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How to Win Role-plays: The Art of Being Performative
Winning a DECA role-play is not always about who knows the most; it’s about who acts like they do. Welcome to the art of being performative – not in the “acting fake” sense, but in how you bring your ideas to life.

Wisconsin DECA Trick or Can
Each October, DECA chapters across Wisconsin participate in Trick or Can, a statewide initiative that turns a night of trick-or-treating into a mission to fight hunger.

Navigating College Finances: Everything Students and Parents Need to Know
Navigating college finances can be a complex and sometimes stressful task for both students and parents. Explore the ins and outs of college expenses - from financial aid and scholarships to budget management and part-time job opportunities.

5 Key Features of a Winning Scholarship Essay
Let’s explore five key features that can help you craft a scholarship-winning essay and increase your chances of securing that much-needed scholarship.

Inclusivity in DECA: Building a Chapter That Welcomes Everyone
For DECA members to thrive, they need to feel seen, heard, and, most importantly, welcomed. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to build that kind of culture in your chapter

Trick or Treat: Seasonal Business Moves
From burrito deals to ketchup turned “blood,” companies get creative every October, though not every idea is a treat. Check out the best campaigns that nailed it and the trick campaigns that missed the mark!

Spirit Box and DECA Celebrate 10 Years of Partnership
Since 2015, Spirit Box has been a dedicated supporter of DECA members and advisors, contributing to student success through competitive events, leadership development, and innovative programming.

Case Study of the Week: Dealing With Internal and External Public Relations
Step into the role of the director of public relations for Gemini Products. The president of the company wants you to create a company statement in response to public backlash over a company event and determine how to communicate with staff about providing information to reporters.

5 Ways to Improve Your SAT Score
Check out the most important tips when it comes to getting the best score on the SAT you can to help you optimize your college options or earn additional scholarships.

How to Start a Business with No Money in 8 Steps
Today, it’s faster and easier than ever to get your business up and running without the need for funding. Let’s look at the eight steps it takes to start a business with no money.

From National Pancake Day to Sleep Awareness Week: Unlock the Power of Social Media Holidays
These holidays aren’t just for fun—they’re powerful tools for brands to connect with audiences in authentic, engaging ways. Tapping into these trends allows businesses to join broader conversations, boost visibility, and showcase personality.

From Umm to Aha! Tools That Help You Speak Clearly and Confidently
Let’s face it, speaking in public can be scary. Even professionals still feel nervous at times! The real question is, what tools are available to help turn those nerves into power? Learn more in this article.

Case Study of the Week: Keeping the Fixings Bar at Burger Country Fresh
You are to assume the role of the operations manager at Burger Country, a fast food restaurant with five locations that specializes in hamburgers. The owner of the company has asked you to explain operational considerations in a new portion of each restaurant called the “fixings bar.”

Case Study of the Week: Remarketing a Classic Shoe Store
You are to assume the role of a marketing communications consultant hired by Cost Less Shoes, a national chain of discount footwear for men, women, and children. The CEO of the company has hired you to develop a marketing communications plan that will remarket the brand.

5 Ways to Improve Your Prepared Event
Written events can be difficult to master. What does a winning project look like? What kind of before-hand preparation is required?

Improving the Employee Experience
This year's Business Operations Research topic focuses on ways to improve the employee experience. We visited with Intuit, Men's Wearhouse and Marriott International to learn how they are charting a course for the future of their workplace culture based on their experiences from the past year.

Rules to Live By: The Nature of Ethics
When you think of ethics, what comes to mind? Doing what people say you should do? Obeying the law? While these can both be part of ethical behavior, it takes a lot more than just listening to authority figures or doing what’s legal to be an ethical person.

3 Ways to Handle Burnout
Have you ever experienced a case of burnout? If so, it can be a challenging experience. During the school year, we take on many responsibilities and may find it hard to balance work, academics and life with so much on our plate. It is important to find a way to take a break and rest–both physically and mentally–to avoid burnout.

Case Study of the Week: Investing Money at a Bank
You are to assume the roles of the investment manager and investment specialist at Cross Town Bank. You will be meeting with a customer to discuss options for investing in order to earn a return.

3 Ways to Celebrate a DECA Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner, and what better way to spend the Halloween season than doing it DECA style! Here are three ways you can celebrate Halloween the DECA way.

Case Study of the Week: Credit Card Ethics in the Workplace
You are to assume the roles of the human resources director and the operations director at Braxton Productions,. The president has asked you to determine if an employee’s actions are ethical, how to respond, and how to communicate any changes in processes to staff.

How to Best Prepare for Your Next Role-play
With competition season fast approaching, the number one thing on many competitors’ minds is the thought of how they can crush their role-play in front of their judges. Unfortunately, there is no magical hack to make your presentations better but these tips should definitely help!

10 Things You May Not Know About DECA Direct Online
How well do you know DECA Direct Online? Check out these ten cool features to help you get the most out of the site.

Case Study of the Week: Helping Teens with Financial Goals
You are to assume the role of a financial counselor that works with teenagers. You will be meeting with a client to discuss a personal spending plan that will help meet the client’s financial goals.

