Nearly 2,100 marketing students and DECA members from across the state of Texas will be in Amarillo until March 4 at the 2006 State DECA Career Development Conference.

The centerpiece of this state-wide meeting are the competitive student presentations in business and marketing categories ranging from Apparel and Accessories Marketing and International/Entrepreneurship Business Plans to Sports and Entertainment Marketing and Business Law and Ethics.

Nearly 300 local business and civic leaders have volunteered to judge these student presentations. Most of the competition will be at the Amarillo Civic Center on Friday, March 3. Judges will arrive at the Grand Plaza about 7 a.m. and presentations will start about 8 a.m.

LeAnn Estep of the Amarillo Independent School District has organized the judges for the conference.

Winners in Amarillo qualify for the International Career Development Conference later this spring in Dallas.

Opening session is Thursday, March 2, and the Grand Awards Session is Saturday, March 4, both at the Amarillo Civic Center.

Nationally, 170,000 marketing students, 4,500 marketing teachers, and 14,000 postsecondary Delta Epsilon Chi members enjoy the benefits of membership in DECA, the association for students and teachers of marketing, management and entrepreneurship. DECA offers a comprehensive program of competitive events based on the occupational goals of its student membership and on the activities of chapters in high schools and postsecondary institutions.

Contacts for the group are either Lori Hamff (979-481-3370) or Donna Crowe (806-662-2699).