A Recap of IL DECA Sectionals

Hey Illinois DECA! It’s Allen Xu and Rohan Kumar from your Illinois DECA Rising Leader Team, here to recap January’s thrilling sectionals competitions. 

Sectionals

The big day finally arrived, and IL DECA Sectionals did not disappoint! Illinois West, North, and South Suburban Sectionals were a whirlwind of intense competition, camaraderie, and of course, great food. Whether you crushed your case study or just came for the snacks, there was something for everyone.

Champions in the Making

First, congratulations to all the award winners who took home medals, plaques, and (most importantly) bragging rights. Whether it was a flawless market analysis, a creative solution to an ethical dilemma, or just sheer confidence that commanded the room, competitors stood on business and brought their A-game. The level of preparation, creativity, and composure under pressure IL DECA saw these past two weeks was nothing short of exceptional.

A special shoutout to our outstanding first-place award winners in the Principles events across all three sectionals. Your hard work, dedication, and strategic thinking set the standard for excellence and showed once again that the future of business is in great hands! 

From first-time competitors stepping into the spotlight to seasoned veterans defending their titles, every participant brought something remarkable to the table. Judges were especially impressed by the innovative solutions presented, the critical thinking displayed, and the poise under pressure. To every competitor, advisor, and supporter who played a role in this journey, congratulations on a job well done!

The Real Fuel for Success

Let’s be honest—DECA sectionals are just as much about the food as they are about the competition. This year’s fan-favorite snacks included chips, Rice Krispies Treats, and apple juice, which quickly became staples between exams. The debate over the best post-competition meal was fierce, but in the end, nothing quite hit the spot like the classic, piping-hot slice of pizza.  

The Ultimate DECA Soundtrack

Every competitor has their own way of getting in the zone, and for many, music plays a crucial role. This year’s go-to genre for hyping up before roleplays? Rap & Hip-Hop dominated as the top pump-up genre, with anthems from Kendrick Lamar and Metro Boomin blasting through headphones before competitors stepped into their presentations. The bass-heavy beats and fast-paced lyrics set the perfect intensity for thinking on their feet. Of course, others found their rhythm in high-energy pop hits, rock classics, or even Canon in D Minor by Johann Pachelbel.

What songs should make the playlist for the state conference in March? Share your top picks!

Networking and New Friendships

One of the best parts of DECA sectionals was the chance to meet like-minded competitors from different schools. Whether it was sharing roleplay strategies or bonding over mutual stress before results were announced, the camaraderie was unmistakable. Many left not just with awards, but also with new friendships and professional connections that could extend far beyond competition season. Make sure to say hi to your new friends at state and, if possible, catch up beforehand—you never know when a sectional rival might become a future business partner!

Looking Ahead

With sectionals behind us, the focus now shifts to the next big challenge: State. For those moving on, the work is just beginning—but so is the fun. Keep refining your presentations, brushing up on your written presentations, and curating the perfect competition playlist. If you’re looking for general competition advice, take a look at IL DECA President Olivia’s competition tips from the last blog post!

Sectionals brought standout performances, unforgettable moments, and plenty of post-competition snacks, and state promises even more. As State Officer Anay Apte put it, “The next few weeks are your chance to rumble where others stumbled.” Here’s to another unforgettable sectionals—we’ll see the best of the best in early March!