Canadian University Press Releases/Newswire

Source: University of Waterloo
http://newsrelease.uwaterloo.ca/news.php?id=4802

UW hosts UWDECA student competition and conference

November 6, 2006

WATERLOO, Ont. (Monday, Nov. 6, 2006) -- The University of Waterloo will host the UW Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) fall in-house competition and conference on Saturday, attracting about 130 Ontario students interested in business, marketing, management and entrepreneurship.

The event, organized by the UWDECA chapter, will draw participants from UW, Queen's University, University of Western Ontario, Wilfrid Laurier University, York University and Ryerson University, as well as from several high schools. DECA is a non-profit North American organization, engaging secondary and post-secondary students in business-related activities.

UWDECA's programs and activities focus on helping students grow and develop as professional marketing and management leaders. Student participants network with counterparts on other campuses and with business representatives.

"Great ideas are born when talent and opportunity come together," said Laura Chelaru, vice-president of UWDECA. "By bringing students together and placing them in a competitive environment overseen by business professionals and industry leaders, our organization creates a brilliant networking opportunity and a lasting experience for all participants."

UW offers students a master of business, entrepreneurship and technology. Chelaru added that university has considerable entrepreneurial and managerial talent in its six faculties -- mathematics, engineering, science, environmental studies, applied health sciences and arts.

Student teams will compete in eight categories involving business simulation and case studies: e-commerce decision making, business-to-business marketing, sports and entertainment marketing, business ethics, business law, apparel accessories, retail management and financial services.

Also, students will face real-life entrepreneurial challenges, featuring cases designed with the help of DECA's sponsors and partners. Competitors will work on a set of objectives based on real obstacles in the business world.

"During scheduled breaks, participants will have the opportunity to interact with potential employers and ask questions pertaining to different industries, all in a very informal environment," Chelaru said.

As well, event sponsors and partners will hold speaker sessions and set up booths displaying the latest technology. The two main sponsors are Telus Corp. and Infusion Angels. Other sponsors are the Cosco Group, Palm Inc., Deloitte and CGA (Certified General Accountants).

The competition and conference take place in the J.R. Coutts Engineering Lecture Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.