High School

Emerging Leader Summit

DECA leaders will engage in an array of educational programs to empower them to lead the upcoming year. There are plenty of opportunities to collaborate, network, achieve, excel and grow.

July 11-13, 2026
Tysons, VA

Conference
Highlights

Elevate Track

Designed for upcoming chapter leaders – whether they are a chapter president, committee member, project manager or someone who just wants to go above-and-beyond.

Empower Track

Designed for association leaders, the Empower program will challenge association teams to work together in a facilitated classroom environment with team assignments, discussions and presentations.

Leadership Development

Prepare for your role as a leader through activities that teach professionalism, public speaking, collaboration, etiquette and so much more!

Networking

Build your network for the upcoming year by connecting with members from all across DECA’s membership, including your Executive Officer Team.

Classroom Connection

Extend Learning Beyond the Classroom

This conference will reinforce 21st Century Skills. Through participating in interactive sessions, DECA members will be able to:

  • Use a wide range of idea creation techniques
  • Create new and worthwhile ideas
  • Interpret information and draw conclusions based on the best analysis
  • Demonstrate ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse teams
  • Use interpersonal and problem-solving skills to influence and guide others toward a goal
  • Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in using influence and power
  • Act responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind

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Session Title

DATE | 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET

Session Title

DATE | 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET

Session Title

DATE | 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET

THIS IS HOW WE DO DECA

Advisor Professional Learning

REGISTRATION

Key Information

Venue

Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner
7901 Tysons One Pl, Tysons, VA 22102

Registration Deadline

Registration will open in Spring 2026

Registration is a two-step process:

  1. DECA members must first be in our online membership system.
  2. Once submitted, you can register them for the conference through our online registration system by selecting “Conferences.”

For complete registration instructions, please refer to the conference registration guide.

The conference registration fee applies to DECA members, advisors and chaperones, and includes the following:

  • Conference workshops
  • Conference materials
  • Conference t-shirt
  • Conference insurance
  • Saturday luncheon
  • Saturday evening activity

All student attendees must be on a submitted DECA membership roster to register. Collect the following information from each attendee to complete the registration process:

  • First name
  • Last name
  • T-shirt size
  • Track
  • Dietary restrictions

Conference participants must stay at the conference hotel. Make your hotel reservations in the online registration system with DECA Inc. Due to the limited number of rooms, students will be housed in triples and quads when possible.

Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner

7901 Tysons One Pl

Tysons, VA 22102

Once the hotel block has been filled, registration will not be able to be submitted, and DECA will attempt to secure additional housing. After the registration deadline, DECA Inc. will submit the rooming list to the hotel. Once the hotel provides confirmation numbers, DECA Inc. will forward those to advisor.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL

Get to the D.C. Area

This itinerary is full of powerful activities to help prepare to become an emerging leader. Northern Virginia is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., yet has kept its character, leading to historical gems, chic shops and creative cuisine. There's so much to discover in the gateway to the nation’s capital.

CONNECT WITH ATTENDEES

Get Involved

Each of DECA’s educational conferences has unique opportunities to engage our volunteers and partners. Learn how you can connect and engage with DECA members and advisors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

Key Contacts

If you need more information, please reach out to our key conference contacts.

Debbie Taylor
Educational Programs
Contact
Ed Trang
Registration Information
Contact
Hotel Reservation Information
Contact
Sarah Cozewith
Sponsorships and Exhibits
Contact
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact
Online Testing Questions
Contact

Future Dates

Emerging Leader Summit

View All Conferences
  • July 11-13, 2026 | Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner | Tysons, VA