Students learn from real life sports marketing execs

A dozen Chisago Lakes High School business program students got to mix business with a little pleasure getting the most out of their recent trip to a DECA marketing career conference, held in Florida.

The students and their advisor Tim Turnquist returned from Florida to arrive just in time for the sleet/snow/ice event early last week. DECA is the acronym for Distributive Education Clubs of America and it was created for high schoolers to enhance their co-curricular education in marketing, management and entrepreneurship.

Turnquist said this year’s conference rates a “10” for sessions, speakers, level of expertise, weather and efficient organization of conference events. It was, he added, “...a phenomenal way for students to grow outside of the classroom setting.” Executives with Universal, Disney and marketing execs for sports teams like Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Citrus Bowl officials gave talks for four hours each day. The rest of the day could be spent having fun at any of the nearby theme parks and attractions.

Students learned about digital marketing strategies, career opportunities, standards in marketing and many other topics from professionals who are working in the field. There were 500-plus students attending from all over the United States.