How to Network at DECA’s Leadership Track and Set Yourself Up to Win (with Brayden Speicher)
Brayden Speicher (Charlotte, NC) is a 3rd Place ICDC Finalist in Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research.
When people think of ICDC, they usually picture competition prep, final rounds, and holding that piece of DECA glass on stage. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that some of the most valuable moments at ICDC happen outside the competition room — especially in the Leadership Development Academy, better known as the Leadership Track.
If you’re in the Leadership Track, you might not be competing that year, but you’re still right in the center of everything. You’re surrounded by thousands of students, mentors, and professionals from across the country. And if you play it right, you can turn that experience into something way bigger than a few workshops and pin trades.
That’s exactly what I did. And one year later, I walked across the ICDC stage holding third place in the world.
Here’s how the Leadership Track helped me level up — and how it can do the same for you.
Say Yes to Everything
Every workshop, every speaker, every team-building activity — show up, stay engaged, and take it seriously. These sessions are built to challenge how you think, help you speak more confidently, and develop the skills that competitors use in their events. When you participate fully, you grow faster than you expect. Even more importantly, you meet people who are just as driven as you are.
Talk to Everyone You Can
The Leadership Track is one of the best places at ICDC to network without the pressure of competition. You’re in a room full of leaders from different states, all working on communication, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. Start conversations. Ask where they’re from, what their DECA journey has looked like, and what they hope to do next.
That’s how I built real friendships with people all across the country — shout out New Jersey DECA and Texas DECA love yall, and we’re still in touch today. Those connections made ICDC more fun, but also gave me people to learn from, to support, and to grow with. DECA feels smaller and more personal when you know people across the country cheering you on.
Be Open and Be Real
Networking doesn’t have to be formal or forced. You don’t need a business card or a perfect intro speech. Just be real. Be curious. Ask good questions and share what you’re excited about. The best conversations I had during the Leadership Track started from a simple, “Where are you from?” or “What event do you want to do next year?”
People connect when they feel like you’re being yourself. That’s the key to building something real — whether it’s a friendship, a mentorship, or a future teammate.
Use What You Learn to Fuel Next Year
The Leadership Track gave me a front-row seat to what winning looks like. I watched competitors deliver presentations, listened to professionals give advice, and absorbed everything I could about what it takes to stand out. I left ICDC that year more confident, more focused, and especially more motivated than ever.
The very next year, I came back and placed third internationally in Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research. That win didn’t come from luck. It came from showing up, networking hard, and building the confidence I first found through the Leadership Track.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the Leadership Track at ICDC, don’t think of it as “just attending.” Think of it as preparing. This is your chance to grow your network, build real friendships, and set yourself up for next-level success. I walked in without a name tag full of ribbons. I walked out with friends across the country and a mindset ready to win glass the next time around.
So show up. Say something. Meet someone new. The competition might be next year — but your journey starts right now.
