Introduction to Competitive Events 101

Aswini Kake, State Central Area Vice President ​

As the membership year ramps up, it’s time to dive into the exciting world of competitive
events with Future Business Leaders of America! With an extensive roster of over 70 events
divided into three categories—presentations, tests, and case studies—there's something for
everyone, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a future healthcare administrator, or a tech
genius.
To start off, let’s discuss presentations. The presentation events offer a platform for
students to showcase their communication and organizational skills. These range from 7-minute
presentations accompanied by a slideshow, followed by a 3-minute Q&A session, to straight
speaking events where participants deliver their ideas without visual aids. A helpful tip to
maximize the number of points you earn in a presentation event is to ensure that the headings of
your slides correspond to the associated rubric lines. This correspondence helps ensure that even
if judges miss something while you are speaking, they can see that you have addressed it in your
presentation by looking at the titles. Beyond just meeting the rubric criteria, strive to make
yourself and your presentation stand out. By the time you reach state and national competitions,
everyone you are competing against will be strong competitors, so you want to differentiate
yourself in some way—whether that be through engaging graphics or an attention-grabbing
story.
Our second main category of events is testing. Testing events are optimal for those who
excel at memorization and standardized exams. Each testing event typically involves a rigorous
100-question multiple-choice test that assesses your understanding of specific topics. Preparation
is critical for success in these events. Tools like Quizlet are invaluable resources, as you can find
valuable flashcards and quizzes on various subjects. Don’t forget to review past years' materials
and study guides. Familiarizing yourself with the question formats and the scope of topics can
significantly enhance your confidence and performance on test day.
Our final category of events is case studies. Case study events are often the most
engaging and interactive, combining both written and performance elements. These typically
involve two parts: a preliminary multiple-choice test and a role-play segment at the conference
where you apply your knowledge in a real-world scenario. To maximize your success in case
studies, studying past materials is essential. Additionally, practice with prompts similar to what
you might encounter in competition. Knowing the rubric is equally important; understanding
how to hit each competency will ensure that you excel in your role-play score. Practice makes
perfect—role-playing scenarios with teammates can help you gain confidence and receive
constructive feedback.
Knowing the fundamental types of events that FBLA offers, it is key to note one
additional subdivision: introduction events. FBLA offers underclassmen members the
opportunity to participate in introductory events across all three main types. These events are a
great way for new and younger members to understand what is expected of them while also
learning more about their topics.

Now that you understand what FBLA offers its competitors, the next step is preparation.
Preparation is key to success in competitive events, so plan ahead. Give yourself ample time to
create presentations, learn testing content, and feel prepared for the tasks at hand. FBLA is not
just a competitive organization; it is also a family—so reach out to fellow FBLA members for
advice on your competitive event as well as any feedback they may have for you. Finally, just
remember that practice makes perfect, or as close to it as possible. From presentations to
studying for a test, practice is vital for achieving a favorable outcome.
FBLA’s competitive events create exciting opportunities for building confidence and
gaining real-world experience. Whether you're preparing a presentation, studying for a test, or
memorizing rubric criteria, remember that passion and preparation are your best tools for
success. While this process might feel confusing and stressful, know that you can reach out if
you ever need help. Make sure to take the time to slow down and enjoy the journey because it
will truly be a memorable one!
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Let’s make this competition season unforgettable!
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