The International Career Development Conference

The International Career Development Conference (ICDC) is the highlight of the DECA year for the approximately 15,000 members, advisors, businesspersons and alumni who attend. Most of the participants are at ICDC as competitors in one of DECA's competency–based competitive events. Top competitors in each event category are recognized for their outstanding achievements.

In addition to the competitive events program, many students and advisors participate in energizing leadership academies:

  • The Advisor Academy - a series of workshops featuring topics of interest to new and experienced advisors - valuable information regarding creating enthusiasm in the DECA chapter, basic chapter management skills and the integration of DECA activities into the marketing curriculum. Learn more about the Advisor Academy.
  • The Leadership Development Academy (LDA) - a two-day intense leadership training program open to any student who is not participating in the competitive events program. Learn more about LDA.
  • DECA LEADS - targeted to state/provincial officers, participants network with other officers, develop critical leadership skills and enhance team management skills. Learn more about LEADS.
  • Senior Management Institute (SMI) - available to high school senior who are not participating in ICDC competitive events, this academy prepares students to transition from high school to college and the business world. Learn more about SMI.
  • Chapter Management Academy (CMA) – For this year, the CMA at ICDC is not connected to the Chapter Awards Program. Upcoming chapter officers or potential chapter officers are invited to participate in this dynamic academy that covers all of the essentials for a successful DECA year at the chapter level. Productive meetings, creating a program of work, group dynamics/committees, social activities and fundraising are just some of the topics that will be covered. Special emphasis will be placed on community service. The academy will motivate your key members and teach them how to be a force in developing your DECA Chapter.
  • School–Based Enterprise (SBE) Academy for Gold Certified School Stores – Starting this year in Atlanta, Gold Level Certified and Gold Level Re–certified SBEs who attend ICDC will participate in a School–based Enterprise Academy. As a part of the Academy, students will make presentations on topics relating to school store operation and the top three presenters on each topic will be selected and video taped. These instructional tapes will be added to the SBE Web site as a teaching/learning resource for other school stores.

Other ICDC activities include entertaining and motivational general sessions, professional development workshops for advisors and students, and campaigns/elections for national officers. You'll find an array of new programs, new competitive events and new IMAGES products at the DECA International Career Development Conference.

Future Conferences
It’s never too soon to start making plans to attend an upcoming conference. Check back for updates on these conferences.

 2008 ICDC April 26–29 – Atlanta, Georgia
 2009 ICDC April 29–May 2 – Anaheim, California
 2010 ICDC April 24–27 – Louisville, Kentucky
 2011 ICDC April 30–May 3 – Orlando, Florida
 2012 ICDC April 28–May 1 – Salt Lake City, Utah
 2013 ICDC April 24–27 – Anaheim, California

 ICDC Information and Forms
 Post Conference Highlights
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