Following placing in their state competition, nine Heritage Broward students traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete in the National Leadership Conference (NLC) June 28-July 2. Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) has chapters all across America, as well as in China, Puerto Rico, Canada, Hungary and Tanzania. More than 14,000 students were invited to compete after placing 4th-1st in their respective event. 

The competition had a variety of events, including objective testing, pre-judged and presentation-style. Presentation events had preliminaries and finals, which often included a combination of presentation techniques and testing. On day one, students were invited to check-in to the conference, start trading pins and enjoy Orlando. Day two included more pin trading and opening ceremonies. Day three was competition day, with a Universal Studios FBLA Night at Universal Orlando. Day four included open testing which was open to everyone to take. The convention concluded with the awards ceremony on day five.  

Rising senior Maliha Daya was elected as a state officer during the state convention as vice president of region five. Since the convention took place in Florida, Daya was responsible for hosting events such as the Florida team meeting and the yearly volleyball tournament. “My team and I had to take on large responsibilities which included examining the expo hall for national campaigns and assisting at other events. Prior to NLC, the state officer team and I put together the FBLA Communicator as a way to introduce all competitors to Orlando and for them to take a look at all the events they could participate in, restaurants to eat at and more.” 

In addition to competing, the Heritage FBLA chapter had the opportunity to relax and recharge in Disney Springs and during FBLA Night in Universal Studios. In Disney Springs, students had the opportunity to visit stores such as the M&M Factory and the Coca-Cola Store. During FBLA Night, the park was closed off to just FBLA members, giving students a chance to experience shorter lines. They were also provided a $25 gift card for food options.

At the end of the competition, the awards ceremony was held. Rising freshmen Roma Agarwal and Christine Yu won ninth place in their event, Middle School Exploring Business Issues, bringing home a win for Heritage. 

Daya said that overall, she and the state officer team were very proud of everybody. “Overall, the National leadership conference was a total success, as so many competitors placed in their designated category, learned from speakers and really acted as leaders,” Daya said.

_{Pin trading was one of the activities students could participate in while not competing. Each state that attended FBLA had a customized pin distributed to their students in order to facilitate a much easier trading system. Maps were set up with each state’s respective pin, so students could keep track of which pins they needed, and which they were missing. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)} 

_{During FBLA Night, students were able to ride all Universal Studio rides, including Harry Potter’s Escape from Gringotts and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. Here, senior Emma Colarte Delgado, junior Mikaella Mishiev and senior Maliha Daya board the Gringotts ride. For an additional fee, students could add on access to Universal’s Island of Adventure. (Photo/Emma Colarte Delgado)}

_{In Disney Springs, students ate at Paradiso 37 Grill for dinner, before being able to go and explore what else the location had to offer. Students chose to visit Gideon’s Bakehouse, pictured above, the Cirque du Soleil store front and the World of Disney store, to name a few. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)} 

_{Daya holds up the FL to spell out FLORIDA with another member of the state officer team at the closing ceremony, hoping to get the state of Florida excited for the closing ceremonies. (Photo/Maliha Daya)}