Event Preparation | BowtieGOAT

Brand new to DECA?

DECA competition in 60 seconds

You pick one event

DECA has dozens of events across business careers like marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Some you do alone, some with a partner.

You meet a real judge

In a role play, you get a business problem, a few minutes to prepare, and then you pitch your solution to a business professional. Many events also include a multiple-choice exam.

You move up by scoring well

Top competitors advance from Districts to the State conference, and the best go on to ICDC, DECA's international competition.

Find your starting point

Where should I start?

Pick the one that sounds most like you.

This is my first competition

Start at the beginning and go in order. Each step builds on the last.

Start at Step 1 →

I've competed before

You know your event. Sharpen your role play process and fix what held you back last year.

Jump to Step 2 →

This year I'm getting GLASS

You have the process down. Now it's reps: timed practice against fresh role plays.

Go to Step 3 →

The path

Three steps to competition day

1

1Step 1

Choose your event

What you'll do: Use the Event Selection tool to filter all of DECA's events by what you're interested in and how you like to compete.

Why it matters: The right event plays to your strengths. Everything you prepare after this is specific to the event you choose.

First year? We recommend a Principles event. They're built for first-year DECA members and use a role play, which is exactly what Steps 2 and 3 prepare you for.
Find your event
2

2Step 2

Build your skills

What you'll do: Learn the role play process step by step, watch an ICDC first-place role play, and see it broken down.

Why it matters: Judges score you on specific things. Once you know what they're looking for, you stop guessing and start earning points.
Learn the process
3

3Step 3

Practice

What you'll do: Download original BowtieGOAT role plays for your event and run them under real time limits.

Why it matters: Knowing the process isn't the same as doing it with a clock running. Reps are what make you calm and confident in front of a judge.
Browse role plays

More Event Preparation resources are on the way.

Stuck? You don't have to figure it out alone.

Start with your chapter's DECA advisor. They know your deadlines and how your chapter registers. Still have questions? Reach out and I'll help.

Ask BowtieGOAT

Students: check with a parent or advisor before filling out the form. Advisors and parents: this form also books a free consultation.

Your first DECA competition starts here.