Row) Grace Zhoe, and Joci Davis.
DECA’s international theme for this school year, “Experience the Difference” set the stage for the Marketing students who attended the Fall DECA Marketing and Entrepreneurhip Conference held at the University of Wyoming on October 23rd.
This conference is the first statewide event of the year. Chapter officers and competitors come together to enhance their leadership and teamwork skills and build their knowledge.
Over 200 members and their advisors attended the MEC Conference. Keynote speaker Brian Imbus urged the students to “Unleash the Hidden Potential of their Mind”. In addition, they viewed a business panel in action, participated in a competitive event, toured the university, and visited the Washakie Dining Center, a favorite of the students. Many thanks to the Wyoming Business Council for their help and support in making this happen.
As part of the conference, the students toured the University of Wyoming. In additional to the general tour, the students were treated to the Innovation Wyrkshop and the Athletic Facililties.
DECA members took a tour of the University of Wyoming’s campus, and stopped at the Engineering Building to see the Innovation Wyrkshop. They observed students using various types of equipment including 3D printers and large woodcutters; discovering future entrepreneurial tools and visualizing the possibilities of creation. Towards the end of the visit, the students engaged in an activity to find eleven 3D-printed chameleons on various pieces of equipment and won 3D-printed gadgets and prizes.
Students were given an opportunity to compete by presenting a case problem to business professionals. Competiton is an important part of the Marketing and Entrepreneurship Conference; it helps students develop and refine their ability to solve business & marketing problems. Following the students’ presentation, the Judges, (business professionals) provided feedback for improvement.
There were two catagories of competition, advanced and novice. Advanced competitors were asked to design a plan to promote a new product. Novice students were challenged to solve a teamwork operational problem.
The top students were recognized at an awards ceremony and presented with an “Award of excellence.”
To prepare for competition, students take classes in Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship, and related classes. The Marketing and Entrepreneurship Conference gives DECA members an opportunity to apply the skills they are learning in their marketing related classes.
Marketing Education and DECA is a high school instructional program designed to prepare students for marketing, management, finance, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and related careers. Through Marketing & Management Education, students prepare for career-sustaining, mid-management, entrepreneurial or executive positions. Students receive classroom instruction, participate in Internships, and compete in DECA.
IMPORTANT DATES:
ONLINE PRACTICE TESTING: NOVEMBER 1-JANUARY 13
SCDC REGISTRATION DEADLINE JANUARY 4, 2024
ONLINE TESTING FOR SCDC : JANUARY 16-26
PREPARED/WRITTEN EVENTS UPLOADED: JANUARY 19
STATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE: FEBRUARY 4-6
INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE: APRIL 26-30