How to Win That Coveted DECA Glass: Written Edition (with Brayden Speicher)

Brayden Speicher (Charlotte, NC) is a 3rd Place ICDC Finalist in Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research.

There is nothing like the moment your name gets called on the ICDC stage. The lights are on you, the DECA crowd erupts, and everything you worked for suddenly feels real. When I walked across that stage to accept 3rd place internationally in Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research, alongside my partner, it was one of the proudest moments of my life. That piece of DECA glass was more than a trophy. It was a symbol of the effort, pressure, and hours of preparation we poured into every step of the journey.

If you are going after glass, especially in a Written Event, here is what I learned from my experience. These are the things I wish someone had told me earlier. Because this is not about luck. It is about confidence, creativity, and a relentless commitment to standing out.

Start Early and Let the Project Grow

The earlier you start, the better your project will be. You need time to brainstorm, revise, test ideas, and build something that does more than just check boxes. Our paper did not come together in a few weeks. It developed over time, through trial and error. Starting early gave us space to think creatively and build something with depth, not just a polished template.

Go Beyond What is Expected

Everyone writes a paper and makes a poster board. But not everyone takes the extra steps that prove how serious they are. We conducted real surveys, studied industry trends, and built our plan with the same care you would put into a real business proposal. We practiced our pitch everywhere we could, including hotel lobbies, elevators, and even while waiting in line at Universal Studios. That kind of commitment shows up in your performance. It builds muscle memory and makes sure nothing can shake you on presentation day.

Confidence Is Everything

Judges remember people who speak with confidence, not perfection (I stuttered multiple times during the presentation and still won third). The teams that win are not always the ones with the most flawless pitch. They are the ones who speak with clarity and conviction. We knew our project inside and out, so we could answer questions naturally and handle any curveball without panicking. Confidence is built through preparation, but it also comes from truly believing in the work you have done. If you act like your idea belongs in the real world, your judges will start to believe that too.

Creativity Makes You Unforgettable

If your paper looks and sounds like every other one in your event, you are going to blend in. DECA judges see a lot of projects. The ones that stand out are the ones that bring fresh ideas, unique visuals, or a new perspective. We made it a goal to take risks and present a solution that felt different. Creativity is not just about design or flashy numbers. It is about thinking differently and presenting something the judges are not expecting. That spark is what separates the good teams from the great ones.

Practice Until You Are Unshakable

We rehearsed every part of our presentation until we could deliver it without thinking. That included timing, transitions, questions, and tone. We recorded ourselves, gave mock presentations to friends and mentors, and practiced answering unexpected judge questions. When you have rehearsed enough, it does not matter if something goes wrong. You stay calm, adjust, and keep going without missing a beat.

The Small Things Matter Too

Your binder should be clean, your visuals should be sharp, and your delivery should be smooth. These details may not seem huge, but together they build your professional image. When judges are scoring the top few teams, these small touches can make all the difference. Look prepared. Sound prepared. Carry yourself like you belong in the finals.

Final Thoughts

Winning DECA glass in a written event takes more than talent. It takes early planning, extra effort, creative thinking, and the ability to present with confidence when it matters most. I have lived the moment on stage, and I can promise you it is worth everything you put in.

If you want it, go earn it.

Then go hold that glass high.