As junior DECA president Yonah Davis prepares to attend the Fall Leadership Conference, he anticipates an enjoyable experience without pressure.  

“In DECA there are competitive events, and (the Fall Leadership Conference) is non-competitive,” Davis said. “Honestly, I think it’s one of the most fun conferences because all of the pressure of competition is off.”

Davis said the annual Fall Leadership Conference (FLC) encourages chapter bonding.

“(At the FLC), there’s different sessions, there’s leadership training, there’s entertainment and it’s sort of all about networking and getting to know your chapter better but also about getting to know other chapters around Minnesota,” Davis said.

According to DECA co-adviser Sally Adams, the FLC provides valuable events for DECA members in Minnesota.

“The Fall Leadership Conference is put on by Minnesota DECA and DECA members from around the state come and participate in various seminar classes that deal with things related to DECA and also good leadership,” Adams said.

Davis said the FLC allows new members to be exposed to the different aspects of DECA.

“For first time members, (the FLC is) a fantastic way to get an introduction to what DECA is, so this sort of helps clarify and it also sort of helps them understand DECA,” Davis said. “It’s a great way just to get to know people in your chapter, get to know advisers and get to know other chapters.”

Adams said she believes the FLC provides beneficial skills DECA members can utilize at future competitions.  

“I think they will be able to learn about DECA competitions, they can meet and network with other DECA students in the state, and they can also learn various leadership and professional skills,” Adams said.

According to Davis, the FLC categorizes members into tracks, which allow members to learn what other chapters are working on and potentially implement those strategies within their own chapters.

“There’s a track for first time members, there’s a track for returning members and then there’s an officer track,” Davis said. “All of the officers of the St. Louis Park chapter will be with all of the Hopkins officers and the Wayzata officers, and just all of the other officers.”

According to Adams, while the conference costs money, DECA members take part in fundraisers throughout the year, such as the Sadie Hawkins dance.

“(FLC) costs $80, which includes staying overnight in the hotel,” Adams said. “Students have an opportunity (to fundraise)and to earn money into their accounts.”

According to Adams, the FLC begins at 1 p.m. Oct. 29 and at 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at the DoubleTree by Hilton.