Last Saturday, Butler University’s Lacy School of Business welcomed more than 150 students from eight states and 15 college campuses for the inaugural Indiana Collegiate DECA State Career Development Conference. The event represented the culmination of four years of planning, organizing, and building an association from the ground up – making this first-ever statewide conference a significant milestone for both Indiana Collegiate DECA and for Butler, which served as host.
The day-long conference brought students to campus for an immersive experience in professional development, competitive case events, and statewide networking. As attendees moved between sessions, they explored many of Butler’s signature spaces – from the Collegiate Gothic architecture of Jordan Hall to the history of Hinkle Fieldhouse to the quiet pathways of Holcomb Gardens. It was a fitting backdrop for a day centered on curiosity, problem-solving, and collaborative leadership.
The conference also reflected the rapid momentum Indiana Collegiate DECA has built during its first year as a fully chartered association. Membership across the state grew by more than 40 percent, surpassing 430 students and supporting chapters at seven campuses in Indiana. This growth helped make possible a conference that not only emphasized competition, but also created a space for students to learn from industry professionals and connect with peers from across the region.
Throughout the morning and afternoon, students participated in the Professional Development Series, which brought together speakers from across Indiana to discuss regional industries, career pathways, and the evolving business culture of Indianapolis. Non‑competitive members participated in these sessions throughout the day, while competitive members moved between workshops and their timed case events.
A key feature of the conference was the Hoosier Case Study Event, designed in partnership with an Indiana-based company. Students were challenged to analyze a real business scenario, craft solutions, and present their recommendations under tight deadlines. The event quickly became one of the day’s most energizing opportunities, offering a realistic look at the kind of strategic thinking required in today’s professional landscape.
The conference also offered an opportunity to recognize outstanding leadership within the collegiate DECA community. LSB is proud to share that Mark Donner, lecturer in applied business technology, was named the 2025–2026 Indiana Collegiate DECA “Advisor of the Year.” The award, presented during the conference, honored his exceptional mentorship, support of student development, and longstanding commitment to elevating experiential learning within the Lacy School of Business. His recognition added another point of pride to an already important weekend for Butler’s DECA community.
During opening session, attendees gathered for the keynote address delivered by Scott Fussell, principal of Scott Fussell Coaching and Consulting and founder of The Shift Initiative. Fussell’s talk, “The Three Absolutes of Leadership,” centered on leading with clarity, building connections, and identifying the strengths of others. His message about authenticity and purposeful leadership resonated with students preparing to enter the next stage of their academic and professional journeys.
For many Butler students, the conference marked a personal milestone. Eric Bedrosian, founder of Butler’s DECA chapter and the outgoing Indiana Collegiate DECA President, reflected on what it meant to see this moment come to life after years of work. “Four years in the making. One powerful day of networking, collaboration, and competition,” Bedrosian said. “What began as a vision has officially become a reality.” His remarks captured the pride of a leader who helped shape the organization from its earliest foundation.
Jack Paulson also reflected on what it meant to help shape such a successful inaugural event. This year’s conference highlighted his leadership as he earned first place in the Sales Management & Leadership Case Study Event. Reflecting on the experience, Jack shared, “It was especially meaningful to see Butler host such a strong inaugural event and help lay the foundation for the future of Indiana Collegiate DECA.” His remarks underscored the pride he feels in both competing and helping guide the organization into its next chapter.
Competitors from the Lacy School of Business delivered standout performances across numerous categories. First‑place finishes included Addison Altman and Zoe Meek in Business Ethics; Katie Kirch and Kate Parisi in Entrepreneurship – Starting a Business; Kelsey Babinec and Brooke Underwood in Event Planning; Jenna Burd and Trevor Storm in International Marketing; Jack Paulson in Sales Management and Leadership; and Preston Asher, who won both Corporate Finance and the Hoosier Case Study Event alongside teammates in Financial Statement Analysis. Their achievements reflected not only strong academic preparation but also the teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills that DECA events are designed to develop.
As Butler competitors prepare for the International Career Development Conference, they carry with them the experience, confidence, and community formed during this inaugural statewide event. Hosting Indiana’s first Collegiate DECA state conference allowed the Lacy School of Business to showcase its commitment to preparing students through hands-on learning, employer engagement, and leadership development. It also signaled a major step forward for Indiana Collegiate DECA as it continues to expand opportunities for students throughout the state.
The inaugural State Career Development Conference reflected not only the accomplishments of the past year, but the promise of what lies ahead – new partnerships, new challenges, and new opportunities for emerging business leaders to connect, grow, and make their mark.
