These students competed in the following marketing events: Hannah Burkett and Brandon Patterson – Business Services Operations Research, Blake Morris – Business Finance Series Event, Drew Stringer – Hotel and Lodging Management, and Dustin Burkett and Uriah Newell – Sports and Event Operations Research. The students in the individual events were required to take a test about marketing concepts and then do role plays with judges regarding their competitive event category. The students in the written team events presented their projects over a business research event to the judges.
After two days of competitive events, the DECA students attended the preliminary awards ceremony and Blake Morris was called up on the DECA National stage at the Energy Solutions Arena. Blake received a medallion for having one of the highest scores for his second role play in the Business Finance Series Event. Hannah Burkett, Brandon Patterson, and Drew Stringer were also recognized at the Kentucky DECA Recognition Ceremony for their proficiency scores in their event (equivalent to being in the top 25% in their event at DECA Nationals).
While at the DECA Conference, the DECA students saw a performance by the Jabbwockeez dance group, a former winner of America’s Best Dance Crew. They also heard an inspirational message from George Zimmer, the founder of Men’s Wearhouse whose famous slogan is “You’re going to like the way you look; I guarantee it.” Some of the sites that the DECA students visited while in Utah were the Olympic National Park, Park City, the Gateway, and the Mormon Tabernacle. The DECA National trip was a great way for the students to demonstrate their marketing skills, network, and be exposed to real-life marketing experiences.