THE ONLY 10 I SEE! HELLO FLORIDA DECA
As I unpack my suit case the post DECA depression stars to kick in. ICDC 2016 was one for the books. From beginning to end, those 5 days in Nashville, TN will live in my memory and I hope everyone enjoyed their ICDC experience as much as I did. Whether attending under a competitive event, leadership academy, or voting delegate, the conference had something for all.
            It all started when 20,000 of our closest DECA friends from around the world gathered in the Bridgestone Arena for an EPIC opening session and by this time the trading of hats and pins was well underway. Stand out moments of the night included performances by artists such as Lauren Alaina.
            Sunday was filled with competitive event briefings, academy workshops, and exploring exhibitors at the Music City convention center. I stopped by DECA Images and picked up a few things (or a whole new wardrobe… haha). This was the perfect day to experience some of what Nashville has to offer. The Country Music Hall of Fame, local BBQ restaurants, Vanderbilt University, and Lower Broadway were only a few of the major attractions DECA members visited. And to top it all of, Sunday was DECA Night at the Grand Ole Opry! DECA members gathered in the historic concert hall for a little taste of country music, and even an impromptu promposal!
            The convention center was buzzing on Monday as competitive events and Leadership Academies continued throughout the day. The Music City Center look like a sea of navy blue blazers with DECA members hustling to and from the halls and set up in every corner practicing until their presentation times were called. After the stress of competition, what a better way to have a good time than FLORIDA NIGHT WOO! All the Florida delegates at ICDC made their way to Tequila Cowboys for a night of fun filled with BBQ, bull riding, and line dancing on the three floors we had all to ourselves. It was one of the highlights of the trip and definitely a night to remember!
            Tuesday came along and everyone made there way to the Bridgestone Arena for the Achievement awards session to find out who would be finalists. Those in finals competition would compete later in the day for a chance to make it on to the stage during the closing session that night. All the conference attendees gathered one last time in the Bridgestone arena, most decorated with more pins and a different hat than when they first came. Grand Awards ended the 2015-2016 ICDC with a bang and with the conclusion of the session came the conclusion of the conference.
            I think it’s pretty easy to say this week of DECA is one that will be remembered for along time. Whether you had the opportunity to attend ICDC in Nashville, TN or not, the quest for ICDC in Anaheim, CA starts now! And for the final time… it was EPIC!

Be Easy Florida DECA :-)