AHS DECA seniors gain real-world insights

Thirteen Atlanta High School DECA seniors returned from an unforgettable experience at the DECA Sports & Entertainment Marketing Conference in Orlando, Florida. Joining over 1,000 students from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, these future business leaders had the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make professional connections and explore career possibilities in sports and entertainment marketing.

The conference featured speakers from major organizations like Universal Studios and the Orlando Magic, offering insights into the business strategies behind some of the world’s biggest brands. For students like senior Diana Benitez, the event was an eye-opener.

“The conference was quite enjoyable,” Benitez said. “I appreciated discovering the various roles that everyone held and how each individual contributes significantly to the organization. It truly made me reflect on how a single location can provide such a diverse array of job opportunities.”

Students attended sessions with industry leaders like Mike Czenszak from Universal Studios and Gary Mata from the Orlando Magic, gaining firsthand knowledge of marketing, branding and promotions in sports and entertainment. Kyle Gross found the experience invaluable.

“It was a great experience to be able to hear the knowledge and experience from these wonderful people in a business environment,” senior Kyle Gross said.

One of the most impactful sessions featured Hubert Payne, a world-renowned percussionist, who spoke about perseverance and success. His message left a lasting impression on attendees like senior Will Davis.

“Hubert Payne was an excellent speaker. He shared his unique story of overcoming many challenges and becoming one of the greatest percussionists of the last 20 years,” Davis said.

The trip wasn’t all business—students also had the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, adding a fun and memorable element to their learning experience.

“We made connections and found inspiration for our careers,” said senior Boston Graf, reflecting on the impact of the trip.

For many, the conference reinforced their interest in business and marketing, showing them how classroom knowledge applies to real-world careers. Ayush Patel, for example, was particularly intrigued by a session on resort marketing strategies.

“Kate Thomas, the Senior Director of Resorts Marketing at Universal Orlando Resort, discussed special promotions available for resort guests,” Patel said. “I found it interesting to learn about the strategies used to entice people into purchasing tickets and express passes.”

With newfound knowledge, inspiration and connections, these AHS DECA seniors are bringing valuable insights back to their classrooms—and their futures. The DECA Sports & Entertainment Conference was more than just a trip—it was an experience that will help shape their careers in marketing, business and beyond.