PO Box 5085, Jersey Shore, PA 17740
  (570) 398-4652 Phone /(570) 737-4250 Fax
  stateoffice@pafbla.us
        

2025 NLC Information & Updates


Pennsylvania FBLA Blue Panda for NLC lodging and a la care items is now open as of 12:01 am, April 17.
National FBLA Blue Panda is open for NLC registration and placement in competitive events.

PA FBLA National Leadership Conference Travel Package with Pricing

2025 National Leadership Conference Orientation PowerPoint, April 16, 2025
2025 National Leadership Conference Zoom Recording, April 16, 2025
>>>Passcode:  9+&i&Kur

Click this link for a school/parent to request an invoice to pay by credit card (3.5% convenience fee applies)

All PA FBLA payments are mailed to:                       All National FBLA payments are mailed to:
PA FBLA                                                                                    FBLA, Inc.
PO Box 5085                                                                             PO Box 79063
Jersey Shore, PA 17740                                                          Baltimore, MD 21279
PA FBLA W-9                                                                        National FBLA W-9

Advisers/Parents/Chaperones, please complete this Summer Mailing Address Contact Form for items that need to be mailed prior to the NLC.


Information will be published as it is released by National FBLA.
click here to be redirected to National FBLA’s NLC page

2025 National Leadership Conference
Anaheim, California — Anaheim Convention Center
June 29-July 02 (does not include travel dates to and from Anaheim)
1.  TENTATIVE conference schedule
2.  TENTATIVE high school competitive events schedule
3.  TENTATIVE middle school competitive events schedule
The schedules listed above are subject to change and should not be considered final for travel purposes.  Final schedules will be announced in mid to late May after National FBLA reviews the number of competitors in each event.


Pennsylvania FBLA assigned lodging location (as announced by National FBLA):
Lodging is available for check-in beginning Friday, June 27; check-out is scheduled for July 03 (must include two nights’ lodging during that range) ; all lodging reservations MUST be made through Pennsylvania FBLA.  Budgeting rate:  $315 per night per room; 1-4 per room; taxes/fees included.  Lodging is NOT available prior to June 27.

Anaheim Marriott
700 West Convention Way
Anaheim, CA 92802


Important Dates and Responsibilities:
April 15, 2025:  NLC scholarship deadline for high school students and/or scholarship deadline for middle school students (apply for $695 in National FBLA grants) (responsibility:  student)
April 30, 2025:
  $200 per traveler deposit paid to PA FBLA  (must be received by that date) (responsibility:  adviser/school and/or parent)
May 10, 2025:  balance due on PA FBLA package paid to PA FBLA (must be received by that day) (responsibility:  adviser/school and/or parent)
***PA FBLA must make final lodging arrangements/commitments no later than May 13, 2025.  Preliminary lodging holds are made based on the $200 per deposit (first come, first served); final lodging commitments are made based on full payments received by May 10.
May 13, 2025:
  adviser must register all NLC conference participants and place them in National FBLA’s Blue Panda no later than this date; pre-judged assets must be uploaded no later than that date:  (1) American Enterprise Project (report), (2) Business Ethics (one-page executive summary), Business Plan (report), (3) Community Service Project (report), (4) Digital Animation (video url), (5) Digital Video Production (video url), (6) Future Business Educator (lesson plan pdf), (7) Future Business Leader (cover and resume pdf), (8) Job Interview (cover and resume pdf), (9) Local Chapter Annual Business Report (report), (10) Partnership with Business Project (report) (responsibility:  adviser).  Only the adviser can register competitors and upload these assets.
June 01, 2025:  NLC registration fees paid to National FBLA (postmark date; otherwise, there is be a $25 administration (late) fee if payment does not arrive by June 12).  Parents are not able to directly pay National FBLA by credit card. (responsibility:  adviser/school and/or parent)


Who’s eligible to attend?
Follow these guidelines regarding eligibility to compete and attend the 2025 National Leadership Conference:

  • The Top 4 high school award winners automatically qualify to compete in the official high school competitive events
  • The Top 4 middle school award winners automatically qualify to complete in the official middle school competitive events
  • If a chapter’s Top 4 qualifier is not eligible to participate, chapter advisers need to contact the following:
    • high school competitive events:  Bruce Boncal, PA FBLA Executive Director, bboncal@pafbla.us
    • middle school competitive events:  Michele Sites, PA FBLA Middle School Coordinator, msites@pafbla.us
      • Offers to participate will be made to the 5th- through the 10th place winners should any in the Top 4 not be able to participate.
  • For questions regarding high school scores and judging ratings from the State Leadership Conference and Middle School program scores and judging, contact:
    • Derek Selleck, PA FBLA Competitive Events Coordinator, dselleck@pafbla.us (high school program)
    • Michele Sites, PA FBLA Middle School Coordinator, msites@pafbla.us (middle school program)

Family members are welcome to attend the NLC and travel as part of the PA FBLA package.  If an adviser cannot attend the conference, a parent may serve as the student member’s chaperone.


FAQs (answers to your likely questions):

  1. If my student is on a team of 1-3 students that placed at the state conference and one or more drop out, can my single student complete?  Answer:  yes, your single student may compete as the event can be 1-3 students (or 4-5 students in the case of Parliamentary Procedure).
  2. Are the competitive events guidelines the same for the national conference as the state conference?  Answer:  no, you should be referring to the National FBLA guidelines for the national conference.  Although the guidelines might be similar, there are definitely some differences.  Click here for the high school competitive guidelines and/or the middle school competitive events guidelines.
  3. Are the production tests administered at my home schools as they have been in prior years?  Answer, no.  Computer Applications, Exploring Computer Applications (middle school), Spreadsheet Applications, and Word Processing will be administered onsite in Anaheim this year.  Nothing will be administered at the home school.
  4. May I make changes to the items I submit for NLC pre-judging that were submitted at the national conference?  Answer, yes. Competitors are strongly advised to review the SLC judges’ scoring sheets and feedback and make improvements, if appropriate.  The deadline for submission is May 13.
  5. Do advisers need to inform the state office if my competitor will not attend?  Answer, yes.  Please contact Bruce Boncal, PA FBLA Executive Director, bboncal@pafbla.us, for high school students not able to attend OR Michele Sites, PA FBLA Middle School Coordinator, msites@pafbla.us, for middle school students not able to attend.  Please notify us as soon as possible so that offers can be made to the next eligible competitor.
  6. Am I able to see my objective test scores and rating sheets for my events from the region conference and the state conference?  Answer, yes.  Advisers only must sign on to Blue Panda to download the scores and rating sheets.
  7. Can substitutions be made if a student cannot participate at the national conference?  Answer, no.  If a student did not compete at the state level and qualify for the state conference, he/she may not be substituted to participate at the national conference.
  8. Can an adviser/chaperone from one school serve as a chaperone for a student from another school?  Answer, yes.  Written agreements should be made between the school administrations of both schools.  Because a school’s adviser must enter an adviser/chaperone name for his/her school and another school’s adviser/chaperone is taking responsibility  for his/her students, the adviser will need to email nlc@fbla.org to make sure the chaperone is assigned to both chapters (only one registration fee will be charged).
  9. Can I submit accommodations for a student for his/her competitive event based on his/her IEP/504 or medical issues?  Answer, yes.  Requests for accommodations are made through the National FBLA Blue Panda Special Needs Provision for an individual attendee.  All accommodations must be submitted by the May 13, 2025, registration deadline.
  10. Do students need to bring their own laptops/tablets to complete their objective tests in Anaheim?  Answer, yes.  Students are to bring their own electronic devices.  Phones are not compatible with the testing systems.  Windows devices, Apple devices, Chromebooks — all are acceptable.  However, if the device is a school-issued device, the adviser and competitor should work with the school system’s technology staff to make sure security policies do not impede the ability to connect to WiFi outside the school system or access to Blue Panda.

National FBLA NLC Policies:

  • Pennsylvania will publish a travel package prior to the State Leadership Conference.  There will be the following options:
    • Plan A:  6- or 7-night package — all-inclusive package (excluding airfare), which includes lodging, tours, transfers, and more.  Plan A will include a full-day excursion to San Diego on Saturday, June 28, which will include the San Diego Zoo, hop on/hop off San Diego city trolley tour access, Old Towne San Diego
    • Plan B:  5-night package — includes lodging and possible transfers (depending on travel dates) and option to purchase a la carte items
    • Plan C:  a la carte package with minimum purchase of two-nights’ lodging at the required Pennsylvania FBLA assigned hotel
      • Each traveler incurs a mandatory $40 travel service fee for services provided by Pennsylvania FBLA pre-conference, at the conference, and post-conference
      • Each student must be chaperoned by an adult in compliance with National FBLA’s chaperone policy
  • All lodging reservations must be made through Pennsylvania FBLA.
  • Attendees must schedule a minimum of two-nights’ lodging at Pennsylvania FBLA’s assigned hotel (not known at this time).
  • Chapters/travelers make their own air travel reservations to and from Anaheim.
  • Pennsylvania FBLA is tentatively planning that there will be transfers to and from two Anaheim area airports only with reservations through PA FBLA.  The closest airport is John Wayne Airport/Orange County (SNA); the other location is Los Angeles International (LAX).
  • Domestic airlines serving John Wayne Airport:  (1) Alaska Airlines, (2) Allegiant Airlines, (3) American Airlines, (4) Breeze Airways, (5) Delta Airlines, (6) Frontier Airlines, (7) Southwest Airlines, (8) Spirit Airlines, (9) United Airlines.    Most air travel from Pennsylvania will require connecting flights into John Wayne Airport.  The only direct flight from Pennsylvania is Breeze Airways from Pittsburgh; the other closest airport with direct flights to John Wayne Airport is United Airlines from Newark, New Jersey. 
  • American Airlines offers direct flights from the following locations to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):  (1) Pittsburgh, (2) Philadelphia.  United Airlines offers non-stop flights to LAX from:  (1) Washington Dulles, (2) Baltimore, (3) Newark.  Southwest Airlines offers non-stop flights to LAX from:  (1) Baltimore. 

Projected costs for planning are found below.  Actual costs will be unveiled at a Zoom meeting on Wednesday night, April 16, starting at 8:00 pm.   Invitations to the Zoom meeting will be issued next week.

Known costs:
Registration fees:  $195 per FBLA member / $125 per FBLA adviser or adult chaperone

Plan A (complete package)
6-nights’ lodging
Plan B (lodging + a la carte)
5 nights’ lodging
Plan C (lodging + a la carte)
customize your package
Published Single Rate: $2,304 per person $1,705 per person $315 x # of nights + $40 per person service fee + a la carte items
Published Double Rate: $1,359 per person $918 per person $315 x # of nights divided by two + $40 per person service fee + a la carte items
Published Triple Rate: $1,044 per person $655 per person $315 x # of nights divided by three + $40 per person service fee + a la carte items
Published Quad Rate: $887 per person $524 per person $315 x # of nights divided by four + $40 per person service fee + a la carte items
does not include: airfare
registration fee
airfare
registration fee
airfare
registration fee
includes: 6-nights lodging, starting 6/27
airport meet & greet, 6/27
airport transfers, 6/27 & 7/3
travel service fee (swag bag, trading pin, baggage tags, pre- & post-conference services)
San Diego education program, 6/27
5-nights lodging, starting 6/28
airport meet & greet, 6/28
airport transfers, 6/28 & 7/3
travel service fee (swag bag, trading pin, baggage tags, pre- & post-conference services)
minimum 2 nights lodging
travel service fee (swag bag, trading pin, baggage tags, pre- & post-conference services)
a la carte options: NLC polo shirt, $25
Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game
Discounted Disneyland tickets
Knotts Berry Farm
NLC polo shirt, $25
Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game
Discounted Disneyland tickets
Knotts Berry Farm
NLC polo shirt, $25
Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game
Discounted Disneyland tickets
Knotts Berry Farm
       

READ ID Requirements
Air travelers 18 years of age and older must be REAL ID compliant starting May 7, 2025, to board domestic flights.  From the Department of Homeland Security page on REAL ID:  “Travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025″ will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.”  “TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.”  Refer to the Department of Homeland Security page on READ ID FAQs for additional information.  A passport is an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID license.  More information on alternatives published by DHS can be found here.

2025 SLC Chapter Information

Current Active Online Forms for FBLA Chapters

Deadline Date / Form Name

March 29, 2025 SLC Changes Form Available (to be used after registration closes on February 1 until March 29, 2025)

March 24, 2025Emergency Forms/Other Documents
(forms are uploaded by chapter adviser via Blue Panda as assets/March 24, 2025, upload deadline)

Student Forms:
(1) Student Emergency Form (1 per student)
(2) Student Delegate Code of Conduct w/dress code (submit signature only/acknowledges Code of Conduct and Dress Code) (1 per student)
(3) Dress Code
Adult/Chapter Forms:
(1) Adviser/Chaperone/Guest Emergency Form (1 per adult)
(2) Adviser/Guest/Chaperone Hotel Safety Guidelines (1 per adult)
(3) Adviser & School District Administrator Emergency Contact Form (1 per chapter)
(4) Dress Code


Important:  Calendar of Events (see below)


2025 State Leadership Conference Pricing Chart
Pricing Options:
Plan A:  2-nights lodging with 5 meals
Plan B:  2-nights lodging; no meals
Plan C:  commuter
Plan D:  special one-night pricing
Sunday, April 06, early arrival option with room flat fee (1-4 per room)
All online objective tests (with the exception of those with potential role plays) will be administered “live and in person” in Hershey.  All performance events will be administered “live and in person” in Hershey.


General Schedule of Events
Sunday, April 06
Registration Open, 7:00-9:00 pm | Hersheypark Open | FBLA Fun Night
Monday, April 07
Registration Open, 7:00 am | Online Objective Tests and Performance Competitive Events (all day/see SLC calendar) | Career Expo and Leadership Workshops, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Exhibits Open |Campaign Rally, 6:30-8:30 pm | Opening General Session, 8:30-10:30 pm (middle school awards announced/presented at the beginning of the Opening Session)
Tuesday, April 08
Registration Open, 7:00 am | Online Objective Tests and Performance Competitive Events (all day/see schedule below) | Career Expo and Leadership Workshops, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | Exhibits Open | Awards of Excellence Program, 7:00-10:30 pm 

Information on 2025 SLC Open Competitive Events Offerings, Registration Times, and More Announced
click the link above for detailed information


Conference attendees may attend under the following options:
2024-25 SLC — Attendance Policy
>>>Member at Large Online Application (deadline January 31, 2025, by 11:59 pm)
2024-25 SLC — Categories of Attendee Registration
2024-25 SLC — Hotel Properties Selection
2024-25 SLC — Miscellaneous Pricing Chart (meals, Hersheypark, Hershey Bears, shirts/hoodies)
2024-25 SLC — Important SLC Deadline Dates (check this area on the SLC portion of the website)
2024-25 SLC — Refund Policy

Important Forms
2024-25 SLC — Pre-Conference FBLA Competitor Identification Form (for someone who does not have a picture ID)
2024-25 SLC — ONSITE Conference FBLA ID Verification Form (for someone who forgot their ID)
2024-25 SLC — Online Change Form
(to be used February 2 through and including March 29)
2024-25 SLC — Application Form to Request for Sunday, April 6, Objective Testing (4:00-6:00 pm/all testers must begin no later than 5:00 pm)
2024-25 SLC — Special Dietary Issues/Restrictions Form
2024-25 SLC — Student SLC Guidelines
2024-25 SLC — Adviser SLC Guidelines
2024-25 SLC — Parent Online Form to Request Payment Be Made by Credit Card (for student’s share of SLC fees)

Other SLC Items
2024-25 SLC — Adviser Step-by-Step Instructions – Blue Panda Quick Start Guide
2024-25 SLC — Dress Code

2024-25 SLC — Shirt/Hoodie Design and Pricing Chart
2024-25 SLC — Hersheypark Ticket Flyer / Why Order from Pennsylvania FBLA?
2024-25 SLC — Hershey Bears Ticket Flyer / Why Order from Pennsylvania FBLA?
2024-25 SLC — Charity Auction
2024-25 SLC — Educational Leadership Program

Emergency Forms/Other Documents
(forms are uploaded by chapter adviser via Blue Panda as assets/March 24, 2025, upload deadline)

Student Forms:
(1) Student Emergency Form (1 per student)
(2) Student Delegate Code of Conduct w/dress code (submit signature only/acknowledges Code of Conduct and Dress Code) (1 per student)
(3) Dress Code
Adult/Chapter Forms:
(1) Adviser/Chaperone/Guest Emergency Form (1 per adult)
(2) Adviser/Guest/Chaperone Hotel Safety Guidelines (1 per adult)
(3) Adviser & School District Administrator Emergency Contact Form (1 per chapter)
(4) Dress Code


Key Dates:


December 09, 2024 — SLC “Chapter Only” Events Registration Opens at 8:00 am (reports/videos due 2/17)
December 11, 2024
— SLC “State-Only” Individual/Team Events Reports/Video Uploads Due via Blue Panda, 11:59 pm

December 15, 2024 — State Officer/National Officer Candidate Applications Due, 11:59 pm
December 16, 2024SLC Registration and Lodging Opens via Blue Panda, 12:00 noon
December 31, 2024 — SLC Region Membership Incentive Final Calculations for Plans A, B, C, D

January 01, 2025 — SLC Application Form Available for Sunday Night, April 06, Online Objective Testing at Hershey Lodge
January 24, 2025
Middle School — Competitive Events Registration Deadline (contact Michele Sites)
January 31, 2025 – Latest date to announce individual/team state-only competitive events finalists from those submitted by December 11, 2024

January 31, 2025SLC Member at Large (MAL) Application Deadline, 11:59 pm

February 01, 2025SLC Registration and Lodging via Blue Panda Closes, 11:59 pm
February 01, 2025
– Final Date for Competitive Events Changes to Region Advisers/State Office, 11:59 pm
February 01, 2025 – Final Submission Date for Businessperson of the Year, Business Partnership of the Year, School Administrator of the Year Applicants
February 02, 2025 SLC Changes Form Available (to be used after registration closes on February 1 until March 29, 2025)
February 03, 2025 – Final Submission Date for SLC Local Market Share Award, 11:59 pm
February 03, 2025:  Registration for Open Competitive Events Opens
February 17, 2025 – Final Submission Deadline for Future Business Leader and Job Interview resume/cover letter via Blue Panda, 11:59 pm
February 17, 2025 – Final Submission Date for “Chapter Events” Report/Video Uploads via Blue Panda, 11:59 pm (American Enterprise Project, Community Service Project, Local Chapter Annual Business Report, Partnership with Business)
February 17, 2025 Final Submission Date for “Member” Internships, 11:59 pm (SLC Hospitality Internship, SLC Multimedia Internship, SLC Grade 11 Job Shadowing Internship, SLC National Anthem Singer Audition)
February 21, 2025 —
Final Date for Parent Request to Pay for SLC Registration/Lodging by Credit Card
February 21, 2025
Full SLC Registration and Lodging Payment “Received By” Deadline, 11:59 pm
February 28, 2025 – Latest Day to Announce “Chapter” Competitive Events Finalists from February 17, 2025, Submissions
February 28, 2025:  Registration for Open Competitive Events Closes


March 01, 2025
Middle School — Testing Windows Opens
March 01, 2025 — Final Submission Deadlines for SLC Recognition:  William Selden Outstanding Chapter Criteria, Who’s Who in PA FBLA Criteria, Keystone Leadership Award, Membership Madness and Membership Mania Awards)
March 03, 2025
SLC Business Ethics Case Study Upload Deadline via Blue Panda, 11:59 pm
March 03, 2025Business Honor Society Submission Deadline, 11:59 pm
March 03, 2025Outstanding Adviser Criteria Submission Deadline for SLC Recognition, 11:59 pm
March 03-07, 2025 – SLC Production Tests Administered at Home Schools
March 11, 2025 – SLC Production Tests Upload Deadline for Judging via Blue Panda, 11:59 pm
March 14, 2025Middle School — Testing Windows Closes
March 15, 2025 — SLC Shirt/Hoodie Final Purchase Form Deadline, 11:59 pm (opens February 2)
March 20, 2025 — SLC Hersheypark Ticket Final Order Form Deadline, 11:59 pm (opens February 2)
March 20, 2025 — SLC Hershey Bears Ticket Final Order Form Deadline, 11:59 pm (opens February 2)
March 20, 2025 — SLC Breakfast-To-Go Final Order Form Deadline, 11;59 pm (opens February 2)
March 20, 2025Retiring Adviser Notification Form Deadline for SLC Recognition, 11:15 pm
March 23, 202550% Registration/Lodging Changes & Refund Deadline via Blue Panda, 11:59 pm (must use “change form” after February 01)
March 24, 2025SLC Refunds Not Issued for Cancellations/Changes After This Date
March 24, 2025 — Final Upload Date for SLC Student Emergency Form, Adviser/Chaperone/Guest Emergency Form, Adviser/Guest/Chaperone Hotel/Safety Form, Delegate Code of Conduct Form, and Adviser/School Administrator Contact Form via Blue Panda, 11:59 pm 

March 24-28, 2025 – SLC Open Competitive Events Administered at Home Schools (separate registration will be announced/will be required)
March 26, 2025 — SLC Conference App Available for Download
March 26-April 02, 2025 — SLC Role-Play Events Objective Tests Administered at Home Schools
March 29, 2025 — SLC Accountability Journal Available for Download
March 29, 2025 – Final Submission Date for SLC Changes Form (to be used after registration closes on February 1 until March 29, 2025)
March 30, 2025 — Deadline for Parent/Family Application for Ticket Purchases to Attend Monday Opening General Session and/or Tuesday Awards Program at the Giant Center
March 30, 2025 — Submission Deadline for Sunday Night, April 06, Online Objective Testing Application Form Option

April 06, 2025 — SLC Sunday Night Objective Testing Option, 4:00-6:00 pm, Hershey Lodge (by application only)
April 06, 2025 — Hersheypark Open (discounted tickets were available for purchase by March 20)
April 06, 2025 — Hershey Bears Hockey (discounted tickets were available for purchase by March 20)

April 06, 2025 — SLC Early-Bird Registration Open, 7:00-9:00 pm, Hershey Lodge
April o7, 2025 — SLC Registration Open, 7:00 am-5:00 pm, Hershey Lodge
April o7, 2025 — 12:00 Noon @ Conference HQ/Cocoa Terrace Room:  “Received By” Deadline for Contributions for State Project Awards
April o7, 2025 — SLC Business Meeting and Voting Delegates Orientation, Giant Center, 6:30 pm (broadcast live/connection information below)
April o7, 2025 — SLC Opening General Session, Giant Center, 8:30 pm (broadcast live/connection information below)

  • Middle School Awards presented live; top 5 called to stage in each event
  • High School chapter awards presented live

April o8, 2025 — SLC Awards of Excellence Program, Giant Center, 7:00 pm (broadcast live/connection information below)
April o8, 2025 — NLC Orientation (top 4 high school/middle school winners eligible); Giant Center (immediately following the Awards Program)

PA LiveStream/Broadcast Link
www.thinkcybis.com/pafbla-live
no purchase is necessary



Special Student Applications (Internships and National Anthem Singer):
Questions regarding internships/national anthem singer should be directed to:  Janet Skiles, PA FBLA Conference Coordinator, jskiles@pafbla.us
MUST READ:  Overview:  FBLA High School Member Internships and National Anthem Singer

1.  SLC Hospitality Intern
>>>Hospitality Internship Application link: https://pafbla.wufoo.com/forms/zkv1zw30r80amp/
>>>MUST READ: Hospitality Internship Application Procedures
Important deadline dates for this internship:
The application deadline is Monday, February 17, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST.
The successful candidate will be notified by email no later than Thursday, February 20, 2025, by 12:00 noon.  Registration and lodging must be completed by Saturday, February 22, 2025, at noon.


2. SLC Cybis Multimedia Intern
>>>Cybis Multimedia Production Internship link: http://www.thinkcybis.com/internship
>>>MUST READ: Cybis Internship Application Procedures
Important deadline dates for this internship:
The application deadline is Monday, February 17, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST.
The successful candidate will be notified by email no later than Thursday, February 20, 2025, by 12:00 noon.  Registration and lodging must be completed by Saturday, February 22, 2025, at noon.


3. SLC National Anthem Singer Vocalist Audition
>>>Audition link: https://pafbla.wufoo.com/forms/s1km6r0q0nb6v4o/
>>>MUST READ: National Anthem Singer Audition/Application Procedures
Qualifications: Vocalist must be a PA FBLA high school member and REGISTERED for the 2025 SLC. Vocalists must be able to sing the national anthem in traditional style acapella. Team Cybis will notify the successful candidate by email no later than Friday, March 7, 2025, EST.


4. SLC Grade 11 Job Shadowing Intern
>>>Conference Management Internship Link:  https://pafbla.wufoo.com/forms/s1861or91c792mc/
>>>MUST READ:  11th Grade Conference Shadow/Internship Application Procedures
Important deadline dates for this internship:
The application deadline is Monday, February 17, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST.
The successful candidate will be notified by email no later than Thursday, February 20, 2025, by 12:00 noon.  Registration and lodging must be completed by Saturday, February 22, 2025, at noon.

2025 SLC Competitive Events Schedules & Information


Individual Performance Schedule Times/Locations

State Leadership Conference Performance Schedules
Competitors must be in dress code compliance and must bring a picture ID with them to check-in.

2025 SLC — Onsite Conference FBLA ID Verification Form


General Schedule of Events


Information on 2025 SLC Open Competitive Events Offerings, Registration Times, and More Announced
click the link above for detailed information

Sunday, April 06
Registration Open, 7:00-9:00 pm | Hersheypark Open | Hershey Bears Hockey Game @ Giant Center | FBLA Fun Night
Special Online Objective Testing Session, 4:00-6:00 pm (by approval only / online application form link)

Monday, April 07
Registration Open, 7:00 am | Online Objective Tests and Performance Competitive Events (all day/see SLC calendar) | Career Expo and Leadership Workshops, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Exhibits Open |Campaign Rally, 6:30-8:30 pm | Opening General Session, 8:30-10:30 pm (middle school awards announced/presented at the beginning of the Opening Session)
Tuesday, April 08
Registration Open, 7:00 am | Online Objective Tests and Performance Competitive Events (all day/see schedule below) | Career Expo and Leadership Workshops, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | Exhibits Open | Awards of Excellence Program, 7:00-10:30 pm 


Required Picture Identification Requirements & Check-in Process/Other Competitive Events Policies


Pennsylvania FBLA has a mandatory competitor requirement that picture IDs are required at the event check-in for high school students in grades 9-12.  With thousands of competitors at the PA FBLA SLC, the ID is to maintain the integrity of the competitive events program by verifying that the competitor is truly the competitor and not an impersonator.

Students MUST bring a picture ID to be presented at check-in to receive their testing passcode OR to participate in the performance events0. The picture ID may be their school ID, their driver’s license, their passport. If the student does not have a picture ID, the following form must be used as an “alternate” to the picture ID. A school administrator must certify the student’s identity and approve an attached picture to the form. Another option if a school administrator is not available: use a notary.

NO PICTURE ID?  For someone who doesn’t have a picture ID, use this form.  This requires school administrator certification and a photo taken at school at attached to this form. 

FORGOT YOUR PICTURE ID IN HERSHEY?  For someone who arrives on site and forgot his/her picture ID, use this form.  It requires certification by the chapter adviser or parent who must accompany the student to the testing/performance area.

Students MUST be wearing their PA FBLA SLC name badge at the time they check in to take the test. For Sunday testing, name tags for Sunday testers will be at the registration desk immediately across from the entrance to the objective testing center, which is the Blue Room of the Great American Hall (closest to the convention center entrance). On Sunday, name tags will be available starting at 3:30 pm for those testing Sunday night.

THE CHECK-IN PROCESS for Objective Testing and Performances
1. Students will organize in the roped area outside the Hershey Lodge Blue Room, which is in the Convention Center Lobby.

2. Students must be in business attire, which complies with the PA FBLA Dress Code and includes his/her official conference name tag. Students must have their picture ID with them or have their school administrator approved alternate ID form.

  1. Pay CLOSE attention to the “unacceptable” dress code items. Dress code is NOT business casual; it is business professional. When in doubt, review your dress code selection with your adviser OR email the PA FBLA Competitive Events Coordinator, dselleck@pafbla.us, with a picture of what you may consider wearing for an opinion.

3.  The student must have a writing instrument with them.

4. At the time testing is ready to begin, students will be called into the Blue Room to begin the check-in process. The students will funnel into the room through one specific entrance.

5. Once inside the room, the students will report to one of four tables based on the first letter of their last name. The tables will be: A-F, G-L, M-R, and S-Z. Each competitor checks in at table matching his/her last name. At that table, the students will:

  1. Present their picture ID (or alternate school administrator approved form) to the event staff.  A photocopy of a picture ID is not acceptable.  A digital picture on the student’s phone is not acceptable.
  2. Have their dress attire reviewed for compliance with the PA FBLA Dress Code. If the student is not in compliance with the dress code:
    • He/she may leave the room to alter his/her dress code to come into compliance and then return to the testing center, OR agree to take a 5-point deduction for a dress code violation that is not considered “egregious.”
    • He/she will be asked to leave the testing center and return in compliance with the dress code OR not be permitted to take the test as a 5-point deduction will not be an option for an “egregious” dress code violation.

6.  Once the student’s dress code compliance has been reviewed, the student will be given a 4×6 card that will include the student’s: (1) event ID, (2) username, and (3) passcode.

  1. The student will complete the required information and submit it as proof of attendance in the objective test center. The student will complete the following on the card:
    (1) Printed full name, (2) Test Name, (3) Signature, (4) Date.  ***The card MUST be turned into event staff as he/she leaves the room.

7.  The student will be directed to exit the testing room via a specific door away from the testing center.

8.  In order to receive the passcode, the student would have to be registered properly AND registration payment has been received.  Advisers need to verify that payment has been received.

9.  Students ARE NOT permitted to take any online objective test collaboratively in any event, effective with the 2022-2023 FBLA year, due to a change in guidelines announced by National FBLA.

10.  Students ARE NOT permitted to use any resources when taking the online objective tests.  Students ARE NOT permitted to use open notes, open web, open book.  Any attempt to use any outside resource while taking the online test could results in disqualification and considered cheating.

11. Any event that requires a performance will require the student to come onsite to Hershey to participate “live” in the performance in front of the judges. There will be no exceptions or remote participation in these competitive events.  It must be live, and students/advisers or parents must be prepared to have the students in Hershey for the published performance schedule.  Provisions can be made for parents to bring the student to Hershey for the live competitive event and then leave.  However, the student must be present at the published performance times OR be available to be sequestered for those events that require being sequestered.  No exceptions will be made.

12.  All performance events will be administered onsite at the State Leadership Conference. There will be no exceptions.  There will be preliminary rounds on Monday, April 07, and final rounds on Tuesday, April 08.  There will also be final rounds for certain events (with no preliminary rounds) either Monday or Tuesday.

13.  Performance events check-in process:

  1. ID checks and dress code checks will take place for all preliminary rounds and final rounds.
  2. Events that are sequestered will have their ID check and dress code check when they arrive at the room where they are to be sequestered.
  3. For scheduled events that are not sequestered, ID checks and dress code checks will occur upon arrival at the performance room.
  4. Students must present a picture ID at the time of check-in, or an alternate form certified by a school administrator must be presented if the student does not have a picture ID.  A photocopy of a picture ID is not acceptable.  A digital picture on the student’s phone is not acceptable.

14.  Any individual who is eligible to attend the SLC based on the above criteria AND pays the $105 registration fee is eligible and is permitted to attend the State Leadership Conference. There will be an extensive, robust leadership development program aligned with the Pennsylvania Career Education and Work Standards.  Students who meet the criteria will receive documentation to place in the CEW portfolios at their home schools.

15.  Preliminary- and final-round performance schedules are randomly generated through the competitive events program, Blue Panda.  There are no changes to schedules that will be made based on requests for sporting events; other school activities; travel distance; or other personal or miscellaneous reasons.  All competitors are expected to be in attendance at their published time.  If a competitor’s event requires students to be “sequestered,” the student must be present in the holding room at the beginning of the competitive event and remain sequestered until his/her performance time is complete.

16.  Any requests for online testing or performance accommodations based on a student’s disability must be documented by the chapter adviser in the “special needs” section of the student’s registration profile and must be supported by IEP or 504 documentation or medical documentation (example:  extended time).  Copies of that documentation, once entered into the special needs section, requires written documentation from a school’s special education official emailed to:  Bruce Boncal, PA FBLA Executive Director, bboncal@pafbla.us, and Derek Selleck, PA FBLA Competitive Events Coordinator, dselleck@pafbla.us.


Pre-conference Testing Information


Pre-Conference SLC TestingMarch 26 – April 02, 2025 (no later than 5:00 pm) (top 15 finalists will be announced on April 03 by 9:00 pm)
Certain events (with role plays) will be administered at home schools under the direct supervision of school staff prior to the first day of the State Leadership Conference:
(1) Banking & Financial Systems, (2) Business Management, (3) Entrepreneurship, (4) Help Desk, (5) Hospitality & Event Management, (6) International Business, (7) Intro. to Event Planning, (8) Management Information Systems, (9) Marketing, (10) Network Design, (11) Parliamentary Procedure, (12) Sports & Entertainment Management
For individual/teams that are not announced as finalists, there will be no lodging or registration refunds.

Pre-Conference Production Tests:  March 03-07, 2025
The following events with production tests will be administered at home schools under the direct supervision of school staff prior to the State Leadership Conference:
(1) Computer Applications, (2) Spreadsheet Applications, (3) Word Processing
Tests must be uploaded via Blue Panda as a single PDF file asset no later than March 11, 2025, by 11:59 pm.


2025 State Leadership Conference Competitive Onsite Online Objective Events Schedule
Students must be in compliance with the PA FBLA Dress Code to take the test.  The dress code is found here.


Online Objective Testing
Students are to bring their own fully-charged laptop/tablet (Window, MacOS, Chrome, iOS, Android) to take their test.  Phones are not compatible with the testing system.  If using school equipment, the FBLA adviser/competitor must check with the school entity technical staff to make sure there are no security issues connecting to the Hershey Lodge Wifi or other school policies that would prevent the student from accessing the online test.

Sunday, April 6, 2025/Hershey Lodge: 04:00 pm – 06:00 pm — Blue Room

(1) Online Testing/Pre-registration Required (by approval only / online application form link)
Pennsylvania FBLA is offering a special 2-hour Sunday window to commuter students (those not staying onsite) and others to minimize time out of school and avoid previously scheduled conflicts. Online objective tests are a maximum of 50 minutes.  To submit a request to test during the Sunday session, please complete this form.  There must be a separate form for each competitor.  Suggestion:  have the student complete the form.

Monday, April 7, 2025/Hershey Lodge:  08:00 am (subject to change/this is not a final schedule)
(1) Future Business Leader, (2) Accounting I, (3) Accounting II, (4) Advertising, (5) Computer Applications, (7) Spreadsheet Applications, (8) Word Processing

Monday, April 7, 2025/Hershey Lodge:  09:00 am (subject to change/this is not a final schedule)
(1) Agribusiness, (2) Business Communication, (3) Financial Math, (4) Intro. to Parliamentary Procedure

Monday, April 7, 2025/Hershey Lodge:  10:00 am (subject to change/this is not a final schedule)
(1) Business Law, (2) Computer Problem Solving, (3) Cybersecurity, (4) Intro. to Business Procedures

Monday, April 7, 2025/Hershey Lodge:  11:00 am (subject to change/this is not a final schedule)
(1) Economics, (2) Healthcare Administration, (3) Human Resource Management, (4) Insurance & Risk Management

Monday, April 7, 2025/Hershey Lodge:  12:00 noon (subject to change/this is not a final schedule)
(1) Intro. to Business Concepts, (2) Intro. to FBLA, (3) Intro. to Financial Math, (4) Intro. to Information Technology

Monday, April 7, 2025/Hershey Lodge:  01:00 pm (subject to change/this is not a final schedule)
(1) Intro. to Business Communication, (2) Intro. to Marketing Concepts, (3) Journalism, (4) Networking Infrastructures

Monday, April 7, 2025/Hershey Lodge:  02:00 pm (subject to change/this is not a final schedule)
(1) Organization Leadership, (2) Personal Finance, (3) Public Policy & Advocacy

Monday, April 7, 2025/Hershey Lodge:  03:00 pm (subject to change/this is not a final schedule)
(1) Securities & Investments, (2) Supply Chain Management, (3) UX Design


2025 State Leadership Conference Performance Events Schedule
Students must be in compliance with the PA FBLA Dress Code to take the test.  The dress code is found here.


State Leadership Conference Tentative Performance Schedules (Monday, April 07)
this list is under revision and subject to change based on the number of competitors, sections needed, and meeting room availability

  • American Enterprise Project
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge)
  • Broadcast Journalism
    • (preliminary round groups A-C) (1:00 pm – 5:30 pm @ Hotel Hershey) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Business Management
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (1:45 pm – 6:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 1:45 pm) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Business Ethics
    • (preliminary round groups A-C) (8:00 am – 11:45 am @ Hotel Hershey) (competitors will complete objective test portion at Hotel Hershey) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Business Plan
    • (final round) (1:00 pm – 5:30 pm @ Hotel Hershey)
  • Client Service
    • (preliminary round groups A-C) (1:45 pm – 5:45 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room by 1:45 pm) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Community Service Project
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge)
  • Computer Game & Simulation Programming
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:45 pm @ Hotel Hershey) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Data Analysis
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Electronic Career Portfolio
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / practice session available with equipment available 6:30 am – 7:30 am)
  • Future Business Educator
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Future Business Leader
    • (preliminary round groups A-B) (2:00 pm – 5:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge)
  • Graphic Design
    • (preliminary round groups A-E) (8:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Hotel Hershey) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Help Desk
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 11:15 am @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am)
  • Impromptu Speaking
    • (preliminary round groups A-D) (1:00 pm – 4:30 pm @ Hotel Hershey / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 1:00 pm) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Introduction to Business Presentation
    • (preliminary round groups A-E) (1:00 pm – 4:45 pm @ Hotel Hershey) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Introduction to Event Planning
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Introduction to Programming
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / practice session available with equipment available 6:30 am – 7:30 am)
  • Introduction to Public Speaking
    • (preliminary round groups A-E) (10:30 am – 1:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Introduction to Social Media Strategy
    • (preliminary round groups A-D) (2:00 pm – 6:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge)
  • Job Interview
    • (preliminary round groups A-D) (8:00 am – 11:30 am @ Hershey Lodge) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Local Chapter Annual Business Report
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge)
  • Management Information Systems
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (1:45 pm – 6:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 1:45 pm) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Network Design
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Partnership with Business Project
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge)
  • Public Speaking
    • (preliminary round groups A-E ) (8:00 am – 10:30 am @ Hershey Lodge) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Sales Presentation
    • (preliminary round groups A-D) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hotel Hershey) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Social Media Strategies
    • (preliminary round groups A-D) (2:00 pm – 6:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge)
  • Sports & Entertainment Management
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Visual Design
    • (preliminary round groups A-D) (2:00 pm – 6:15 pm @ Hershey Lodge)
  • Website Design
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / practice session available with equipment available 6:30 am – 7:30 am)

State Leadership Conference Tentative Performance Schedules (Tuesday, April 08)
this list is under revision and subject to change based on the number of competitors, sections needed, and meeting room availability

  • Banking & Financial Systems
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am)
  • Broadcast Journalism
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:45 pm @ Hotel Hershey) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Business Ethics
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:45 pm @ Hershey Lodge) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Client Service
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Hotel Hershey / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website)
  • Coding & Programming
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hotel Hershey) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Digital Animation
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 11:45 am @ Hotel Hershey) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Digital Video Production
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Hotel Hershey)
  • Entrepreneurship
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am)
  • Financial Statement Analysis
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hotel Hershey)
  • Future Business Leader
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website)
  • Graphic Design
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hotel Hershey) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website)
  • Hospitality & Event Management
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hotel Hershey / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am)
  • Impromptu Speaking
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website)
  • International Business
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am)
  • Introduction to Business Presentation
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:45 pm @ Hotel Hershey) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Introduction to Public Speaking
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 11:30 am @ Hershey Lodge) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website)
  • Introduction to Social Media Strategy
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hotel Hershey) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website)
  • Job Interview
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 11:30 am @ Hershey Lodge) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website)
  • Marketing
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am)
  • Mobile Application Development
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 9:30 am @ Hotel Hershey) (updated 03.13.25)
  • Parliamentary Procedure
    • (final round) (role play schedule) (8:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge / competitors required to be sequestered and in holding room no later than 8:00 am)
  • Public Service Announcement 
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hotel Hershey)
  • Public Speaking
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 11:30 am @ Hershey Lodge) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website)
  • Sales Presentation
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website)
  • Social Media Strategies
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge) (finalists from Monday’s preliminary rounds will be published on the event app and on the PA FBLA website)
  • Visual Design
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Hershey Lodge / practice session available with equipment available 6:30 am – 7:30 am)
  • Website Coding & Development
    • (final round) (8:00 am – 1:30 pm @ Hershey Lodge / practice session available with equipment available 6:30 am – 7:30 am)

Finalists — Event with Role Plays (actual finalists are arranged in alpha order)
Additional Information will be sent by email to the chapter adviser.
Additional information about report time for sequestering will appear after this initial post; check the conference app for specific days and specific report time.

Banking & Financial Systems
TBD

Business Management
TBD

Entrepreneurship
TBD

Help Desk
TBD

Hospitality & Event Management
TBD

International Business
TBD

Introduction to Event Planning
TBD

Management Information Systems
TBD

Marketing
TBD

Network Design
TBD

Parliamentary Procedure
TBD

Sports & Entertainment Management
TBD


Onsite Performance Schedules
Monday, April 7/Hershey Lodge: (specific time slots/specific rooms will be published in mid to later March)

08:00 am – 10:30 am:  preliminary round performances (1) Public Speaking (groups A, B, C, D)
08:00 am – 11:30 am:  preliminary round performances (1) Job Interview (groups A, B, C, D)
08:00 am – 11:15 am:  final performances (1) Help Desk
08:00 am – 01:00 pm:  final performances (1) Data Analysis, (2) Future Business Educator
08:00 am – 01:00 pm:  final performances (1) American Enterprise Project, (2) Community Service Project, (3) Local Chapter Annual Business Report, (4) Partnership with Business Project
08:00 am – 01:30 pm:  final performances (1) Electronic Career Portfolio, (2) Introduction to Programming, (3) Website Design
08:00 am – 12:30 pm:  final performances (1) Introduction to Event Planning*, (2) Network Design*, (3) Sports & Entertainment Management*

>>>*students must be present in the holding room no later than 8:00 am to be sequestered during the performances
10:30 am – 01:00 pm:  preliminary round performances (1) Introduction to Public Speaking (groups A, B, C, D, E)
02:00 pm – 5:30 pm:  preliminary round performances (1) Future Business Leader (group A, B)
01:45 pm – 05:45 pm:  preliminary round performances (1) Client Service (groups A, B, C)
>>>*students must be present in the holding room no later than 1:45 pm to be sequestered during the performances
02:00 pm – 6:15 pm:  preliminary round performances (1) Visual Design (groups A, B, C, D)
02:00 pm – 6:30 pm:  preliminary round performances (1) Introduction to Social Media Strategy (groups A, B, C, D, E), (2) Social Media Strategies (groups A, B, C, D)
01:45 pm – 06:30 pm:  final performances (1) Business Management*, (2) Management Information Systems*
>>>*students must be present in the holding room no later than 1:45 pm to be sequestered during the performances

Monday, April 7/Hotel Hershey: (specific time slots/specific rooms will be published in mid to late March)
shuttle service is provided between the Hershey Lodge and Hotel Hershey
08:00 am – 11:45 am:  preliminary round performances (1) Business Ethics* (groups A, B, C)
>>>*Business Ethics competitors may take their online objective test anytime between 8:30 am and 11:00 am at the Hotel Hershey
08:00 am – 11:30 am:  preliminary round performances (1) Sales Presentation (groups A, B, C, D)
08:00 am – 12:00 pm:  preliminary round performances (1) Graphic Design (groups A, B, C, D, E)
08:00 am – 12:45 pm:  final performances (1) Computer Game & Simulation Programming

01:00 pm – 04:45 pm:  preliminary round performances (1) Intro. to Business Presentation (groups A, B, C, D, E)
01:00 pm – 05:30 pm:  preliminary round performances (1) Broadcast Journalism (groups A, B, C)
01:00 pm – 04:30 pm:  preliminary round performances (1) Impromptu Speaking* (groups A, B, C, D)
>>>*students must be present in the holding room no later than 12:45 pm to be sequestered during the performances
01:00 pm – 05:30 pm:  final performances (1) Business Plan

Tuesday, April 8/Hershey Lodge: (specific time slots/specific rooms will be published in mid March)
08:00 am – 11:30 am:  final round performances (1) Introduction to Public Speaking, (2) Job Interview, (3) Public Speaking
08:00 am – 12:00 noon:  final round performances (1) Impromptu Speaking*

>>>*students must be present in the holding room no later than 08:00 am to be sequestered during the performances
08:00 am – 12:45 pm:  final round performances (1) Business Ethics
08:00 am – 12:00 pm:  final round performances (1) Future Business Leader, (2) Job Interview
08:00 am – 11:30 am:  final round performances (1) Sales Presentation, (2) Social Media Strategies  

08:00 am – 01:30 pm:  final performances (1) Website Coding & Development
08:00 am – 12:00 pm:  final round performances (1) Visual Design
08:00 am – 12:30 pm:  final round performances (1) Banking & Financial Systems*, (2) Marketing*, (3) International Business*, (4) Entrepreneurship*
>>>*students must be present in the holding room no later than 08:00 am to be sequestered during the performances
08:00 am – 01:00 pm:  final round performances (1) Parliamentary Procedure*

>>>*students must be present in the holding room no later than 08:00 am to be sequestered during the performances

Tuesday, April 8/Hotel Hershey: (specific time slots/specific rooms will be published in mid March)
shuttle service is provided between the Hershey Lodge and Hotel Hershey
08:00 am – 09:30 am:  final round performances (1) Mobile Application Development
08:00 am – 11:45 am
:  final round performances (1) Digital Animation, (2) Mobile Application Development
8:00 am – 12:00 noon
:  final round performances (1) Client Service*
>>>*students must be present in the holding room no later than 08:00 am to be sequestered during the performances
08:00 am – 12:30 pm:  final round performances (1) Hospitality & Event Management*
>>>*students must be present in the holding room no later than 08:00 am to be sequestered during the performances
08:00 am – 12:30 pm:  final round performances (1) Coding & Programming, (2) Financial Statement Analysis, (3) Graphic Design, (4) Public Service Announcement

08:00 am – 12:45 pm
:  final round performances (1) Broadcast Journalism, (2) Introduction to Business Presentation
08:00 am – 01:00 pm:  final round performances (1) Digital Video Production  


State-only Individual/Team Competitive Events: maximum of 15 finalists announced no later than January 31, 2025.
1.  Chapters will be able to register and lodge students through Blue Panda until February 1, 2025.  Do not register students for these events until official notification si received from the state office.
2.  The deadline for submission of these events was December 11, 2024, by 11:59 pm.
3.  Finalists will be announced no later than January 31, 2025 (likely earlier based on past experience)

4.  The events in this category are:

Business Plan Digital Video Production Mobile Application Development
Coding & Programming Electronic Career Portfolio Public Service Announcement
Computer Game & Simulation Programming Financial Statement Analysis Website Coding & Development
Data Analysis Future Business Educator Website Design
Digital Animation Introduction to Programming  

State-only Chapter Competitive Events:  maximum of 15 finalists announced no later than March 1, 2025.
1.  Chapters may select 1-3 students to present at the State Leadership Conference. The students may be in addition to those qualified to attend the State Leadership Conference OR they come from those already registered for the conference in other events.
2.  Chapters must complete registration and lodging for any new students by March 2, 2025, 11:59 pm and must be prepared to act quickly OR plan to have students transported to Hershey the day of their presentation.
3.  The deadline for submission of these events will be February 17, 2025, by 11:59 pm.
4.  Each item must be uploaded to Blue Panda as an asset (a single PDF file).
5.  Each event requires an upload of a pre-recorded video as if the students were performing live in front of a panel of judges.
6.  Students may participate in one (1) individual/team competitive event AND one chapter event only.

7.  The events in this category are:

American Enterprise Project Local Chapter Annual Business Report Partnership with Business Project
Community Service Project

Production Tests:  administered the week of March 03-07, 2025.
1.  The tests will be distributed to chapter advisers no later than March 1, 2025.

2.  All tests must be uploaded to Blue Panda as an asset (a single PDF file) no later than March 11, 2025, by 11:59 pm.
3.  There will no notification of winners in these events UNTIL the Awards Program on Tuesday night, April 08.
4.  The events in this category are:

Computer Applications Spreadsheet Applications Word Processing
use the Production Test Reference Guide for all tests)

Open Competitive Events:  administered the week of March 24-28, 2025.
1.  Pre-registration will be required through Blue Panda. Details will be announced. The event titles are subject to change.
2.  Only students registered for the State Leadership Conference may participate in the open competitive events.
3.  Students may register for up to five different open events.
4.  Participation in the open competitive events program is in addition to the student’s regular competitive event.
5.  There will be a schedule of days when specific tests must be taken.
6.  Passcodes will be made available to advisers to download no later than March 20, 2025.
7.  The tentative list of events in this category this year (subject to change until registration opens):

Behavioral Economics Career Readiness Consumer Skills
Corporate Social Responsibility Current Events FBLA Guiding Principles (Pledge, Ethics, Mission, Goals, Conduct)
Financial Literacy Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence Introduction to Digital Media
Introduction to Financial Technologies Macroeconomics Microeconomics
Public Relations Social Media in Business & Society Social Media Marketing

Penn Pal Information/24-25 Timelines

2024-2025 PENN PAL
Chapter News Submission Form Link

Welcome back to another FBLA year! Once again, Pennsylvania FBLA will be publishing our Bimonthly newsletter, the Penn Pal.

The Penn Pal gives members and chapters the opportunity to share articles and pictures about the amazing things they have done for and through PA FBLA.

Important Submission & Penn Pal Publication Dates

Article submissions should be no less than 150 words; should focus on chapter activities (excluding participation at state workshops & conferences, as the state officers will write articles about these); and answer the following questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why/How, and How chapter was impacted.

With each submission, chapter news will also be highlighted on our social media accounts:

Chapters can also receive points towards Outstanding Chapter and members can receive points towards the Keystone Leadership Award.

Join the PA FBLA Virtual Chapter // High School or Middle School Chapters!

The Pennsylvania FBLA Virtual Chapter offers two opportunities for members without active FBLA chapters at their schools to participate in our programs.

For students in Grades 9-12, students may complete the following online membership application to be a part of the PA FBLA Virtual Chapter–HS (high school level).  Complete the HS (grades 9-12) Virtual Chapter Application here.

  • Once the application is submitted and received by the state office, an invoice will be sent to the student AND parent for dues payment.
  • Complete this membership application ONLY if you meet the following requirements:
    • Your school does not have an active FBLA chapter, AND
    • You are:  (1) in grades 9-12, AND (2) home schooled, OR (3) enrolled in a cyber charter school, OR (4) enrolled in a brick-and-mortar charter school.
      • If you are enrolled in your own school system’s cyber program and your high school has an active FBLA chapter, you need to be a member of your school system’s FBLA chapter.
    • You are enrolled in/taking a business or business-related class, which could include classes such as English/language arts, social studies, math, etc.

For students in Grades 5-8, students may complete the following online membership application to be a part of the PA FBLA Virtual Chapter–MS (middle school level).  Complete the MS (grades 5-8) Virtual Chapter Application here.

Fast Facts About the Virtual Chapter:
High School Dues:  $16 total ($6 state, $10 national)

Middle School Dues:  $13 total ($3 state, $10 national)
Dues are paid to the PA FBLA state office.  Once dues are received, membership will be uploaded to the National FBLA office.

National FBLA High School Division Resources:

National FBLA Middle School Division Resources:

Tomorrow’s Business Leader (national magazine/digital editions)

For more information about the Virtual Chapter, feel free to reach out to Mr. Jake Sarwar, PA FBLA Virtual Chapter Coordinator, jsarwar@pafbla.us.

Become a Part of PA FBLA Middle School This Year

Welcome to the Pennsylvania FBLA Middle School Information Center.
Membership is open to students in Grades 5-8.

For information, please contact:
Michele Sites, PA FBLA Middle School Coordinator
msites@pafbla.us

Organizing a Middle School Chapter

PA FBLA Middle School Important Dates

PA FBLA Middle School Outstanding Chapter Criteria

PA FBLA Middle School Competitive Events

  • PA FBLA Middle School Competitive Events/Policy Handbook
  • PA FBLA Middle School Competitive Events Brochure

National “FBLA Connect” Membership System Resource Area

FBLA Connect Resource Files
Type of Resource Materials:

FBLA Connect Training Videos Created by National FBLA

  1.  Adding Unpaid Members to Your Chapter’s Membership (video, 7.0 minutes) (advisers strongly encouraged to watch/excellent refresher)
    1. Learn how to use the “self-registration” form for new (never before) FBLA members.
      1. Previous members need to be added “manually” as their records already exist.
  2. Purchasing Membership and Paying by Check or Credit Card/Generating an Invoice (Once All Unpaid Members Are Listed in the Unpaid Student Column) (vide0, 7.5 minutes) (excellent refresher)
    1. IMPORTANT:  entering members doesn’t mean they have membership benefits access or are imported into Blue Panda.  Advisers needs to choose one of the three payment options:  (1) payment will be coming by check; (2) payment made by credit card, or (3) purchase order upload.
      1. Caution:  Do not generate a invoice for each member unless you want to submit multiple invoices to be paid by the school system.
      2. Suggestion:  Transition multiple students from the unpaid (left column) to the “pending/paid” column and then generate an invoice for payment.
      3. Remember:  Members may be entered into FBLA Connect multiple times per year and paid multiple times during the year.  The critical deadline for your chapter:  members must be in the system by the time your RLC registration closes in order to participate in the RLC competitive events.  You can pay immediately by credit card; students are immediately marked paid.  You can can pay “by check” with 60 days to get the check to National FBLA
        1. NEW FOR 2024-2025:  Any members added January 1 or later will not have a 60-day grace period to send a check to National FBLA and be marked as pending with full membership rights.  Starting January 1, a student will no longer have membership benefits/rights until the payment has been received by National FBLA.  Translation:  after January 1, a student will no longer be imported into Blue Panda until the student is marked paid by National FBLA.
          1. Implication:  If you are entering students into FBLA Connect to meet an RLC deadline that may not occur until after December 31, you will need to pay by credit card in order for students to be imported into Blue Panda to be registered for competitive events.
          2. There is no convenience fee for paying by credit card with National FBLA.
  3. Membership Benefits (Once Students are in FBLA Connect and are “Pending” or “Paid”) (video, 2.25 minutes)
    1. Watch this video is you want to monitor student progress in the Business Achievement Award Courses, among other items.
  4. Important Tools for Advisers Once Members are “Pending” or “Paid” (video, 11.75 minutes) (excellent video for advisers)
    1. Great video to learn how to use:
      1. Your chapter’s dashboard
      2. Your chapter events calendar with access to the state and national calendars
      3. Your chapters FBLA Connect “internal” mailing system
      4. FBLA Connect “forms” and how to apply privileges based on a member’s status
      5. “Announcements”
      6. Creating “folders” with your chapter downloadable documents
      7. “Courses” to monitor student progress on their participation on the Business Achievement Awards (BAAs)
      8. “Minutes” to post meeting minutes and opt to share
  5. Getting Help/how to open tickets (video, 1.25 minutes) (instructions how to open tickets with National FBLA)
    1. Advisers have the option to reach out to Bruce Boncal for support, 570.279.6998.  Bruce cannot help with invoice issues!
    2. FYI:  National FBLA tickets may not be answered immediately.
  6. Comprehensive FBLA Connect Orientation From August 2023’s Launch (video, 1 hour, 40 minutes) 

FBLA Connect Print Materials

  1. FBLA Connect Glossary
  2. FBLA Connect:  Adding Members/Paying Dues
  3. FBLA Connect:  Setting Up Your Chapter
  4. FBLA Connect:  Exporting Members
  5. FBLA Connect:  Form to Charter a New or Reactivate an Inactive Chapter

FBLA Help Center (FAQs on various FBLA areas)

  1. To create an FBLA ticket:  https://zendesk.fbla.org
  2. Topic areas also related to FBLA Connect:
    1. Membership
      1. How to Merge Open Invoices
      2. How to Remove a Graduation Cap from a Student
      3. How to Move Middle School Students to a High School Chapter
      4. Four Ways to Add New Members
      5. Create an Invoice (by transitioning members)
      6. Pay for Membership by Credit Card
      7. Pay for Membership by Check
      8. How to Graduate Students from the Unpaid List
      9. How to Create Membership Reports
      10. A Student with the Wrong Membership Status
      11. Duplicate Students on the Chapter’s Roster
      12. Adding Large Numbers of Students via Import
      13. I need a National FBLA W-9 Form for My School System to Pay Dues
  3. Topics Related to FBLA Programs:
    1. Business Achievement Awards (high school)
      1. Overview of the BAAsvideo
      2. Printing BAA Certificates
    2. LEAD Awards (middle school)
      1. Overview of LEAD Awards (middle school)
      2. Printing LEAD Award Certificates
  4. FBLA Connect for Students:
    1. Completing a Module
    2. Completed Awards
    3. FBLA Connect Programs Grace Period
    4. Accessing Programs in the Learning Center
    5. My membership is paid, but I still cannot access programs.  What to do?

Adviser Resource Center, 2024-2025

2024-2025 FBLA Year Adviser Forms

1.  Chapter Intent Form

  • Please sign on to FBLA Connect to access the Chapter Intent Form, OR complete the online form linked aboe.

2.  New Chapter Adviser Registration Form

  • Complete this form if you are a brand new FBLA chapter adviser or if you are returning as an adviser after an absence.

3.  Current Chapter Adviser Contact Information Update Form

  • Complete this form if you are a current FBLA adviser and need to update any part of your contact information.

When would you use this contact information update form?  Here are some examples:
1.  your name changed
2.  your email address changed
3.  your cell phone changed
4.  your school’s address changed
5.  your school within the same school system changed (ex.  you transferred to a new school within the same system)

If you are now teaching at a new school system and are the new primary adviser or new co-adviser, please complete the New Chapter Adviser Registration Form.  That data is used to update your national and state records.


National FBLA Connect Membership System Resource Files (please use this helpful area for FBLA Connect support)


From National FBLA

The 2024-25 Middle School and High School Chapter Welcome Kits are in the mail! These kits include a QR Code to Download the Chapter Management Guide for your division; posters for your classroom with information about membership, 2024 fall conferences and the 2025 National Leadership Conference, and more.

Your kit will be sent to the address we had on file as of June 15.

Please allow 10 business days for the kit to reach you through USPS. If you do not receive your welcome kit by August 15, please submit a ticket to the FBLA Help Desk.