Collegiate Leadership Academy
Where Today's Students Become Tomorrow's Leaders
 "Students were exposed to so much and they had a taste of the National competition.... this was so important for the students that are new to (Delta Epsilon Chi) DECA." - Carol Rowey, Community College of Rhode Island Advisor
At the 2008 Collegiate Leadership Academy students experienced the industry and career field of their choice by meeting with industry leaders, going behind-the-scenes to learn how business gets done, and putting their knowledge to the test as groups worked together to find new solutions to challenges that today's industries are facing!
Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Members of this track met with Production Manager, Executive Director and Producer of the off-Broadway production of Altar Boyz. Sitting in the theater facing these three bigwigs, students asked questions about finding and producing the "best" entertainment production that would reach a wide audience. From production to management to marketing, even our die-hard "sports marketing" students opened their eyes to a whole new world of career possibility by sitting in that theater!
They followed their trip to Altar Boyz up with a behind-the-scene's tour of either Madison Square Garden or Radio City Music Hall. These world-renown venues host millions of visitors and world-class events throughout the year.
It was an eye opening and learning experience for the Sports & Entertainment Marketing track and all that information was put to good use as teams worked to solve a case study that asked them to find marketing techniques to bring the "pop" back to a young generation already over sensitized to today's glitzy marketing world.
International Business & Finance
Members of this track began their experience in the boardroom of JP Morgan & Chase meeting with a top executive to get the inside scoop on the coming changes to the financial world based on the current global economic crisis.
They followed that visit with a trip to the United Nations and a visit to either the Federal Reserve or the History of Finance Museum.
Each group within the track tackled a case study looking for ways to create new financial investment opportunities for young entrepreneurs even in this credit-weary world. Solutions were insightful and reflected all of the knowledge learned on each of their visits!
Hospitality & Culinary Arts
Joann Falco from the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City kicked off the Hospitality and Culinary Arts track by sharing experiences from her long and illustrious career! As the voice of experience, she brought new insight and perspective to track participants studying to be the next generation of hospitality gurus. Joann was followed by our tour guide and owner of Onboard Tours, Mr. Howard McCoy. Howard is a net worker among net workers and uses his immense rolodex to connect New York City visitors with the sites, sounds and experiences that will mean the most to them! As long-time supporters and friends of DECA, both Joann and Howard showcase the cardinal rule of hospitality - it is the relationship that matters most for long-term business success.
The track then headed over to Planet Hollywood in Times Square to meet with the Executive Chef and discover what it takes to keep one of the world's busiest restaurants of tourist sites operational!
Some members of the track went out on their own to interview other hotel staff at properties around the Broadway area and get even more insight to creatively solve their "going green" case study.
Retail, Fashion Merchandising & Marketing
These track participants discovered what it takes to keep the world-famous Herald Square Macy's a cutting-edge retail environment. They then visited an urban styled Finish Line in Brooklyn to discuss merchandising differences based on niche markets. Finally, everyone met at Madame Alexander's to get behind-the-scenes of the doll factory to learn how fashion trends are reflected and altered for these world-class dolls.
There is no better place to learn business of Fashion than in New York City and participants had a multitude of other opportunities to explore the Fashion Institute of Technology's museum, visit the Chanel exhibit in Central Park and shop their way through the boutiques, fabric stores and fashion houses of the world famous fashion district.
At the end of it all teams from this track showcased their learning in a case study discussing branding and fashion trends that are changing in the face of a global economic crisis. Taking high-end brands and surviving the struggle has particularly difficult consequences for this industry. Solutions were both creative and insightful!
Thank You!
We are thankful to all of our presenters and venues that contributed to the success of this year's conference. Already plans are being made for hosting next year's Collegiate Leadership Academy.
We'll be back in New York City for CLA 2009! Details will be made available as soon as possible.
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