October 24-26, 2024
HYATT REGENCY MINNEAPOLIS
WELCOME TO ENGAGE
Welcome to the 2024 Collegiate DECA ENGAGE Conference!
The ENGAGE Conference is your opportunity to go beyond the ordinary. Collegiate DECA members are not average, everyday college students. They open doors wide for others. They dream boldly and act decisively. They realize that leadership isn’t just about titles or accolades; it’s about the people we make an ever-lasting impact on.
During the conference, you will find yourself amongst some of our division’s strongest leaders while embarking on days of competitive event preparation, networking with some of the organization’s best, and exploring all Collegiate DECA has to offer. Connect with industry professionals, chapter and association leaders, and your Executive Officer Team to promote a stronger, more collaborative community.
By the end of your ENGAGE adventure, you will take control of your future by utilizing the skills you learned towards the advancement of your career. You will have not only created connections, but also strengthened bonds that shall uplift you in your personal and professional endeavors.
In the heart of Minnesota, discover the vibrant, innovative city of Minneapolis. Home to Wave Makers and Change Makers alike, you will connect and network with the city’s best. Embark on a journey with a diverse set of emerging leaders seeking to explore career opportunities as well as everlasting memories engraved in Collegiate DECA history.
Join fellow members, advisors, and your Executive Officer Team as we go to new heights. We are reminded of the triumphs and tribulations of yesterday, while pushing towards a successful tomorrow. Let us push our limits, dream big, and Be The One to inspire others as we begin our professional journeys.
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY | OCTOBER 25
All events are in Greenway Ballroom except for the EduTours and Networking Social. Appropriate attire is business casual or business professional for all activities today, except for the Networking Social, where casual is appropriate.
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. OPENING SESSION + NETWORKING
Meet your Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Team who will officially welcome you to Minneapolis and preview the conference. Effective networking is a crucial skill in today’s professional world, playing a significant role in career advancement, academic success and personal growth. Engage in a networking activity designed to connect you with fellow attendees and practice your networking skills.
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
MASTERING MOTIVATION
Motivation is the force that initiates, guides and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is what influences people to take action towards their personal and professional goals. We dive deeper into the influence leaders have by exploring motivation and what drives it from a biological, social, emotional or cognitive perspective. Participants will be introduced to our 4 Lenses on Motivation to help effectively diagnose motivational barriers and leverage their influence to overcome them.
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
LEADING CHANGE
Significant change, such as a merger or career transition, introduces a complex set of reactions in those affected, from anxiety to outright resistance. Leaders must recognize that during such transitions, ambiguity is a key driver of these reactions, and leaders have great agency in helping to mitigate it. Focus on the functional tactics that learners can employ to effectively navigate the emotional and cultural challenges present in significant organizational change. Use tools like the SARAH Change Curve for mitigating ambiguitydriven fear, diagnosing the response to change, and coaching others through the process.
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
CYBER ATTACK
In this futuristic simulation, teams fight to protect their valuable data from hackers! Lightning quick reflexes and innovative thinking will be needed to take team performance to the next level…and beyond.
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE
Whether you are in a DECA competition or in a real-world business conversation, you can get better results by using specific tools and techniques. Sharpen your skills so you can get the winning edge over your competitors.
12:30 p.m.
NETWORKING LUNCH
Enjoy a pasta buffet as part of your conference registration, and network with fellow members while finding your EduTour teams!
FRIDAY | OCTOBER 25
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. - Check for exact time.
EDUTOUR
Please refer to the directions provided in your registration materials for your EduTour. If your EduTour requires transportation, information on how to access Uber credits will be provided.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. NETWORKING SOCIAL
The Puttery
Connect and network with your fellow Collegiate DECA members at The Puttery, featuring immersive mini-golf and unique eats. Connect with conference attendees during a round of mini-golf and more, including light bites and soft drinks.
Dress is casual. Uber credits will be provided for transportation to and from The Puttery and the hotel.
SATURDAY | OCTOBER 26
All events are in the Greenway Ballroom
8:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
COMPETITIVE EVENTS
Report to the Greenway Ballroom ahead of your assigned time to receive your Individual Case Study. For the purposes of competition at Engage, you will have 20 minutes to read the case study and prepare your solution, and you will have 10 minutes to present your solution to the judge(s), which is inclusive of time for judge questions. A personal or laptop computer/hand-held digital organizer may be used when appropriate. Students are allowed to bring reference materials to use in preparing their presentation. Students may utilize the Internet during both prep and presentation times, but the availability of Internet service is the responsibility of the students.
Please dress to impress your volunteer judge.
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
BE THE ONE: CLOSING SESSION
As we return to our communities and chapters, you are the driving force of the future. Unleash your potential as you grow your chapter’s membership, advance to higher levels of competition and amplify your impact on your campus, community and beyond. We will also recognize our top performers in the case study competition.
Since check-out is at 11:00 a.m., acceptable casual attire (conference t-shirt and jeans) is appropriate for this session. You may bring your luggage to Mirage to store until the session is over.