DOWNLOAD AND SIGN UP IN THE DECA INC APP
Your section assignment, exact appointment times, shuttle schedule, and room updates are all in the app. Check it every morning before you leave the hotel.
Trip Overview
| Conference | DECA ICDC 2026 |
| Conference Dates | Saturday April 25 through Tuesday April 28, 2026 |
| Departure | Wednesday, April 29, 2026 |
| Hotel | Hyatt Regency Atlanta - 265 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 |
| Competition Venue | Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), Building B - 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW |
| Stadium Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium - 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 |
| Curfew | 12:30 AM every night, no exceptions |
ICDC is significantly more competitive than States. Every competitor here already won at their state conference. Judging is stricter, timing is tighter. Come fully prepared.
Flights
Outbound - Delta DL1180 (PHL to ATL)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Departure | 8:25 AM EDT from PHL Terminal D |
| Arrival | 10:38 AM EDT at ATL Terminal S |
Return - Delta DL2153 (ATL to PHL)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Departure | 7:25 AM EDT from ATL Terminal S |
| Arrival | 9:27 AM EDT at PHL Terminal D |
DL2153 departs at 7:25 AM on Wednesday. Wake up early and be at East well before departure. Pack Tuesday night.
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Atlanta - 265 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
- You must stay here for the entire trip.
- Curfew is 12:30 AM every night. Be in your room. Violations have real consequences for you and your chapter.
- The hotel has a pool, accessible during free time when you are not at conference sessions.
- DECA runs a dedicated shuttle between the Hyatt and GWCC during conference hours. Check the app for route and times. The shuttle is included in your conference registration.
Competition Format
Round 1 - Preliminaries (Sunday and Monday)
All competitors are split into approximately 10 sections. You compete only within your section, with one judge per section.
- Role play and case study events: cluster exam score combined with preliminary role play or case study score.
- Written and project events (Business Operations Research, Project Management, IMC, Entrepreneurship, PSE/Consulting): project submission and preliminary presentation score only.
The top 2 scorers from each of the 10 sections advance to finals, roughly 20 people per event. The bar is very high.
Round 2 - Finals (Tuesday)
Finalists compete with a brand-new scenario and a new panel of judges. For role play events, your final score combines your prelim cluster exam score with your finals performance. For written events, placement is based entirely on the finals presentation.
The top 10 finalists are recognized at the Grand Awards Session Tuesday night. Places 1st through 3rd receive DECA Glass trophies.
Recognition
- Blue Ribbon Medallion: the top 2 finalists from each section
- Red-White-Blue Ribbon and DECA Glass Trophy: top 10 finalists at Grand Awards
Dress Code
YOU MUST WEAR YOUR OFFICIAL DECA BLAZER TO RECEIVE ANY AWARD OR RECOGNITION ON STAGE. No blazer means no going on stage. Keep it with you at all conference sessions.
Tier 1 - In Front of Judges and On Stage
- Official DECA blazer
- Dress slacks, dress skirt, or business dress at or below the knee
- Collared dress shirt with necktie, ascot, or scarf, or a professional dress blouse
- Dress shoes
Tier 2 - General Sessions, Briefings, Testing
- Dress slacks, skirt, or business dress
- Collared shirt, dress blouse, or dress sweater
- Dress shoes. Blazer optional but strongly recommended.
Never Acceptable at Any DECA Activity
- Jeans, t-shirts, athletic or workout clothing
- Sneakers, flip flops, boat shoes, work boots, athletic shoes
- Tight, revealing, or midriff-baring clothing
- Graphic prints or slogans
- Leggings unless worn under a knee-length skirt or dress
Shirts should be tucked in. Solid colors look more polished. Socks or hosiery are recommended.
Packing List
Bring a backpack and either a carry-on or a checked suitcase. Carry-on max size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Your backpack counts as a personal item.
DECA and Formal Attire
Casual and Off-Duty
Competition Essentials
Tech
Health and Hygiene
Food
DECA does not provide any meals during ICDC. You are responsible for all your own food.
- DoorDash is the most convenient option. Order from your room or during downtime. Sign up for a DashPass free trial before you leave for free delivery on eligible orders.
- CNN Center food court is a short walk from GWCC and has multiple fast-casual options.
- Convenience stores near the hotel are good for snacks, drinks, and quick breakfast items.
- The hotel restaurant is available but prices are significantly higher than ordering delivery.
Airport and TSA Rules
Accepted ID at Security
- Driver's license with the gold REAL ID star in the upper right corner
- State-issued ID (REAL ID compliant)
- School-issued ID card (accepted at most checkpoints for students)
- Passport
Keep your ID in your pocket or backpack, never in a checked bag.
Liquids Rule for Carry-On (TSA 3-1-1)
- Every container must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less
- All containers must fit in one quart-sized clear zip-top bag, one bag per person
- The bag must come out of your carry-on at the security checkpoint
- Applies to shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, lotion, sunscreen, cologne, and similar items
- No liquid restrictions in checked bags. Put full-size toiletries there.
- Prescription medications are exempt. Declare them separately to TSA.
Key Reminders
Competition
- Arrive at your briefing or competition room at least 15 minutes early. 30 minutes is better. ICDC does not wait for late arrivals. Late means disqualification, no exceptions.
- Check the DECA ICDC App for your section and exact appointment time before each day of competition.
- Bring your photo ID to every competition session.
- Written event competitors: bring 2 printed copies of your judge handouts in good condition.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The stadium has a clear-bag policy and security screening at all entrances. Only clear bags are allowed inside. Plan what you bring to the Grand Opening, Achievement Awards, and Grand Awards sessions accordingly.
Finalists called to the stage at the Grand Awards report to Section 135 on the concourse level, outside the Gallagher Club at Molly B's, before the session to verify their competition time.