Dear Stakeholders:
There is no higher priority than the health, safety, and well-being of everyone involved in Montana DECA’s conference(s). As promised, we have continued to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We have listened to the questions and concerns we received from our members, advisors, school officials, and parents. Based on current information available, and out of an abundance of caution, the 2021 State Career Development Conference (SCDC) at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, will move to a virtual format. Despite the interest and exploring possibilities to hold the in-person conference, it has now become impractical and impossible to do so, due to continued restrictions placed on the allowable size of meetings in Silverbow county and the State of Montana.
We are sure you all have many questions. While additional information will be coming, we want to quickly address the following items:
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Registration Fees will be waived for the participation in Montana DECA's 2020-2021 Competitive Events, and Virtual Conference Experience. We understand the financial impact COVID-19 has had on your membership, students, and chapter finances, and we welcome your delegation to join us, free of charge.
- All competitive events will be uploaded in video/electronic format for assessment and evaluation, prior to the Virtual Session/Conference. Competitive Event regulations and policy will not change.
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The Virtual Session/Conference will take place on March 9, 2021 from 5:30pm-7:30pm, and will include award recognition, member recognition, guest speakers, and site-to-site networking celebrations. We encourage chapters to gather as a group, during this time, to allow for increased networking and excitement. Financial assistance will be offered to participating chapters, based on membership, to cover the cost associated with hosting said satellite viewing celebrations.
- The virtual conference will provide presentations, workshops, networking opportunities, and more. It will also feature presentations and engagement by the Montana DECA State Officer Team.
- Additional conference information, as well as a tentative agenda, deadlines, and instructions, will be released by January 15, 2021.
While we understand in-person educational conferences provide opportunities to experience DECA beyond the classroom, we also prioritize the health, safety, and
well-being of our DECA community. Montana DECA will continue to provide a meaningful and relevant experience for your students.
I appreciate all of your continued efforts and passion for DECA programming, despite the new normal. Montana DECA remains a leader in Career and Technical Education, and we will face these challenges together, as an organization - and do it in as transparent a manner as we can.
