DECA Hosts Over 16,000 at Global Conference

Showcase of innovative business and education approach developing future business leadership

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Apr 23, 2013, 07:00 ET

RESTON, Va., April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Anaheim, California will host DECA's 67^th International Career Development Conference (#DECAICDC), April 24-27. The #DECAICDC spotlights DECA's top student performers from around the globe. It also highlights innovative business partnerships that empower these emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving and persistently difficult economic landscape.

"Recent events illustrate how success in the new economy requires more than just skills. It requires ethics, leadership and global awareness. That is what our students learn and is on display at #DECAICDC," said Ed Davis, Ed.D., DECA's Executive Director.

Every year, some 120,000 of DECA's 200,000 student members take part in the organization's competitive events program, allowing them to compete for local and regional titles. The competitions simulate real-life business scenarios and test students' academic understanding and skills development. The top state and provincial winners will now put their talents to the test during the program's final round of competition in Anaheim.

"DECA connected school to the 'real world' for me – and to my career at Safeway," said Kelly Griffith, Executive Vice President of Retail Operations for Safeway Inc. "I am proud to work for a company that is so committed to young people and delighted to be giving back, myself."

DECA's innovative business partnerships are a hallmark of the organization's strength and enduring success. DECA's corporate advisory board includes more than 60 nationally and internationally recognized businesses, including California-based, Safeway, Inc. and the investment research firm, Piper Jaffray & Co. These companies work with DECA to industry-validate its curriculum, recruit talent to careers in their industry, tap into the attitudes and opinions of the teen-market and provide community engagement opportunities for their associates.

"Our partnership allows us to measure national trends and spending attitudes of the influential teen market," said Stephanie Wissink, Senior Research Analyst and Co-director of Research at Piper Jaffray & Co. "This information is enormously valuable to our clients and their ability to make informed capital investment decisions."

DECA's #DECAICDC will drive more than $15 million into the Anaheim-area economy – using more than one million square feet of convention center space, purchasing more than 10,000 tickets to area attractions, buying 250,000 meals, and using over 30,000 hotel room nights.

#DECAICDC Awards and VIP:

Top Honors for Students and Teachers: Nearly $500,000 in scholarships and awards will be presented to students and teachers.
DECA's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: PostNet co-Founder, CEO and Undercover Boss, Steve Greenbaum will receive coveted award.
Corporate Recognition: Otis Spunkmeyer, Herff Jones and Jostens will be recognized for years of service. DECA also welcomes 15 new companies – including mega-brands like Bed Bath & Beyond and Office Depot to their corporate board.
Conference VIPs: California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson