Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is set to host the 53rd annual DECA District I Career Development Conference on Saturday, January 11. The event will take place at the Memorial Student Center Great Hall and will feature competitions from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Judges will have an orientation starting at 8:30 a.m.

This conference is organized by UW-Stout’s Marketing and Business Education Association and serves as a practical learning experience for high school marketing students. AnuTye Her, a junior majoring in marketing and business education from Eau Claire, emphasized the importance of DECA, stating, “DECA is a great opportunity for students because it prepares competitors for success in future careers, education and personal growth.”

More than 450 students from 20 area high schools are expected to participate in this event. They will compete in various categories such as business services, marketing management, hospitality and tourism, among others. Schools participating include Altoona, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire Memorial, Hudson, La Crosse Central, Sparta, Stanley-Boyd, and West Salem.

Winners will advance to the State Career Development Conference scheduled for February 24-26 at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva.

Her also noted that this event provides valuable experience for UW-Stout marketing and business education students who aspire to become future DECA advisers. He stated, “I’ve learned many things while being the DECA Districts coordinator... I’m so grateful to be in this position where I can say that I’ve helped plan a DECA event with amazing people.”

The event requires around 70 regional business and marketing professionals to volunteer as competition judges. Interested individuals can register online. Judges will engage with high school students focused on marketing and business careers while networking with fellow professionals.

DECA aims to prepare emerging leaders for careers in fields like marketing and finance across high schools and colleges worldwide. It boasts over 250,000 members globally.

UW-Stout offers its marketing and business education degree both on-campus and online through its School of Education.

For more information about the competition or volunteering opportunities, interested parties can contact Debbie Stanislawski or Melissa Andrle via email or phone.