Understanding and Applying Social Influence in The Real-World Challenge · 2026–2027

Eligibility & application

Teams of two to three members of the same DECA chapter; chapters may submit multiple entries. Required submission: Research and analyze actual advertising, marketing or negotiation examples and social-influence tactics. Cite credible research, explain the intended audience and ethical use of persuasion, and create an original billboard or video advertisement. Present the findings and advertisement in a three-to-five-minute video; videos longer than five minutes and late entries are ineligible. Finalist participation: Top-three ICDC attendance in Anaheim, California is conditional on chartered association policy and approval from the school or chapter advisor. Recognition is not an automatic right to attend. No additional grade, age or citizenship threshold was established from these challenge rules; membership and all current organizer rules still apply.

Nationwide · remote · unknown

Team prizes: first US$1,500; second US$1,000; third US$500. Entry fees, membership dues, software access costs and finalist conference/travel charges are not established by these sources; confirm with the chapter and organizer. Prize awards are not salary or a paid placement.

Prepare and submit the required project through the organizer-linked form. Research and analyze actual advertising, marketing or negotiation examples and social-influence tactics. Cite credible research, explain the intended audience and ethical use of persuasion, and create an original billboard or video advertisement. Present the findings and advertisement in a three-to-five-minute video; videos longer than five minutes and late entries are ineligible.

Published dates

Unannounced dates are kept pending. Dated history is included when you add a program; reminders apply to future dates. Date-only events do not have an invented cutoff time. The organizer confirms final eligibility and availability.

Official evidence