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DECA events

DECA Event Prep Guides

Pick an event to review performance indicators, judge expectations, tier strategy, and related practice paths.

Practice all DECA events

principles

individual

ENT

Entrepreneurship

ENT is one of the most popular DECA individual-series events. It tests both entrepreneurial knowledge and the ability to pitch business solutions under pressure. The roleplay scenarios involve advising startups or small businesses.

BFS

Business Finance

BFS goes deeper than PFN into corporate finance, securities analysis, and investment management. The roleplay scenarios involve advising businesses or clients on complex financial decisions.

SEM

Sports and Entertainment Marketing

SEM is consistently the highest-enrollment DECA event. It applies marketing principles to sports, entertainment, and recreation industries. The roleplay scenarios are engaging but require the same structured analytical approach as any DECA event.

HRM

Human Resources Management

HRM tests both HR knowledge and the interpersonal skills needed to advise on sensitive workplace situations. Roleplay scenarios often involve employee conflicts, policy changes, or organizational restructuring.

HLM

Hotel and Lodging Management

HLM applies hospitality knowledge to hotel-specific operations. The roleplay scenarios involve managing hotel operations, resolving guest issues, or developing revenue strategies.

MMS

Marketing Management

MMS tests advanced marketing strategy beyond the principles level. Roleplay scenarios involve developing comprehensive marketing plans, evaluating campaign performance, or resolving marketing challenges for businesses.

QSRM

Quick Serve Restaurant Management

QSRM is the fast-food and quick-service restaurant event. It tests operational efficiency, food safety compliance, and customer service in high-volume environments. Lower enrollment than SEM but highly specialized.

AAM

Apparel and Accessories Marketing

AAM is the fashion retail event. It tests knowledge of apparel merchandising, trend analysis, visual display, and retail operations specific to clothing and accessories. Lower enrollment creates a narrower competitive field.

ACT

Accounting Applications

ACT is the deep accounting event. It goes beyond PFN into journal entries, adjusting entries, financial statement preparation, and managerial accounting. Strong for students who enjoy precise numerical work.

RMS

Retail Merchandising

RMS is the general retail management event. It tests store operations, merchandise planning, customer service, and retail technology. Broader than AAM (which is fashion-specific).

RFSM

Restaurant and Food Service Management

RFSM is the full-service restaurant event (vs QSRM for quick-service). It tests deeper hospitality concepts, wine/beverage programs, fine dining operations, and food cost management at a higher complexity level.

FSO

Financial Services

FSO is the advanced financial services event. It goes beyond PFN into investment analysis, insurance products, retirement planning, and securities regulation. Ideal for students targeting finance careers.

team