Why You Matter

Judge a Competition

Do you have time to assist students with their career goals? DECA students need your help as a competitive events judge at the State Career Development Conference. Judging competitive events requires as little as a half-day time commitment, and you’ll be assisting high school students as they work toward successful careers.

These students have worked all year to prepare for their competitions both inside and outside of the classroom, and have personally raised the funds to attend the conference where their skills will be evaluated by you. It’s easy to judge. Registered judges receive detailed information and a thorough judge orientation is held on site before competition begins. People who have judged before thoroughly enjoyed their experience and want to return to judge again.

  • February 23 – 25, 2025

  • Holiday Inn, Columbia River | Portland, OR

What is Required of a Judge?

There are competitions in a range of industries including advertising, entrepreneurship, fashion, finance, hospitality, international marketing, restaurant, retail, sales and more.

As a judge, you will participate in role-play activities during which students will act out their solutions to real business world situations. You will then evaluate the students’ performances using a brief, easy to complete evaluation form.

“Please sign me up to help with the upcoming DECA conference. I was, to say the least, very impressed with the program and the professional job that DECA does preparing its participants for the retail and marketing fields.”

Dan Magruder, District Manager, Smart & Final.

Impact the Next Generation

When you volunteer to judge a DECA event, you are aiding bright and motivated students in having an educational experience of a lifetime. Collectively, DECA Judges help to evaluate the work of student attendees at our State and District Career Development Conferences. As a DECA Judge, you will use your background in business, entrepreneurship, marketing, management and life to evaluate students’ demonstration of marketing and business skills and knowledge. Sign up today!

Support a OR DECA Student Leader today