This year's Central Region Leadership Conference (CRLC) in Omaha, Nebraska promises to be an exciting event for DECA members. The conference will feature outstanding keynote speakers, networking opportunities with top business professionals, and fun social activities including a "Leadership Safari" competition at the city's top-ranked zoo and an entertainment night with live music, games, and food. Attendees will develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills to help them succeed in their future careers. This conference aims to inspire members and prepare them to "Aspire Higher" through unique hands-on learning experiences.

1. Are you ‘Wild’ About DECA?
Central Region Vice President Micah Melling’s interview with
Nicole Coffey, CRLC Conference Coordinator.
Why should students attend this year's CRLC?
This year’s Central Region Leadership Conference is going to be WILD! Nebraska is excited to host the
conference and share with our fellow members how great a city Omaha is! We've put together a great conference
loaded with activity: outstanding keynote speakers, the best business professionals from national and global
companies headquartered in Omaha, a WILD dance party, a live music and entertainment night sponsored by Finish
Line, AND our signature event -- the Leadership Safari at the Zoo! The nation's #2 ranked zoo will be the home
of Amazing Race meets Survivor meets DECA! Members won't want to miss it!
How will conference activities positively affect students?
This conference is traditionally one of the best conferences a DECA member can attend all year, and this year is
no exception. The networking opportunities are incredible, not only to meet other members but to meet and learn
from business professionals in career areas in which members have interest. The leadership training will really
encourage members to step outside their comfort zones as leaders, work on a team, and develop those personal and
communication skills that will give them the confidence and tools needed to be successful in the future.
What are some fun activities that will take place?
The Leadership Safari is definitely the highlight. Members will form "tribes" and start on an adventure of clue-based
challenges all around the zoo. From brain teasers to physical tasks, the teams will race to the finish line to declare
victory! Saturday night we've planned an amazing entertainment night sponsored by Finish Line that includes live
music, rock climbing wall, sumo-bubble-suit wrestling tournaments, video games, photo booths, food, and more! We've
also got some smaller activities and competitions built into the conference - members will have to come to Omaha to
find out more about them!
What makes this conference different than other DECA conferences?
This conference is different in its delivery - we're on a mission to make sure that DECA members become inspired
by what they experience and are ready to Aspire Higher, to become leaders in their communities and passionate
about their chosen career paths. By attending CRLC in Omaha, we know members will leave the conference better
equipped for their future than when they arrived.
For more information, visit http://www.crlcomaha2011.org/.