GENERAL INFORMATION
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Virginia DECA Day September 30, 2026
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Gates open at 10:00 a.m.
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All Chapters must register with VA DECA as well as with the State Fair. This includes non-competing chapters.
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Step 1: Gate entrance tickets for the fair must be reserved and payment arranged prior to arrival. SFVA-ED-EXPO
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Step 2: Register with VA DECA. If your students are not competing please register one Advisor and answer the required questions. https://www.decaregistration.com/va-statefair
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SFVA Travel Grant Application: https://www.statefairva.org/p/other/how-to-receive-scholarship-funds
SCHEDULE OF THE DAY
10:00 AM – Gates Open
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Advisors and competitors report directly to the Best in Show Tent.
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Advisors check in at the competition registration desk. (No payments accepted at the tent.)
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Student substitutions are accepted at check-in.
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Specific competition start times will be assigned upon arrival.
10:15 AM – Judges Arrive
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All judges report to the Best in Show Tent immediately upon gate opening.
10:30 AM – Competition Begins
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Competitors should arrive at their designated area early.
11:00 AM – Branding Challenge Submissions Due
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All entries must be turned in at the Best in Show Tent.
1:00 PM – Competitions Conclude
1:30 PM – Awards Presentation
2:00 PM – Chapter Material Pick-Up
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All chapter materials must be retrieved by 2:00 PM.
DECA Day Competitions
SCAVENGER HUNT
Open to all chapter members in attendance.
Event Overview
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Chapters may submit the number of entries equal to the number of attendees. Prizes will be awarded based on accuracy and speed of submission. Chapter Advisors will receive a digital copy of the scavenger hunt to print copies for their students attending.
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Copies WILL NOT be available at the fair.
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Students should provide their own pen/pencils to complete the scavenger hunt.
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Students should bring their scavenger hunt by the Best In Show tent where a state officer or volunteer will verify completion and present prize options.
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Students will receive a stamp on their scavenger hunt after receiving their prize. VA DECA will not be collecting scavenger hunts from students.
ROLE PLAY COMPETITION
NEW COMPETITORS ONLY
12 TEAM ENTRIES PER CHAPTER
Event Overview
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Eligibility: Exclusively for students with no prior DECA competition experience.
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Format: Teams of 2 students complete one (1) role play scenario.
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Time: 10-minute preparation | 10-minute presentation.
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Testing: No written exam required for this event.
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Recognition: Top performers in each flight receive a Virginia DECA medal or certificate (pending availability).
Performance Indicators
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Explain the role of promotion as a marketing function.
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Explain types of promotion.
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Identify elements of the promotional mix.
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Explain the relationship between promotion and brand.
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Select target markets appropriate for a product/service.
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Explain promotional methods used by event and tourism industries.
BRANDING CHALLENGE
15 ENTRIES PER CHAPTER
Teams of 1-3 Students
Event Overview
The Task: Design a high-impact promotional flyer to recruit students for your school’s DECA Chapter. Your flyer should:
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Stand Out: Highlight what makes your local DECA program unique and dynamic.
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Inform: Clearly communicate key benefits, leadership roles, and competition opportunities.
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Engage: Utilize eye-catching design elements and compelling call-to-actions that get students excited to join.
Submission Requirements
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Format: Must fit on standard 8.5" x 11" paper (portrait or landscape orientation).
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Logo Integration: Feature an original, student-designed logo representing your school’s marketing course offerings—suitable for both faculty and student promotional materials.
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Back of Entry: Clearly list all Student Name(s) and your Chapter Name.
Recognition: Top-performing entries in each flight will be awarded a Virginia DECA medal or certificate (subject to availability).
PROMOTIONAL PITCH DECK COMPETITION
15 ENTRIES PER CHAPTER
Teams of 1-3 Students
Event Overview
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Team Size: 1–3 chapter members per team. (Team member names must be submitted during online registration.)
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Entry Limit: Up to 15 teams per chapter.
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Format: One (1) 10-slide deck per team, submitted as an online link.
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Testing: No written exam required.
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Recognition: Top performers in each flight receive a Virginia DECA medal or certificate (pending availability).
Prompt & Requirements
Create a 10-slide pitch deck highlighting your DECA chapter and its annual goals, accomplishments, and opportunities designed to pitch your chapter to prospective members, school administrators, or corporate sponsors.
Required Slide Content
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Title Slide: Include participant names, chapter name, and school name. (Note: This cover slide does not count toward the 10-slide limit.)
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Chapter Goals & Activities: Outline planned campaigns, events, and key milestones for the year.
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Marketing Strategy: Detail the 4 P’s of Marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) as applied to your chapter, including a comprehensive target market analysis.
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Promotional Methods: Outline strategies to promote your chapter across various target audiences. Include at least four (4) distinct promotional methods.
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Timeline: Provide a calendar or schedule detailing when major activities and campaigns will occur throughout the year.
Important Guidelines
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Submission Deadline: Pitch decks must be uploaded to DLG by September 18, 2026.
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Roster Policy: No team substitutions or member changes are allowed after submission