Marketing students at BPHS are buzzing, as the 2026 Career Development DECA State Conference is underway in Hershey, Pa.

It’s a three-day conference where DECA members participate in competitive events in hopes of qualifying for the 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Ga.

This year, Bethel Park DECA announced that they will be staying at the Hershey Lodge, where students will compete in their respective events, attend ceremonies, and attend workshops.

However, 80 BPHS students out of an impressive 4,700 overall DECA members will be attending the conference, 11 of whom qualified at the 2026 DECA District III conference.

Despite the challenging feat ahead, their past accomplishments prove that Bethel Park is up to the task.

At the 2025 DECA Career Development State Conference, out of a total of 31 top-eight BPHS finalists, 16 members advanced for the next level of competition.

This is either through role plays, which involve a 100-question test and two 15-minute presentations that will test their business knowledge.

Alongside the role-play competitors, the other members will be working on various projects that involve a 15-minute presentation and the submition a 10-20 page paper, depending upon the event.

In addition to everything previously mentioned, food will be provided throughout the entire trip, including a visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World on the way there.

Bethel Park DECA advisor Mrs. Smoller has high hopes for the event.

“BP DECA will be bringing a great mix of new and veteran members to the conference,” Smoller said. “I hope that all of our seniors have a memorable final state conference and that all of our new members have a positive experience and continue with DECA in the future!”

All of BPHS is proud of each member’s effort and looks forward to hearing about their success at the 2026 DECA Career Development State Conference.