November 2-4, 2023
WESTIN KANSAS CITY AT CROWN CENTER
WELCOME TO ENGAGE Welcome to the 2023 Collegiate DECA Engage Conference! In the face of challenges, we've learned that unity, determination and resilience are the keys to our collective success. We are thrilled for Collegiate DECA members to once again come together for one of the year's most dynamic and inspiring opportunities. Over the next few days, you will embark on a professional development journey like no other. Our mission is to equip you with the skills and knowledge not just to compete but to stand out in a world of fierce competition. You will connect with fellow members, industry leaders and your Executive Officer Team, forming lasting connections that will enrich your journey in and beyond Collegiate DECA. By the end of this conference, you'll leave with a sense of empowerment and the tools to make the most of your future. Amid it all, explore the vibrant Kansas City, known for its welcoming spirit and winning culture. Throughout your time in Kansas City, experience all the opportunities for growth that Collegiate DECA Engage offers. The insights you gather here will transform you into a professional ready to tackle the world, and the memories you create will last for a lifetime. Join us as we set our sights on a brighter, bolder future together, where success is not just a destination but a way of life. Let's make this year's Collegiate DECA Engage Conference an unforgettable chapter in your journey. It's time to Experience the Difference!
COLLEGIATE DECA
EXECUTIVE OFFICER TEAM 2023-2024
THANK YOU CONFERENCE SPONSORS
SCHEDULE FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 3 All events are in the Century Ballroom C 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. – 8:45 a.m.
OPENING SESSION + NETWORKING LIKE A PRO Meet your Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Team who will officially welcome you to Kansas City and preview the conference ahead. Did you know 70% of all jobs are found through networking? Knowing how to network effectively can benefit students in jobs, college and competition. Learn the tools needed to grow and maintain your network. 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
GIVING + RECEIVING FEEDBACK For leaders to effectively help their teams improve and grow, they must become comfortable and competent at giving feedback. Leaders must also accept and process feedback that is given to them by diagnosing it and planning actionable next steps. Explore the expectation management process, discuss best practices of giving constructive feedback and gain tools to hold others accountable for their performance. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
EXECUTIVE MENTOR PROGRAM Interact in small groups with executives from the Kansas City area representing some of the finest companies. Learn about their career path, ask them questions and get solid career advice. Learn the value of mentoring and coaching skills in the corporate environment and why it’s necessary to find a mentor you can trust in both college and your career. 12:00 p.m.
LUNCH
Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the restaurants in the Crown Center Shops. View available options at www.crowncenter.com/dining.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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.
FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 3 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 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. This session will help participants sharpen their skills so they can get the winning edge over their competitors. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
NETWORKING SOCIAL No Other Pub by Sporting KC Connect and network with your fellow Collegiate DECA members at No Other Pub by Sporting KC, a place for people to unwind and catch up with friends. Connect with your conference attendees for table tennis, shuffle board, bowling and more, including light bites and soft drinks. Dress is casual. Take the KC Street Car from Union Station to the Power and Light District.
SATURDAY | NOVEMBER 4 All events are in the Century Ballroom C.
8:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
CASE STUDY COMPETITION Report to the Century Ballroom C 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.
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE: 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 the Century Ballroom C to store until the session is over.