DECA members boarded the bus early in the morning, arriving at the Irving Convention Center shortly before 8 a.m. to participate in their annual District Career Development Conference (DCDC).

“I love the bus rides to the convention centers,” junior Ayush Dane said. “It’s the perfect time to relax, chat with friends, and go over my presentation without the pressure. Last year at State CDC in Houston, we even made a stop at Buc-ee’s, and it was so much fun just hanging out with my friends. It’s moments like those that make the whole experience memorable.”

Texas DECA, the largest DECA association worldwide, welcomes members from over 300 chapters and a network of more than 23,000 students during the 2023–2024 school year. Liberty students, part of District 7 representing Collin and Grayson counties, were greeted by the ‘Welcome Texas DECA’ sign upon entry, setting the tone for an exciting day of competition.

DECA’s philosophy, mirroring the business world, emphasizes that ‘if you’re on time, you’re late, and if you’re early, you’re on time.’ The event schedule, outlining key times for student arrival, opening session, lunch, and awards ceremony, helped members stay on track and prepared throughout the day.

Hall B served as the central area for opening and closing ceremonies, offering students a space to connect, collaborate, and prepare for their events.

“A lot of my DECA experience has been about meeting new people and seeing interesting projects, but getting to skip school is always a fun bonus,” junior Mahi Kosuri said. “Roaming the convention center is always a good time, and since I’ve been doing this since freshman year, I’ve gotten to know the place pretty well.”

Junior Ayush Dane (right) interviews senior Amogh Aryan (left) for a fun TikTok trend while waiting between events. After his event, Dane used the activity as an opportunity to network and connect with students from other schools.

Stephanie Okorie (junior) prepares for her Project Management: Career Development event in Hall B. Using her computer, she reviews her slides to ensure everything is ready for her presentation.

Amaris George (left) and Christine Wu (right) strike the iconic DECA diamond pose in front of a DECA backdrop, a popular photo spot for competitors at the convention center.

“The first year I joined DECA was in ninth grade,” junior Neha Ramachandram said. “I joined because my friend dragged me to the meeting, but after attending the Career Development Conference, I realized how much DECA exposes students to the world of business—something we don’t often learn in school. I became passionate about the club and its community, and I’ve kept coming back. This year, I’m excited to compete and learn more.”

33 Redhawks were selected to represent their chapter at the State Career Development Conference (CDC), set for March 6-8 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, during the event at the Irving Convention Center.