Prepared Event Resources

IMPORTANT 2026-2027 DECA PREPARED EVENT CHANGES

After a three-year project, the evaluation forms for all competitive events in DECA’s Competitive Events Program have been updated.

Prepared events with a 20-page report now have their written entry and presentation scored 50:50 with 100 points for each instead of 40:60.
New Roleplay Rubrics:
- New Evaluation Levels (Novice, Developing, Proficient, Exemplary)
- Presentation rubrics now have 25% of points towards presentation technique and 75% of points towards actual content.
- Point-values for each rubric section are now different
ALL prepared event guidelines have changed. Please check your event's guidelines on DECA.org/compete.

Prepared Event Sample Database

Below is a collection of past ICDC-winning prepared event samples for all of the prepared events except Professional Selling & Consulting Events. The samples are sorted by event, year, and the place it won at ICDC.

The events with a caret (^) are in the OLD 10-page report format instead of the NEW 20-slide pitch deck format. Please use those samples with caution, as they do not reflect the current standards. Additionally, with the 2026-2027 DECA changes, many prepared event guidelines have changed. Thus, past samples may or may not include the correct current competition sections. Please refer to the guidelines at DECA.org/compete.

This is a new 2026-2027 DECA resource created by Olivia Li, so if you have any questions, please reach out to her at ohl11@scasd.org.

Prepared Event Sample Database

Please note that almost all 1st-place ICDC winning samples DO NOT INCLUDE THE FULL WRITTEN ENTRY.

2026-2027 Topics

Business Operations Research Events

Financial Consulting

Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling

Professional Selling

The 2026-2027 topic for each career category is for participants to collaborate with a local business or organization to research what drives customer loyalty and repeat engagement. Using the research findings, participants will develop a strategic plan to strengthen customer retention through loyalty programs, personalized experiences or relationship-building initiatives.

You will assume the role of a financial consultant meeting with a small-business owner in their late 50’s who is beginning to think about retirement and succession planning. The client wants to explore options for selling, transferring, or winding down their business while maximizing financial security.

You will assume the role of a sales representative for a tour wholesaler that designs immersive, experience-based group travel packages (culinary tours, cultural immersions, adventure itineraries). A local travel agency is looking to move away from traditional group bus tours and wants to modernize its offerings for younger travelers.

You will assume the role of a sales representative for a company that offers an integrated platform combining AI-powered customer service tools and retail analytics. A regional retail chain owner has scheduled a meeting to learn how your solution can reduce response times, lower staffing costs, optimize inventory, and improve the overall customer experience both in-store and online. Your goal is to explain how your platform can help the business operate more efficiently while increasing customer satisfaction and sales.

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