Powering the Future: Volunteering at DECA ICDC 2026 in Atlanta
Volunteering at DECA ICDC 2026 in Atlanta
This April, 25,000 high school students will travel to Atlanta to compete among the best for the coveted DECA Glass at DECA’s International Career Development Conference. Hands on Atlanta is looking for professionals to volunteer as judges for competitive events to decide who becomes a 2026 DECA ICDC champion.
What is DECA ICDC?
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA ICDC is the culmination of the DECA year, where members compete, network and grow as leaders.
Each year, members participate in DECA’s competitive events program, advancing from district to state to ICDC. With 60 events, members can choose to compete in role-plays, prepared events, or online simulations that directly tie into DECA’s career clusters.
For many students, ICDC is the highlight of their high school experience and where they discover their future path.
“Anyone who’s competed at ICDC can tell you that they’ve grown in some shape or another. For me, competing at ICDC strengthened my confidence, industry knowledge, and professionalism. None of which would’ve been possible without our judges. Judges allowed me to feel ready to take on any challenge presented to me. With quality feedback and meaningful questions, I feel more prepared now for college and my future career in travel and tourism.””
The Role of Hands on Atlanta
1,000 volunteers are needed to make DECA ICDC an unforgettable experience for DECA members. Volunteering as a competitive events judge is a unique opportunity to make an impact on both the lives of high school students and your own.
When volunteers show up, they help create an environment where high school members can learn, grow and thrive. We invite you to be part of that environment.
“ICDC pushed me far beyond my comfort zone and challenged me to grow. I learned so much, laughed even more, and shared an unforgettable experience with friends I’m so grateful for!”
Volunteer Logistics
As a competitive events judge, you’ll sit across from future members as they present their role-plays and prepared event findings.
No DECA experience is needed to serve as a volunteer judge, and volunteers will receive on-site training, breakfast, lunch, free parking, and a gift for their time.
DECA ICDC Competitive Events Judge
April 26th, 27th and 28th | One day opportunities are available
Georgia World Congress Center | 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW