The Buying and Merchandising Operations Research Event requires the preparation of a detailed written strategic plan and presentation based on the results of a research study for a company responsible for getting the product into the hands of the customer through forecasting, planning, buying, displaying, selling and providing customer service. Examples may include any retail or wholesale business that provides consumer goods: specialty stores, department stores, shopping malls, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, discount stores, farmers markets and car dealerships. 

The Finance Operations Research Event requires the preparation of a detailed written strategic plan and presentation based on the results of a research study for a company providing financial services to commercial and retail customers. Examples may include: banks, credit unions, accounting firms, investment companies, insurance companies and real estate firms. 

The Business Solutions Project uses the project management process to work with a local business or organization to identify a specific problem with the current business operations and implement a solution. Examples include talent acquisition, employee on-boarding, policies and procedures, technology integration, customer service improvement, safety operations, marketing and promotion activities, and productivity and output enhancement. 

The Career Development Project uses the project management process to promote/educate the knowledge and skills needed for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, management and entrepreneurship. Examples include career fairs, summer boot camps, professional dress seminars, resume development workshops, career exploration initiatives, mock interviews, and career workplace re-entry and mentor programs. 

The Community Awareness Project uses the project management process to raise awareness for a community issue or cause. Examples include day of service, distracted driving, driving under the influence, bullying, disease awareness, mental health awareness, drug awareness, ethics, environmental and green issues, and vaping. 

The Sales Project uses the project management process to raise funds for the local DECA chapter. Examples include sports tournaments, t-shirt sales, 5Ks, school merchandise sales, catalog sales, sponsorship development initiatives, fashion shows, pageants, restaurant nights, value cards, and yearbook sales. 

The Business Growth Plan involves the idea generation and strategy development needed to grow an existing business. Participants in the Business Growth Plan will analyze their current business operations and identify opportunities to grow and expand the business. 

The purpose of the Franchise Business Plan Event is designed for participants to present a comprehensive business plan proposal to buy into an existing franchise. The participant seeks to become a franchisee. 

The Integrated Marketing Campaign—Event includes a campaign that is related to any sports and entertainment event and/or company event. Examples include concerts, festivals, fairs, tournaments, pet adoption day, charity events, etc. 

In the Financial Consulting event, participants will organize and deliver a consultation for one or more products/services/customers. For 2023-2024, you will assume the role of a financial consultant. A small-business client has scheduled a meeting with you because they would like to add a peer-to-peer payment platform option for their customers. The client would like you to share and explain different peer-to-peer platforms and make a recommendation that will have a positive financial impact. 

In the Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling event, participants will organize and deliver a sales presentation for one or more products/services/customers. For 2023-2024, you will assume the role of a sales manager for a glamping resort. You are meeting with the CEO of a company that is hosting a retreat for its 12 employees and their immediate families. During the meeting, you should discuss, at a minimum, the setting, accommodations, dining and activities. This meeting is very important to the CEO, who is also wanting to host an annual kick-off meeting during the retreat in a creative meeting space for only the 12 employees. 

In the Professional Selling event, participants will organize and deliver a sales presentation for one or more products/services/customers. For 2023-2024, you will assume the role of a sales representative for a company that specializes in assisting clients with social media selling strategies. Social selling is a sales method that practices incorporating social networks into every stage of the sales process. A large part of the customer experience now takes place on social media and in more casual communication channels. You have a meeting scheduled with the owner of a local retail boutique to present the services your company can provide for expanding their company’s social media selling strategies.