Accounting I

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Journalizing
account classification
terminology
concepts, and practices
types of ownership
posting
income statements
balance sheets
worksheets
bank reconciliations
payroll
depreciation
manual and computerized systems
ethics

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 who have not completed more than two (2) semesters or one (1) semester in a block scheduling program of high school accounting instruction nor are enrolled in or have completed any additional accounting courses are eligible to compete.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the predetermined 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Accounting I event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Accounting II

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Financial statements
corporate accounting
ratios and analysis
accounts receivable and payable
budgeting and cash flow
cost accounting and manufacturing
purchases and sales
journalizing
income tax
payroll
inventory
plant assets and depreciation
departmentalized accounting
ethics
partnerships

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 who have had more than one year of high school accounting instruction or its equivalent are eligible to compete. Students enrolled in self-paced instructional programs should have covered the content beyond a one-year accounting course. Each participant must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the last 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Accounting II event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Advertising

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Personal selling and sales promotion
traditional and alternative advertising media
consumer behavior
basic marketing functions
branding and positioning
economy
advertising plan
legal and ethical issues
diversity and multicultural market
public relations
creation of advertisement
consumer-oriented advertising
financial planning
communication
consumer purchase classifications
target market
market segmentation
product development
product life cycle
price planning
channels of distribution
marketing research
effective advertising and promotional messages
budget
financing advertising campaigns
demographics
history and influences
advertising industry and careers
supply chain management
distribution logistics
Internet
self-regulation
careers
advertising workplace
leadership, career development, and team building
risk management

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the last 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Advertising event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Agribusiness

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Economics
finance and accounting
health, safety, and environmental management
management analysis and decision making
marketing
terminology and trends

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the last 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Agribusiness event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

American Enterprise Project

Category: Report/Presentation

Type: Chapter

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: March 1

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Event Guidelines

Report

Reports must describe chapter activities conducted between the previous State Leadership Conference and the current State Leadership Conference.
Competitors must prepare reports. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
Follow the rating sheet sequence when writing the report. If information is not available for a particular criterion, include a statement to that effect in the report.
The front cover must contain the following information: Name of the school, state, name of the event, and year (20xx-xx). They may also contain other information.
The front cover and table of contents are not counted against the page limit.
Divider pages and appendices are optional and must be included in the page count.
Reports must include a table of contents and page numbers.
Reports must be a minimum of 10 pages and not exceed 15 pages.
Pages must be numbered and formatted to fit on 8½” by 11” paper.
Points will be deducted if the written project doesn’t adhere to the guidelines.
A PDF of the American Enterprise Project must be submitted to Blue Panda by the deadline.
Name file: AEP_chaptername_year.pdf

Performance

The top eight (8) reports will move to the final performance round of the event at the State Leadership Conference.
Chapters failing to report on time for their performance will be disqualified.
A maximum of three (3) members from each local chapter selected for the finals will give the presentation.
Five (5) minutes are allowed to set up and remove equipment.
Seven (7) minutes will be allowed for the presentation, which will describe the project and the results obtained.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes. The presentation will be ended at seven (7) minutes.
Following each presentation, the judges will conduct a three-minute (3) question-and-answer period.
All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.
Copies of the report, visual aids, and samples related to the project may be used in the presentation. However, no items may be left after the presentation with either the judges or the audience.
A projection screen and cart will be provided; however, all other equipment for the presentation must be provided by the chapter.
All aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, setup, operating audio-visual equipment) must be performed by the members presenting. No additional assistance, including verbal commands or prompting, may be provided by other chapter representatives, including the adviser or individuals in the audience.
Timers such as stopwatches may not be used by audience members while teams are presenting.
Performances are open to conference attendees, except for performing participants of this event.
No pictures may be taken and no video or audio recording devices may be used during the performance.

Eligibility:

One entry per chapter.

Judging

The performance will be judged by a panel of judges. Final rank is determined by totaling the written report scores and the performance scores. The report scores will be used to break a tie. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top three entries based on the combined written and performance scores will be entered in the American Enterprise Project at the National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Banking and Financial Systems

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 Teams of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test

Each team member will take the online objective test individually at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
All team members must be present to take the online test. Team members, not present at testing, are not eligible to advance to the performance. All members and teams in the same event from one chapter must test on the same day and time.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the login and password information prior to the testing dates.
- Advisers will log in to the testing site to access the login information for each competitor.
No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The eight (8) teams with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event.

Performance

The eight (8) finalists meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before each scheduled performance. Finalists will not be sequestered.
Teams receive a role-play scenario twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled event time.
Judges receive a copy of the role-play scenario along with suggested questions to ask during each performance.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided to each competitor and may be used during event preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solution to the case.
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except for performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Concepts and practices
basic terminology
government regulation of financial services
impact of technology on financial services
types and differences of various institutions
ethics
careers in financial services
taxation

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter two teams of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

The objective test will be electronically graded. The top eight (8) teams with the highest score will advance to the presentation portion of the event.
A panel of judges will evaluate the performances to determine the winners. Team places one to eight are determined by weighting 20% team average from test scores and 80% team performance scores. The objective test scores will be used to determine the final rank in case of a tie.
The average objective test scores will determine the honorable mention ranking for teams not advancing to the performance portion of the event. Ties on the objective test will be broken based on time. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place teams will represent Nebraska in the Banking and Financial Systems event at the National Leadership Conference. Members may compete in an event at NLC more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of that event at NLC. If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Broadcast Journalism

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

You or your team members work for a local news station. Write, develop, and deliver a live news report with at least one pre-recorded interview. Cover at least three of the following areas or stories:

Business (global) – A story or current event impacting the global economy
Entrepreneurship (local) – A story about a local business (real or fictional) in the area
Event – A story about the FBLA State or National Leadership Conference
Education – A report on financial literacy
Finance – A report on the stock market, interest rates, or another current financial event

Event Guidelines

Competitors must research and develop the topic and create a 7-minute news broadcast video.
Visual aids (can be electronic, printed, etc.) are permitted.
Competitors should introduce themselves, and present the news broadcast.
Competitors, not adviser(s), must prepare entries.
Competitors are to follow all applicable copyright laws. Refer to the national Format Guide for copyright information.
The description area of YouTube must contain copyright information as well as the name of the event, competitor name(s), school, and state.
Upload the video to YouTube as unlisted and disable comments. Include the URL on Blue Panda.
Name video BroadcastJournalism_chaptername_year

Competency:

Broadcast addresses topic and is appropriate for audience
graphics, text treatment, and special effects show creativity and cohesiveness of design
overall layout and design is creative and appealing
final product indicates a clear thought process and an intended, planned direction with formulation and execution of a firm idea
required information is effectively communicated
copyright laws followed

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may submit one (1) entry. Entries may be created by an individual member or by a team of two (2) or three (3) members from FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12. Each competitor must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

Entries will be judged prior to the conference by a panel of judges according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will be entered in the Broadcast Journalism event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference. Members may compete in an event at NLC more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of that event at NLC. If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.

Rubrics

Broadcast Journalism Project Rubric

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Business Calculations

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 11-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Consumer credit
mark-ups and discounts
data analysis and reporting
payroll
interest rates
investments
taxes
bank records
insurance
ratios and proportions
depreciation
inventory

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 11 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the last 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Business Calculations event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Business Communication

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 11-12

Competitor Limit: Chapters with 1-50 members: 4 competitors Chapters with 51+ members: 5 competitors

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Nonverbal and verbal communication
communication concepts
report application
grammar
reading comprehension
editing and proofreading
word definition and usage
capitalization and punctuation
spelling
digital communication

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 11 and 12 are eligible to compete using the following guidelines:

1-50 chapter members = 4 competitors
51+ chapter members = 5 competitors

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the last 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Business Ethics

Category: Objective Test, Report/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: Case Study:15-Feb; At School Objective Test: February 20-March 15

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

The ethics of an art club supervisor possibly purchasing lower-quality supplies for this year’s Craft Fair. Click here to access the full topic/case study.

Event Guidelines

The Daniels Fund, in conjunction with a grant provided to MBA Research, is the sponsor of this event. The Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative provides principles-based ethics education to high school students and focuses on the practical, real-world application of ethical principles as a basis for decision-making. Click here to learn about the Daniels Fund’s ethical
principles.

This event consists of three parts:

1. an objective test (50 points),
2. a prejudged case study summary (50 points),
3. a presentation (100 points).

Objective Test

All team members will take the test individually at the local school site.

Case Study Report

Competitors must research the topic/case, prepare a one-page summary prior to the conference, and be prepared to present their findings and solutions at the conference.
Competitors must interview three local business people as part of their research and explain how the interview findings factored into their recommendations. This information must be addressed in the one-page summary.
Competitors must prepare reports. Advisers and others are not permitted to write reports.
Use the Format Guide and follow the guidelines for Academic Reports when preparing the report.
The identifying information on the first page of the report must include the names of all competitors on the first line, the name of the school and state on the second line, and the year (20XX-XX) on the third line.
The title of the report should be “Business Ethics Case Study Summary”.
Utilize the following side headings to summarize the case:
- Why the Ethical Issue Happened
- How the Ethical Issue Should be Resolved
- What Could Have Prevented the Ethical Issue
Facts and data must be cited and secured from quality sources (peer review documents, legal documents, etc.).
Submit PDF to Blue Panda prior to the deadline.
Name file: BusinessEthics_chaptername_team_year.pdf

Final Round – Presentation

The top eight (8) teams from the objective test score (50 pts.) plus the case study score (50 pts.) will present their case to a panel of judges.
Teams have seven (7) minutes for their presentation.
All team members must actively participate in the presentation.
Teams are permitted to bring prepared notes.
Books, other bound materials, props, and equipment are prohibited.
One (1) member must introduce the team and describe the ethical situation.
Competitors must be prepared to present their findings and solutions.
Following the presentation, there will be a three (3) minute Q&A with the judges.

Competency:

Ethical decision-making is essential in the business world and the workplace. This team event recognizes FBLA members who demonstrate the ability to present solutions to ethical situations encountered in the business world and the workplace.

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter two teams of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

The objective test will be electronically graded.
Reports will be reviewed by a screening committee to determine if chapters have complied with event eligibility and regulations. A panel of judges will select the finalists before the State Leadership Conference by adding the objective test and report scores. (100 pts. total)
The top eight (8) teams with the highest score will advance to the presentation portion of the event.
The performance will be judged by a panel of judges. All judges’ decisions are final.

The objective test score will be used to determine the final rank in case of a tie.
The objective test score will determine honorable mention places for teams not advancing to the performance portion of the event. Ties on the objective test will be broken based on time. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place teams in this event will represent Nebraska in the Business Ethics event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference. Members may compete in an event at NLC more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of that event at NLC. If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Business Financial Plan

Category: Prejudge Report

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

Create a business financial plan to start a new food truck business in your community. Determine what type of food truck will benefit your community and the funds needed for the start-up. Include data or research that will help to make informed decisions about future resources and goals. Include the general operating costs of your food truck, start-up costs, and a plan of action of where to park your mobile business.

Event Guidelines

Establish and develop a complete financial plan for a business venture by writing a 15-page report on the topic provided.
Plan Contents

Reports must include a table of contents and page numbers.
A one-page description of the plan should be the first page of the report (not included in page count).
Follow the rating sheet sequence when writing the plan. If information is not available for a particular criterion, include a statement to that effect in the report.
Pages must be numbered and formatted to fit on 8 1/2” x 11” paper.
Reports must not exceed 15 pages excluding the front cover and table of contents.
Divider pages and appendices are optional and must be included in the page count.

Plan Covers

A front cover is required.
Report covers are not counted against the page limit.
The front cover must contain the following information: name(s) of the student(s), name of the school, state, name of the event, and year (20xx-xx). The cover may also contain additional information.

Additional Guidelines

Competitors must prepare reports. Local advisers should serve only as consultants.
Reports must be original, current, and not submitted for a previous SLC.
Reports submitted for the competition become the property of Nebraska FBLA. These reports may be used for publication and/or reproduced by the state association.
Points will be deducted if the written plan doesn’t adhere to the guidelines.
A PDF of the Business Financial Plan must be submitted to Blue Panda by deadline.
Save the file as BFP_chaptername_year.pdf

Eligibility:

Each chapter may enter one (1) plan created by an individual or a team of two (2) or three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

Reports will be reviewed by a screening committee to determine if the projects have complied with event eligibility and regulations. A panel of judges will select the winners. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Business Financial Plan event at the National Leadership Conference. Members will not be allowed to compete in the event if they have placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Business Law

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptop. This test will be taken online at the conference.

No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Legal systems
contracts and sales
business organization
property laws
agency and employment laws
negotiable instruments, insurance secured transactions, and bankruptcy
consumer protection and product/personal liability
computer law
domestic and private law

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were submitted. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Business Law event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Business Management

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: Testing at School: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 Teams of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test

Team members will take the online objective test individually at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the login and password information prior to the testing dates.
All team members must be present to take the online test. Team members, not present at testing, are not eligible to advance to the performance. If a team consists of only two members and one team member does not test, the team does not qualify for any recognition.
Team members may use their own cordless calculators; however, no graphing calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The eight (8) teams with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event. The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person at the state office and announced prior to the conference.

Performance:

Members of the eight (8) finalist teams meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before each team’s scheduled performance. Team members will not be sequestered.
Teams receive a role-play scenario twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled event time. Judges receive a copy of the role-play scenario along with suggested questions to ask during each performance.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided to each competitor and may be used during event preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solution to the case.
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except for performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Information and communication systems
human resource management
financial management
business operations
management functions and environment
business ownership and law
strategic management
ethics and social responsibility
marketing
economic concepts
careers

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter two teams of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12

Judging

The top eight (8) teams with the highest score will advance to the presentation portion of the event. A panel of judges will evaluate the performances to determine the winners. Team places one to eight are determined by weighting 20% team test score and 80% team performance score. The objective test score will be used to determine the final rank in case of a tie.
The objective test score will determine places for teams not advancing to the performance portion of the event. Ties on the objective test will be broken based on time. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first, second-, and third-place teams in this event will represent Nebraska in the Business Management event at the National Leadership Conference. No members are allowed to compete in the event if they have placed in the top 10 at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Business Plan

Category: Prejudge Report

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Report formats must follow the same sequence shown on the rating sheet. If information is not available for a particular criterion, include a statement to that effect in the report. The report must be similar to that of a business report with substantiated statements in a clear and concise format. Creativity through design and the use of meaningful graphics is encouraged.

An effective business plan should include the following information:
- Executive Summary provides a brief synopsis of the key points and strengths included in the plan.
- Company Description includes the basic details of the business, including an overview, location, legal structure, and organization.
- Industry Analysis provides an analysis of the larger industry in which the business will belong; analyzes key trends and players in the industry; demonstrates an understanding and awareness of external business decisions.
- Target Market provides a brief overview of the nature and accessibility of the targeted audience.
- Competitive Analysis includes an honest and complete analysis of the business competition and demonstrates an understanding of the business’ relative strengths and weaknesses.
- The marketing Plan and Sales Strategy demonstrate how the business’s product or service will be marketed and sold; includes both strategic and tactical elements of the marketing and sales approach.
- Operations provide an overview of the business operations on a day-to-day basis, including production processes, physical facility reviews, use of technology, and processes followed to ensure delivery of products or services.
- Management and Organization describe the key participants in the new business venture and identify the human resources the business can draw upon as part of the management team, employee pool, consultants, directors, or advisers. It also portrays the role each will play in the business development and discusses compensation and incentives.
- Long-Term Development gives a clear vision of where the business will be in three, five, or more years. It offers an honest and complete evaluation of the business’ potential for success and failure and identifies priorities for directing future business activities.
- Financials indicate the accounting methodology to be used by the business. Discuss any assumptions made in projecting future financial results. Presents projections honestly and conservatively.
- The appendix includes copies of key supporting documents (e.g., certifications, licenses, tax requirements, codes, letters of intent or advance contracts, endorsements, etc.).
  Note: Business must not have been in operation for more than 12 months.

Report Contents

Reports must include a table of contents and page numbers.
Follow the rating sheet sequence when writing the plan. If information is not available for a particular criterion, include a statement to that effect in the report.
Reports must not exceed fifteen (15) pages, including divider pages and appendices.
The front cover and table of contents are not counted against the page limit.
Pages must be numbered and formatted to fit on 8½” x 11” paper.
Reports may be single- or double-spaced.
Each side of the paper providing the information is counted as a page.

Report Covers

A front cover is required.
Report covers are not counted in the page limit.
Report covers must contain the following information: name of the student(s), name of the school, state, name of the event, and year (20xx-xx). The cover may also contain additional information.

Report General

Student members, not advisers, must prepare reports. Local advisers should serve only as consultants.
Proposals must describe proposed business ventures. The business venture must also be currently viable and realistic. The business described in the business plan must not have been in operation for a period exceeding nine (9) months prior to the State Leadership Conference. Reports should not be submitted that evaluate ongoing business ventures.
Reports submitted for the competition become the property of Nebraska FBLA. These reports may be used for publication and/or reproduced by the state association.
Reports must be original, current, and not submitted for a previous SLC.
Entries not adhering to these regulations may receive point deductions.
A PDF of the Business Plan must be submitted to Blue Panda by the deadline.
Save the file as BP_chaptername_year.pdf

Eligibility:

Each chapter may enter one (1) plan created by an individual or a team of two (2) or three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

The project must not have been submitted at a previous State Leadership Conference.

Judging

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Business Plan event at the National Leadership Conference. Members may compete in an event at NLC more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of that event at NLC. If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Client Service

Category: Report/Presentation

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Topic

2023 Client Service Case Study – Preliminary Round

Advisers – Email state adviser jacqui.garrison@nebraska.gov to get the passcode to access the case study.

Event Guidelines

Preliminary Round

Each participant will research and submit a solution to a case study involving client service.
The solution should be no more than two double-spaced pages of text using 12-point times new roman font and one-inch side margins. The reference page should be submitted as the third page using any acceptable reference page format.
The event name, competitor’s name, and chapter should be placed in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
Each entry must be the result of the competitor’s independent research and development.
The solution with an accompanying reference page must be submitted by the SLC registration deadline.
A PDF of the solution must be submitted to Blue Panda by the deadline.
Name file ClientService_chaptername_year.pdf
Eight (8) finalists will be selected to interact with a panel of judges at the state conference.

Final Round

The role-play event requires the competitor to provide customer service to a client (judges).
Eight (8) finalists will be notified of their eligibility prior to the conference.
Competitors should report 15 minutes prior to their competition times.
Ten minutes before the scheduled performance time, each participant will receive instructions and the scenario.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided for each participant and may be used during the preparation and performance of the case. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
The competitor has five minutes to interact with a panel of judges and demonstrate in a clear and effective way how he/she would solve the problem. This is a role-play event with an open exchange between the participants and the judges throughout the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at four minutes and again at five. The role-play concludes at the end of five minutes.
The event is not open to conference attendees.

Competency:

Demonstrate effective verbal communication skills
answer questions effectively
demonstrate ability to make a businesslike presentation
provide ways for client to solve their problem
translate case into effective, efficient, and spontaneous action

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter one (1) member from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

The preliminary round will be judged prior to the State Leadership Conference.

The final round will be judged by a panel of judges. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Client Service event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

Case Study Rubric
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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Coding and Programming

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 16-Feb

Topic

(New 2022-23)

Develop a program that will help improve student involvement at your school. This original computer program will track student participation and attendance at school events. Once students participate or attend events, they are awarded points. You must have a way to pick a random winner each quarter from each grade level, as well as the student with the top point accumulation. The number of points a person has accumulated will translate to the prize they will win. You will need to have at least three prizes (a school reward, a food reward, and a school spirit item).

Assign a point value for participating in or attending events.
Must have at least five sporting events and five non-sports school events.
Track students’ names, grades, and points.
Generate a report at the end of the quarter to show points per student in each grade.
Data must be stored persistently. Storage may be in a relational database, a document-oriented NoSQL database, flat text files, flat JSON, or XFBLA Middle School files.
The user interface must be a GUI with a minimum of five different control types including such things as drop-down lists, text fields, checkboxes, date pickers, or other relevant control types.
All data entry must be validated with appropriate user notification and error messages including the use of required fields.

Event Guidelines

Competitors must prepare programs. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
The solution must run standalone with no programming errors.
Data must be free of viruses/malware. Any entry with contaminated data will not be judged.
Competitors must include for the judges any of the following that are applicable: readme file, source code, documentation of templates/libraries used, documentation of copyrighted material used.
Submit the project electronically to BluePanda as a Zip Folder.
Save the file as coding_chaptername_lastnames_year

Competency:

Certain types of processes require that each record in the file be processed. Coding & Programming focuses on these procedural style processing systems. This event tests the programmer’s skill in designing a useful, efficient, and effective program.

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete. This can be an individual event or a team event.. Each competitor must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners will represent Nebraska in the Coding and Programming event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Community Service Project (HS)

Category: Report/Presentation

Type: Chapter

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: March 1

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Event Guidelines

Project

The project must be in the interest of the community and be designed for chapter participation. The project must serve the community. (Focus on one project.)
Report

Reports must describe a community service project conducted between the previous State Leadership Conference and the current State Leadership Conference.
Competitors must prepare reports. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
Follow the rating sheet sequence when writing the report. If information is not available for a particular criterion, include a statement to that effect in the report.
Front covers must contain the following information: Name of the school, state, name of the event, and year (20xx-xx). They may also contain other information.
Front covers and table of contents do not count in the page limit.
Divider pages and appendices are optional and must be included in the page count.
Reports must include a table of contents with page numbers.
Reports must be a minimum of 10 pages and not exceed 15 pages.
Pages must be numbered and formatted to fit on 8½” by 11” paper.
Points will be deducted if the written project doesn’t adhere to the guidelines.
Reports must be original, current, and not submitted for a previous SLC.
A PDF of the Community Service Project report must be submitted to Blue Panda by the deadline.
Name file CSP_chaptername_year.pdf

Performance

A maximum of eight (8) chapters will be notified in March that they are finalists for the performance part of the event at the State Leadership Conference.
Chapters failing to report on time for their performance may be disqualified.
A maximum of three (3) members from each local chapter selected for the finals will give the presentation.
Seven (7) minutes will be allowed for the presentation, which will describe the project and the results obtained.
Five (5) minutes is allowed to set up and remove equipment.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes. When the presentation is finished, the timekeeper will record the time used, noting deductions of five (5) points for any time over seven (7) minutes.
Following each presentation, the judges will conduct a three-minute (3) question-and-answer period.
All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.
Copies of the report, visual aids, and samples related to the project may be used in the presentation. However, no items may be left after the presentation with either the judges or the audience.
A projection screen and cart will be provided; however, all other equipment for the presentation must be provided by the chapter.
All aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, setup, operating audio-visual equipment) must be performed by the members presenting. No additional assistance, including verbal commands or prompting, may be provided by other chapter representatives, including the adviser or individuals in the audience.
Timers such as stopwatches may not be used by audience members while teams are presenting.
Performances are open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event.
No pictures may be taken and no video or audio recording devices may be used during the performance.

Eligibility:

Each chapter may submit one report

Judging

Reports will be reviewed by a screening committee to determine if chapters have complied with event eligibility and regulations. A panel of judges will select the finalists before the State Leadership Conference. The performance will be judged by a panel of judges. Final rank is determined by totaling the written report scores and the performance scores. The report scores will be used to break a tie. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top three entries based on the combined written and presentation scores will be entered in the Community Service Project event at the National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Computer Applications

Category: Computer Skill Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: No Limit (new 2022-2023)

Event Guidelines

The objective Test will be taken at the local school prior to SLC.
The top 15 scores from the objective test qualify to take an application/certification test for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at SLC.

Competency:

Create, search, and query databases
spreadsheet functions and formulas
text slide graphics and presentations
business graphics
word processing

Eligibility:

Each chapter may enter FBLA members from Grades 9 through 12. Participants should have completed a computer course utilizing integrated software (word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation). Each participant must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

The production/certification score will constitute 85% of the final event score.

The objective test will constitute 15% of the final event score.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners will represent Nebraska in the Computer Applications event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Computer Game and Simulation Programming

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Topic

(New 2022-23)

In 2022, Wordle and similar word games were all the rage across the world. Develop a word game with rules and a theme of your choice.

The game should be an executable game, either through the Internet or through a local installation (review guidelines about Internet access at the National Leadership Conference).
The game should contain a scoreboard.
The game should contain a leaderboard and celebratory messages.
The game should have a minimum of three levels.
The game should have an instructional display.

Event Guidelines

Competitors must prepare projects. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
Choose a programming language or game/animation engine to create a standalone executable program that will display creativity, programming skill, and convey the message of the topic.
Data must be free of viruses/malware. Any entry with contaminated data will not be judged.
All data and programs should be contained in a master folder named STATE_ SCHOOL where your state and school are listed in that folder name format. Outside of the master folder, create a shortcut to the executable file. If the program requires a runtime player, create a shortcut outside the master folder to launch the runtime player installer.

The program must contain the following, at a minimum:
- Must be graphics-based in nature, not text-based.
- Must provide an initial title page with the game title, user interface control instructions, and active buttons for Play / Quit.
- Provide a quit command programmed to the escape key.
Submit entry electronically to BluePanda by deadline.
Create a shell folder that will be zipped and uploaded. Your master folder should be placed in the shell folder, along with a .pdf with screenshots and directions. Therefore, when a judge unzips your shell folder and then opens it, they will see your .pdf and your master folder. Your master folder should have all your files and folders inside of it.
Name your shell folder State_Chapter_Event_Team (example NE_School_CGSP_School1). Your master folder should be named State_Event_Team_membernames_membernames_membernames (example NE_CGSP_School1_Garrison_Kobza_Blumenstock)

Competency:

Program addresses the topic and is appropriate for the audience
required information is effectively communicated
user interface is intuitive and responsive to program operations
navigation is logical and designed to lead the player to the intended objective
program demonstrates a finished product free of artifacts and glitches
programming code is adequately commented and follows a logical order
gameplay incorporates both entertainment and edutainment play within topic specifications
game world graphics, text treatment, and special effects show creativity and cohesiveness of design
artistry, character, overall layout, color choice and design is creative and appealing to the target audience
program contains some element of skill, chance, competition or random actions that will inspire replay more than once
player interactions with other characters, objects, obstacles, and iconic graphics are appropriate to the topic and create a feeling of immersion within the game world
storyline is sufficient to engage player and communicate a clear thought process and an intended, planned direction with formulation and execution of a firm idea
player tasks are non-trivial and receive appropriate rewards
copyright laws are followed

Eligibility:

Each chapter may submit entries created by an individual or by a team of two (2) or three (3) members in Grades 9 through 12. Each participant must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners will represent Nebraska in the Computer Game and Simulation Programming event at the National Leadership Conference. No team members are allowed to compete in event if they have placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Computer Problem Solving

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Operating systems
networks
personal computer components
security
laptop and portable devices
safety and environmental issues
laptop and portable devices
printers and scanners

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Computer Problem Solving event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Cyber Security

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Defend and attack (virus, spam, spyware)
network security
disaster recovery
email security
intrusion detection
authentication
public key
physical security
cryptography
forensics security
cyber security policy

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Cyber Security event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Data Analytics

Category: Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Competitor Limit: 2 entries per chapter

Topic

(New 2022-2023)

WidgetCo is a new international business selling widgets to customers in China, France, Canada, and the United States. In determining the suitability to conduct business in these countries, WidgetCo executives need an effective data analysis of the datasets that are available. You are working on WidgetCo’s data analysis team. Your team will provide recommendations to the WidgetCo executives about opportunities and challenges that they may encounter now or in the future. Using the datasets given, in addition to your own supplemental research, analyze the data and provide analyses and recommendations about the opportunities and challenges facing the business.

The following datasets are given for each country (China, France, Canada, and the United States)

Population, total
Poverty headcount ratio at $1.90 a day (2011 PPP) (% of the population)
Life expectancy at birth, total (years)
Population growth (annual %)
Net migration
Human Capital Index (HCI) (scale 0-1)
GDP (current US$)
GDP per capita (current US$)
GDP growth (annual %)
Unemployment, total (% of the total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate)
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)
Personal remittances received (% of GDP)

Open-source datasets provided by the World Bank at World Bank Group – International Development, Poverty, & Sustainability.

Event Guidelines

Competitors must research the topic prior to the conference and be prepared to present their findings and solutions.
Facts and data must be cited and secured from quality sources (peer review documents. legal documents, etc.)
Competitors are permitted to bring prepared notes of any type for the presentation.
Visual aids and samples specifically related to the project may be used in the presentation; however, no items may be left with the judges or audience.
Competitors must prepare presentations. Advisers and others are not permitted to help.
Competitors are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws. Refer to the Format Guide for copyright guidelines.
Competitors are responsible for bringing a copy of their project to show the judges.
Any photographs, text. trademarks or names used must be supported by proper documentation and approvals indicated.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solutions to the case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except for performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete. This can be an individual event or a team event. Each competitor must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference with 2 entries per chapter.

Judging

Entries will be judged by a panel of judges according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Data Analysis event at the National Leadership Conference, provided the individuals have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Database Design and Applications

Category: Computer Skill Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 Entries per chapter

Event Guidelines

Objective Test (February 20-March 15)

Objective Test taken prior to SLC .
The top 15 scores based on the Objective Test will receive the prompts for the production component. The production component will need to be proctored and completed by the first day of the state conference.

Production Test (March 20-April 3)
• Test materials will be emailed to the chapter adviser prior to the designated testing dates.
• Participants will test on a computer at their local school on one of the designated testing dates.
• All students who entered the event from a school must test on the same date at the same time.
• Any appropriate software may be used.
• The event will be administered according to the guidelines provided in the testing packet by the proctor (a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, principal, or other faculty members).
• Thirty (30) minutes will be allowed for the application portion of the test at the school testing site. Additional time will be allowed for general directions. The proctor will start and stop all participants at the same time. (Exception: Time allowances may be made for equipment failure.)
• Voice recognition software may be used as an input method.
• Participants should be prepared to demonstrate the design of multiple table databases (selection of tables, fields and data types, ER diagrams, relationships), creation of tables and inserting data into tables, development of single table SQL statements, development of multiple table SQL statements, and creation of forms and reports.
• Participants will be notified when five (5) minutes and one (1) minute remaining.
• All proofreading and keying must stop when time is called by the proctor.
• Problems will be weighted according to difficulty and may be completed in any order.
• Participants must provide their own pens and pencils.
• No reference materials or calculators may be used.

Competency:

Multiple table database design
table creation, inserting data into tables
table SQL statements
creation of forms/reports

Eligibility:

Each chapter may enter two (2) FBLA members from Grades 9 through 12. Participants should have completed a computer course utilizing database software to solve business applications. Each participant must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

Judging will be based on accuracy of printed copy. Points will be deducted for errors. The documents will be evaluated by a panel of judges. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Database Design and Applications event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Digital Animation

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

Create an animated advertisement for a new technology product. Examples include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or smartwatch. All content must be original.

Event Guidelines

Competitors must prepare the project. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
Animated video should be no longer than three (3) minutes.
Upload the video to YouTube as unlisted and disable comments.
Submit URL to BluePanda by the deadline.
Name file animation_chaptername_year

Eligibility:

Judging

Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners will represent Nebraska in the Digital Animation event at the National Leadership Conference. No team members are allowed to compete if they have placed in the top 10 of this event at a previous National Leadership Conference. NLC Competitors need to use the National Chapter Management Handbook (CMH) for competitive events at NLC.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Digital Video Production

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

Create a promotional video for an event in your community or school, with teenagers in your community as the target audience. All video content must be original.

Event Guidelines

The video must be original content; competitors may not use previously published video clips in the videos they submit for the competition.
The production may use any method to capture or create moving images.
The presentation should include sources used to research the topic, development and design process, use of different video techniques, a list of equipment and software used, and copyright information for pictures, music, or other items.
The video must properly develop the topic.
Videos should be no longer than two (2) minutes in length.
The video presentation may include but is not limited to elements such as graphics, pictures, music, voice-over, sound, and text.
Competitors, not adviser(s), must prepare entries.
The description area of the video must contain copyright information as well as the name of the event, competitor name(s), school, and state.
Competitors are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws. Refer to the national Format Guide for copyright information.
Upload the video to YouTube as unlisted and disable comments. Include the URL on BluePanda.
Name Project: DigitalVideo_Chapter_Year

Competency:

Document addresses topic and is appropriate for audience
graphics, text treatment, and special effects show creativity and cohesiveness of design
overall layout and design is creative and appealing
final product indicates a clear thought process and an intended, planned direction with formulation and execution of a firm idea
required information is effectively communicated
copyright laws followed

Eligibility:

Judging

Entries will be judged by a panel of judges according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will be entered in the Digital Video Production event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

E-Business

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

Develop and create an E-business site for a local bed and breakfast, hotel, or another lodging venue in your community. The business can be real or fictional. The website should include a company identity including a name, logo, and brand. The website should have elements of a typical lodging facility including contact information, the ability to make reservations, view different room types, view amenities, and local attractions. Ensure that your E-business site includes:

An e-commerce tool showing prices for different lodging types
A scheduling tool allowing customers to book lodging
An API to an online map service showing different local attractions

Event Guidelines

Participation in this event will allow members to demonstrate proficiency in conceptualizing, designing, and creating efficient and marketable E-business sites. A website should be developed based on the topic provided.
Competitors, not advisers, must prepare the websites.
E-business sites should be designed for viewing on as many different platforms as possible.
Must be a live link published online.
Include full address – http://www.domain.com
If using a shopping cart, it doesn’t need to be activated.
Any photographs, text, trademarks, or names used on the site must be supported by proper documentation and approvals indicated on the site.
Competitors are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws and may be disqualified if items are used inappropriately and not documented.
You must obtain permission in accordance with the competitive event guidelines and proper copyright law.
The use of templates must be identified at the bottom of the page.
The website must be available for viewing on the Internet at the time of judging.
No changes can be made to the website after the registration deadline.
Websites not adhering to these regulations may be disqualified.
Submit URL to BluePanda by the deadline.

Eligibility:

Each chapter may submit one (1) entry created by an individual or by a team of two (2) or three (3) members in Grades 9 through 12. Each competitor must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

Using the rating sheet, a panel of judges will select the winners. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will be entered into the E-business event at the National Leadership Conference. If a team is entered, no team member may have placed in the top 10 for this event at a prior National Leadership Conference or have competed more than two (2) years at the national level in this event.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Economics

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Basic economic concepts and principles
monetary and fiscal policy
productivity
macroeconomics
market structures
investments and interest rates
government role
types of businesses and economic institutions
business cycles and circular flow
supply and demand
international trade and global economics

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Economics event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Electronic Career Portfolio

Category: Project/Presentation

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Event Guidelines

Portfolio

Competitors, not advisers, must prepare the electronic career portfolio.
The portfolio is to be specific to the career goals and professional experiences that the student has completed; it is not a showcase of FBLA experiences.
All information should reflect the student’s accomplishments and experiences that have actually occurred.
The portfolio must include a resume and a career summary. The career summary should include career choice, description of career, skills, and education required, and future job outlook (e.g., monetary, advancement).
Competitors are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws. Refer to the FBLA Format Guide for copyright guidelines.
Sample materials also must be included in the portfolio. These samples must include but are not limited to the following:
- Career-Related Education. Describe career-related education that enhances employability. Include a summary of school activities, career research projects, application of business education, and/or related occupational skills and their relationship to the job.
- Educational Enhancement. Describe educational opportunities that enhance employability. Include career opportunities development planning, summaries of job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, informational interviews, community service projects, and products developed during these experiences.
- Examples of Special Skills. Include up to five examples of special skills, talents, and/or abilities related to the job and career goals. These may be in any format but must fit within the dimensions of the portfolio. Audio and/or video recordings may be included in the portfolio.
Complete the online submission form found on the Nebraska FBLA website with entry file or URL.
Portfolios will be judged according to the rating sheet.
The eight (8) competitors with the highest portfolio scores will be scheduled for the performance portion of the event. The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person at the state office and announced prior to the conference.

Performance

The presentation is an explanation of the chosen career search and supporting materials using the electronic career portfolio.
Visual aids and samples related to the project may be used; however, no items may be left with the judges or audience.
The competitor must provide the computer and projector for the presentation. Internet access will be provided. Five (5) minutes will be allowed to set up and remove the equipment.
The individual has seven (7) minutes to present.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes. When the presentation is finished, the timekeeper will record the time used, noting a deduction of five (5) points for any time over seven (7) minutes.
Following each presentation, judges will conduct a three (3) minute question-answer period.

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter one (1) entry from FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

Entries will be judged by a panel of judges according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Electronic Career Portfolio event at the National Leadership Conference, provided the individuals have not placed in the top 10 in this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

Project Rubric

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Entrepreneurship

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 Teams of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test:

Team members will take the online objective test individually at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the login and password information prior to the testing dates.
All team members must be present to take the online test. Team members, not present at testing, are not eligible to advance to the performance. If a team consists of only two members and one team member does not test, the team does not qualify for any recognition.
Team members may use their own cordless calculators; however, no graphing calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The eight (8) teams with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event. The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person at the state office and announced prior to the conference.

Performance:

Members of the eight (8) finalist teams meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before each team’s scheduled performance. Team members will not be sequestered.
Teams receive a role-play scenario twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled event time. Judges receive a copy of the role-play scenario along with suggested questions to ask during each performance.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided to each competitor and may be used during event preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solutions to the case.
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except for performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Business plan
community/business relations
legal issues
initial capital and credit
personnel management
financial management
marketing management
taxes
government regulations

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter two teams of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

The top eight (8) teams with the highest average score will advance to the presentation portion of the event. A panel of judges will evaluate the performances to determine the winners. Team places one to eight are determined by weighting 20% team test score and 80% team performance score. The objective test score will be used to determine the final rank in case of a tie. The objective test score will determine places for teams not advancing to the performance portion of the event. Ties on the objective test will be broken based on time. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place teams will represent Nebraska in the Entrepreneurship event at the National Leadership Conference. No team member to have placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Future Business Leader

Category: Objective Test/Interview

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 12

Deadline/Testing: Submit Resume and Cover Letter by April 1

Competitor Limit: Seniors entered in the Job Interview event are eligible to enter this event.

Event Guidelines

Cover Letter and Resumé:

Cover Letter: Not to exceed one page, the letter should state reasons for
deserving the honor of this award.
Résumé: Not to exceed two pages, should list your FBLA activities and
involvement.
Competitors must bring one hard copy of their résumé and cover letter in a
folder, to be left with the judges, for each round of interviews onsite.
Label folders with the event title, competitor’s name, state, and school.
Include the competitor’s name on all pages submitted.
Résumés should be brief, not exceeding two pages. Photographs are not
allowed.
Cover letters are not to exceed one page.
Upload cover letter & résumé to Blue Panda by April 1.
Address letter to:
Mr. Alexander T. Graham, President and CEO
Future Business Leaders of America
1912 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191

Objective Test:

Participants must provide their own laptops for testing.
No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The objective test is 50 percent of the score for the preliminary round of the event.

Preliminary Interview:

The Job Interview preliminary interview score will be used as the preliminary Future Business Leader interview score.
The interview score is 50 percent of the score for the preliminary round of the event.

Final Interview

The top eight (8) finalists will be scheduled for a final seven (7) minute interview.
The Future Business Leader Final Interview Rating Sheet will be used for the interview.
A panel of judges will conduct the interview.

Competency:

Accounting
banking
business procedures
communications
economics
ethics
global business
law
management
marketing
math
technology
FBLA organization, national bylaws, and handbook
national competitive event guidelines
national publications
creed and national goals

Eligibility:

Seniors entered in the Job Interview event are eligible to enter this event.

Judging

Preliminary round: 50% Objective Test and 50% Job Interview Preliminary round scores.

Final Round: The final interview for Future Business Leader will determine the winner. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Future Business Leader event at the National Leadership Conference. Future Business Leader Scholarships will be presented to the top NLC qualifiers that compete at the National Leadership Conference in the Future Business Leader event. First Place: $750 Second Place: $500 Third Place: $250

Rubrics

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Finals FBL – fbla-rubric-FBL_finals

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Graphic Design

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

Your organization has been hired as a consultant to design a new brand identity for a new, fictional nonprofit organization. The fictional nonprofit is an organization that supports youth development with afterschool programs and summer camps. Give the non-profit a name. The brand should be modern, bright, and vibrant to attract youth.

In accordance with your brand guidelines, design

a t-shirt,
a baseball cap,
a toy, and
two other promotional items of your choice.

Event Guidelines

Competitors, not advisers, must create the design elements required in the topic.
Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet.
Elements should emphasize the graphic interpretation of the topic and design.
Participants may not use any words, diagrams, clipart, and/or artwork that are not public domain.
The logo must be included in the sales kit.
Graphics should be computer-generated.
Competitors are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws. Refer to the national Format Guide for copyright information.
Media may be labeled using any method but must include the name of the event, student participants, school, and state.
Complete the online project submission form found on the Nebraska FBLA website by the conference registration deadline.
Emphasize graphic interpretation of the topic and design.
Do not use any words, diagrams, clip art, and/or artwork that are not
public domain.
Graphics must be saved in JPEG, GIF, PNG, or EPS format. Graphics should be
computer-generated. (Updated on 1/31/23 to include PNG file format.)
Save project files electronically in a cloud storage location (DropBox, Google Drive, etc.)
Name files GD_item_chaptername_year
Ensure storage location permissions allow for anyone with the link access to view files.
Submit storage location URL to project submission online form.

Competency:

Create a graphic design promotional logo and tagline for the given topic
demonstrate appropriate graphic design rules
show creativity and cohesiveness of design and tagline
develop the creative and appealing layout and design
use appropriate artwork and design techniques to address the given topic
use effective colors, layout, and design

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may submit one (1) entry. Entries may be created by an individual member or a team composed of two (2) members or three (3) members. Each competitor must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

Entries must address the topic as described in the topic section. Entries will be judged by a panel of judges according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will be entered in the Graphic Design event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Health Care Administration

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Managing office procedures
medical terminology
legal and ethical issues
communication skills
managing financial functions
health insurance
records management
infection control
medical history
technology

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Health Care Administration event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Help Desk

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Event Guidelines

Objective Test:

Members will take the online objective test at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the logon and password information prior to the testing dates.
Members may use their own cordless calculators; however, no graphing calculators, PDAs, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The eight (8) finalists with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event.
The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person at the state office and announced prior to the conference.

Performance:

Competitors will meet for instructions 15 minutes prior to their competition times. Ten (10) minutes before the scheduled performance time, each participant will receive the scenario.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided for each competitor and may be used during the preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Competitors should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their cases.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
The competitor has five (5) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and demonstrate how he/she would solve the problem.
A timekeeper will stand at four (4) minutes and again at five (5) minutes.
This event is not open to conference attendees.

Competency:

Help desk concepts
help desk operations
people component: help desk roles and responsibilities
process component: help desk process and procedures
information component: help desk performance measure
help desk setting
customer support as a profession
management processes

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The top eight (8) participants with the highest score will advance to the performance portion of the event. A panel of judges will evaluate the performances of these finalists and determine the winners. Places are determined by weighting 20% test scores and 80% performance scores. The objective test score will be used to determine the final rank in case of a tie. All judges’ decisions are final.
The objective test score will determine honorable mention winners for participants not advancing to the performance portion of the event. Ties on the objective test will be broken based on time.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners will represent Nebraska in the Help Desk event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

Rubric

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Hospitality and Event Management

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 11-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 Teams of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test:

Team members will take the online objective test individually at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the login and password information prior to the testing dates.
All team members must be present to take the online test. Team members, not present at testing, are not eligible to advance to the performance.
No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The top 5 teams with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event at the conference.

Performance:

Members of the five(5) finalist teams meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before each team’s scheduled performance. Team members will not be sequestered.
Teams receive a role-play scenario twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled event time. Judges receive a copy of the role-play scenario along with suggested questions to ask during each performance.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided to each competitor and may be used during event preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solutions to the case.
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except for performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Hospitality operation and management functions
hotel sales process
hospitality marketing concepts
human resource management in the hospitality industry
environmental, ethical, and global issues
customer service in the hospitality industry
legal issues, financial management, and budgeting
current hospitality industry trends
types of hospitality markets and customers

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter two teams of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

The objective test will be machine graded. The top five(5) teams with the highest score will advance to the presentation portion of the event. A panel of judges will evaluate the performances to determine the winners. Team places one to five are determined by weighting 20% team test score and 80% team performance score. The objective test score will be used to determine the final rank in case of a tie.
The objective test score will determine places for teams not advancing to the performance portion of the event. Ties on the objective test will be broken based on time. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Hospitality and Event Management event at the National Leadership Conference. Any person placing in the top 10 of this event at the National Leadership Conference is no longer eligible to compete in this event.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Human Resource Management

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Staff
Training and development
Employment compensation and benefits
Performance management
Government relations and issues
Human resource planning
Labor relations and collective bargaining

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the last 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Human Resource Management event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Impromptu Speaking

Category: Speech

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Event Guidelines

Preliminary Round:

Competitors will be assigned groups and the order of speaking for the preliminary round based on random selection prior to the State Leadership Conference. The competitor will be notified of his/her preliminary round group prior to the conference.
This is a sequestered event; therefore, all participants must report to the holding room at the time designated in the conference program. Participants will remain in the holding room until their preparation times. If there is a time conflict with another event, the participant must choose between events.
Each participant will be given the same topic related to the FBLA goals, activities, national programs, current events, and/or relevant business topics.FBLA Goals:
1. Develop competent, aggressive business leadership.
2. Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work.
3. Create more interest in and understanding of the American business enterprise.
4. Encourage members in the development of individual projects that contribute to the improvement of home, business, and community.
5. Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism.
6. Encourage and practice efficient money management.
7. Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty.
8. Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals.
9. Facilitate the transition from school to work.
The competitor will have ten (10) minutes to prepare his/her speech prior to appearing before the judges.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Two (2) 4” by 6” note cards will be provided for each participant and may be used during the preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
Each speech should be four (4) minutes in length.
At the time of the performance, the event administrator will introduce each participant by name only.
A timekeeper will stand at three (3) minutes and again at four (4) minutes. When the speaker is finished, the time used by each competitor will be recorded, noting a deduction of five (5) points for any time under 3:31 or over 4:29 minutes.
The top two (2) speakers in each of the groups will be selected for the final round. Finalists will be posted on the conference bulletin board.
All performances are open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event.

Final Round:

Finalists will be sequestered and must report to the holding room at the time designated in the conference program.
All other procedures as outlined in the preliminary round will be followed for the final round.

Competency:

Demonstrate ability to make a businesslike presentation
demonstrate effective verbal communication skills
display self-confidence through knowledge of content and articulation of ideas
explain content logically and systematically

Eligibility:

Each chapter may enter one FBLA member from Grades 9 through 12. A competitor entered in the Impromptu
Speaking event is not eligible to enter Public Speaking I or II. Impromptu Speaking competitors are sequestered;
therefore, competitors should not be entered in other events that occur at the same time.

Judging

There will be one judge for each preliminary presentation. In the finals, there will be more than one judge. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners will represent Nebraska in the Impromptu Speaking event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Insurance and Risk Management

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Risk management process
property and liability insurance
health, disability, and life insurance
insurance knowledge
decision making
careers
ethics

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Insurance and Risk Management event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

International Business

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 Teams of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test:

Team members will take the online objective test individually at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the login and password information prior to the testing dates.
All team members must be present to take the online test. Team members, not present at testing, are not eligible to advance to the performance. If a team consists of only two members and one team member does not test, the team does not qualify for any recognition.
Team members may use their own cordless calculators; however, no graphing calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The eight (8) teams with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event. The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person at the state office and announced prior to the conference.

Performance:

Members of the eight (8) finalist teams meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before each team’s scheduled performance. Team members will not be sequestered.
Teams receive a role-play scenario twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled event time. Judges receive a copy of the role-play scenario along with suggested questions to ask during each performance.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided to each competitor and may be used during event preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solutions to the case.
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Basic international concepts
ownership and management
marketing
finance
communication (including culture and language)
treaties and trade agreements
legal issues
human resource management
ethics
taxes and government regulations
currency exchange
international travel
career development

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter two teams of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

The objective test will be machine graded. The top eight (8) teams with the highest score will advance to the presentation portion of the event. A panel of judges will evaluate the performances to determine the winners. Team places one to five are determined by weighting 20% team test score and 80% team performance score. The objective test score will be used to determine final rank in case of a tie.
The objective test score will determine places for teams not advancing to the performance portion of the event. Ties on the objective test will be broken based on time. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place teams in this event will represent Nebraska in the Global Business event at the National Leadership Conference. No competitor will be allowed to compete in this event if they have placed in the top 10 at the National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to Business Communication

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-10

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Grammar
punctuation and capitalization
oral communication concepts
reading comprehension
word definition and usage
proofreading and editing
spelling

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 and 10 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Introduction to Business Communication event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to Business Concepts

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-10

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Money management, banking, and investments
consumerism
characteristics and organization of business
economic systems
rights and responsibilities of employees, managers, owners, and government
career awareness
global business
ethics
insurance

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 and 10 are eligible to compete.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the last 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Introduction to Business event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to Business Presentation

Category: Project/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-10

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New Topic 2022-23)

You are trying to raise money to attend a business leadership training program in New York City. This would be a week-long summer program that will cost $2,000. You will prepare a presentation that can be used in front of potential sponsors from your community. Be sure to include why you should attend, and the benefit you will receive and bring back to your school.

Event Guidelines

Preliminary Round:

The business presentation should be prepared using the topic provided.
Student members, not advisers, must prepare presentations.
The participants must use a presentation software program as an aid in delivering the business presentation.
The preliminary round will be judged based on the presentation submitted online. Presenters and the presentation used as an aid should be viewable at all times in the video.
Competitors will create a video of the business presentation, which allows the judges to view the competitor as well as the presentation slides.
The audio recording should be clear with appropriate volume.
Comply with state and federal copyright laws. Refer to the national Format Guide for copyright information.
Upload the video to YouTube as unlisted and disable comments. Include URL on the submission form.
Upload slide deck as PDF to the submission form.
Name video IBP_chaptername_year
Eight (8) finalists will advance to the final round.

Final Round:

The top eight (8) teams will be notified of their eligibility and times slots prior to the conference. Each team’s
competitors must be available to compete at the designated time in the program.
Times for the presentations will be randomly selected by the state office staff.
The participants must use a presentation software program as an aid in delivering the business presentation. The chapter must provide all equipment for the presentation.
Five minutes (5) will be allowed to set up and remove equipment or presentation items. Equipment may be connected or partially connected before entering the presentation room.
Competitors must perform all aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, setup, operating audiovisual equipment). Other representatives of the chapter or the adviser may not provide assistance.
The team has seven (7) minutes to deliver the presentation.
All team members must actively participate in the presentation.
Visual aids and samples specifically related to the project may be used in the presentation; however, no items may be left with the judges or audience.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes. When the presentation is finished, the timekeeper will record the time used, noting a deduction of five (5) points for any presentation over seven (7) minutes.
Following each presentation, judges will conduct a three (3) minute question-answer period.
The performance is open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Eligibility:

Each chapter may submit one (1) entry created by an individual or by a team of two (2) or three (3) members in Grades 9 through 10.

Judging

Each team will be judged by a panel of judges. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Introduction to Business Presentation event at the National Leadership Conference. No members have placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-IBP

Preliminary Rubric

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to Business Procedures

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-10

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Human relations
technology concepts
business operations
communication skills
information processing
decision making/management
career development
database and information management
ethics and safety
finance

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 10 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Introduction to Business Procedures event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to Event Planning

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-10

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 teams of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test:

Team members will take the online objective test collaboratively at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the logon and password information prior to the testing dates.
All team members must be present to take the online test. Team members, not present at testing, are not eligible to advance to the performance. If a team consists of only two members and one team member does not test, the team does not qualify for any recognition.
Team members may use their own cordless calculators; however, no graphing calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The top 5 teams with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event. The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person at the state office and announced prior to the conference.

Performance:

Members of the five (5) finalist teams meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before each team’s scheduled performance. Team members will not be sequestered.
Teams receive a role-play scenario twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled event time. Judges receive a copy of the role-play scenario along with suggested questions to ask during each performance.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided to each competitor and may be used during event preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Notecards will be collected following the presentation.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solution to the case.
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Event management customer service skills
management skills for successful event planners
event staffing
legal aspects of event planning
convention management
designing and executing an event
crowd control at an event
pricing for events
event planning careers
supply chain management for an event

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter one team of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 10. Each participant must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

The objective test will be machine graded. The top five (5) teams with the highest score will advance to the presentation portion of the event. A panel of judges will evaluate the performances to determine the winners. Team places one to five are determined by weighting 20% team test score and 80% team performance score. The objective test score will be used to determine the final rank in case of a tie.
The objective test score will determine places for teams not advancing to the performance portion of the event. Ties on the objective test will be broken based on time. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Hospitality Management event at the National Leadership Conference. No team members has placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-IEP

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to FBLA

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-10

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

FBLA organization
bylaws and handbook
national competitive events guidelines
national publications
creed and national goals

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 10 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Introduction to FBLA event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to Financial Math

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-10

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Basic math concepts
consumer credit
data analysis
probability
fractions
percentages
discounts
decimals

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 and 10 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Introduction to Financial Math event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to Information Technology

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-10

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Computer hardware and software
operating systems
common program functions
word processing
spreadsheets
presentation software
networking concepts
email and electronic communication

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 10 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Introduction to Information Technology event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-10

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Parliamentary procedure principles
FBLA National Bylaws
Questions for the parliamentary procedure principles portion of the exam will be drawn from the National Association of Parliamentarians’ official test bank.

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 and 10 are eligible to compete except they may not compete in both Introduction to
Parliamentary Procedure and the Parliamentary Procedure event. The only exception will be a candidate for the
office of State Parliamentarian who is not a member of a team.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to Public Speaking

Category: Speech

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-10

Deadline/Testing: 16-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Topic

Develop and deliver a speech based on the following topic: My biggest concern for the future is…

Event Guidelines

Preliminary Round:

Competitors must write their speeches. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
Each speech must be 4 minutes in length.
The speech must be of a business nature and based on the topic.
Place the student’s name, chapter, event name, and title of the speech on the written copy.
Submit a PDF of the written speech and an audio recording of the speech electronically.
Ensure that the audio file is a universal audio file type.
Name files IntroPS_chaptername_year.
The top 20 competitors will be notified of their eligibility, groups, and performance times prior to the State Leadership Conference.

Semi-Final Round:

The top 20 competitors will present for judges at the conference.
Each speech must be 4 minutes in length. A timekeeper will stand at 3 minutes and again at 4 minutes to call time.
At the time of the performance, the event administrator will introduce each competitor by name.
No visual/speaking aids or electronic devices may be used. Handouts are not allowed.
No microphones are allowed.
When speaking, participants may use 4” by 6” note cards; however, judges prefer that the speeches are memorized.
Any competitor receiving coaching from the adviser or members of the audience may be disqualified.
All performances are open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event. Performances may not be audio or videotaped.
The top eight (8) participants from each group will be selected for the final round.
Note cards will be kept by competitors for all rounds if used.

Final Round:

The competitors will be randomly placed for performance times, which will be posted on the conference app.
All other procedures as outlined for the preliminary round will be followed for the final round.

Competency:

Demonstrate ability to make a businesslike presentation
demonstrate effective verbal communication skills
display self-confidence through knowledge of content and articulation of ideas
explain content logically and systematically

Eligibility:

Each chapter may enter one FBLA member from Grades 9 or 10. A participant entered in the Introduction to Public Speaking event is not eligible to enter the Impromptu Speaking event.

Judging

Each participant will be judged by one or more judges. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Introduction to Public Speaking event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-IPS

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Introduction to Social Media Strategy

Category: Project/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-10

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

Create a social media campaign to promote involvement in FBLA at your school.

Address the following in your social media strategy:

A schedule of social media posts
An example of social media posts
The promotional plan of the campaign
The plan to develop an awareness of FBLA

Do not create live accounts.

Event Guidelines

Effectively address a recruitment opportunity and a strategic approach to the target audience.
The topic is addressed effectively and is appropriate for the audience.
The campaign has a high level of engagement and interactivity.
Demonstrates knowledge of social media marketing beyond community management, including but not limited to developing unique content, effectively utilizing existing content, optimizing content for search, and distributing content across as many platforms as possible within a limited budget.
Describe any applicable insight/research methodology as to why you have chosen specific platforms, messaging, content, engagement, and outreach strategies.
Overall campaign—images, videos, copywriting, graphic designs (if applicable)—is creative and appealing.
The final product indicates a clear thought process, a well-formulated campaign, and the execution of a firm idea.
Effectively communicate required information and drive the campaign toward a clear call to action.
Comply with state and federal copyright laws.
Should not be live on social media platforms. Rather, showcase your proposal to a group/company.

Preliminary Round:

Student members, not advisers must prepare a project/presentation.
The individual or team may use notes, note cards, and props.
Follow the event rating sheet for items to consider in the presentation.
Competitors will create a video of the social media campaign presentation, which allows the judges to view the competitor as well as the presentation slides.
The individual or team has seven (7) minutes to deliver the presentation.
Upload the video to YouTube as unlisted and disable comments.
Upload the slide deck as a PDF file and the URL to BluePanda by deadline.
Save files as IntroSocialMedia_Chaptername_year
The preliminary round will be judged based on the presentation submitted online. The audio should be clear with the appropriate volume.
The top five (5) finalists will advance to the final round.

Final Round:

The top five (5) individuals or teams will be notified of their eligibility and performance times prior to the conference. Competitors must be available to compete at the designated time in the program.
Performance times for the presentations will be randomly selected by the state office staff.
Five minutes will be allowed to set up and remove equipment and other presentation items. Equipment may be connected or partially connected before entering the presentation room.
Competitors must perform all aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, setup, operating equipment). Other representatives of the chapter or the adviser may not provide assistance.
The individual or team has seven (7) minutes to deliver the presentation.
The individual or team may use notes, note cards, and props.
Visual aids and samples specifically related to the presentation may be used; however, no items may be left with the judges or audience.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes. When the presentation is finished, the timekeeper will record the time used, noting a deduction of five (5) points for any presentation over seven (7) minutes.
Following each presentation, judges will conduct a three (3) minute question-answer period.
The performance is open to conference attendees, except those competing in the event finals. No audio or video recording will be allowed.
As this is part of the Competitive Events Program, we do not require or expect anyone to raise money for the organization as part of the event. Our expectation is simply that a marketing strategy is developed to do so.

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter one team of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 10. Each participant must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

The top five (5) entries will present their campaign at the State Leadership Conference.
Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners will represent Nebraska in the Introduction to Social Media Strategy event at the National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-ISMS

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Job Interview

Category: Interview

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 12

Deadline/Testing: Submit Resume and Cover Letter by April 1

Competitor Limit: 80% of Seniors registered for SLC

Event Guidelines

Resume and Cover Letter:

Submit a cover letter and résumé to Blue Panda prior to the conference.
- Competitors, not advisers, must prepare a cover letter and résumé for a business position for which the applicant is most qualified. Examples might include but are not limited to the following: (Accounting Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Publication Design, Assistant Management Intern, Marketing Assistant Network Administrator, Assistant Receptionist, Web page Design Intern, and Data Entry Specialist)
Each competitor must apply for a business or business-related job with Merit Corporation (a fictitious company) in Washington, DC. Merit Corporation can be any type of business the applicant chooses.
Merit Corporation benefits include paid holidays and vacation, sick leave, a retirement plan, and health insurance. Salary will be commensurate with experience and education. Merit Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer.
The job must be one for which the competitor is now qualified or he/she will be qualified at the completion of the current school year.
Positions may be part-time, full-time, or internship.
Address one-page cover letter to:
Dr. Terry E. Johnson
Director of Human Resources Merit Corporation
1640 Franklin Place
Washington, DC 20041
Résumé must not exceed two pages; no photographs are allowed.
Résumé should highlight the competitor’s work/volunteer experience.

Job Interview Times (assigned prior to conference)

Submit the cover letter and résumé to Blue Panda prior to the conference.
Interview times will be assigned prior to the conference. See the schedule posted online by April 1.

Preliminary Interview (Day 1 of the conference):

Competitors must bring one hard copy of their résumé and cover letter in a folder, to be left with the judges, for each round of interviews onsite.
Label folders with the event title, competitor’s name, state, and school.
Complete an interview with a business professional.
No other job interview materials may be brought into the interview or submitted to the judges.
Competitors will not know their interviewer’s name prior to the scheduled interview. Interviewers will introduce themselves at the time of the interview.
- Competitors report for the interview at least fifteen(15) minutes prior to the scheduled interview time. If the student is late for the scheduled interview time, he/she will be disqualified.
- Interviews are scheduled at 10-minute intervals.

Semifinal Interview (Tuesday morning):

Check posting (see SLC app for time) for semifinal job interview callbacks.
If applicable, report for a semifinal job interview at the time scheduled.
Competitors interview with one judge.

Final Interview (Tuesday evening):

Check posting (see SLC program for time) for final job interview callbacks.
If applicable, report for job interview finals at the time scheduled.
Competitors interview with two judges.

Competency:

This event recognizes FBLA members who demonstrate proficiency in applying for employment.

Eligibility:

FBLA members in Grade 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The score from the preliminary interview will be used as the preliminary interview score in the Future Business Leader event.
Preliminary Interview
The interview will be conducted and the participant evaluated on the Preliminary Job Interview Event rating sheet. The top student from each judge’s group will be selected for the semifinal interviews.
Semifinal Interview
Competitors selected to be interviewed a second time will be posted on the conference bulletin board at the designated time in the program. The purpose of the semi-final interview is to determine finalists for the Job Interview event. Judges will use the Semifinal/Final Job Interview rating form. The top two students from each judge’s semifinal group (ten finalists) will be selected for final interviews.
Final Interviews
Competitors selected to be interviewed a third time will be posted on the conference app. The final (third) interview will be used to determine the final placings in the Job Interview event. The ten finalists will be interviewed by a panel of judges. Judges will use the Semifinal/Final Job Interview rating form.
All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Job Interview event at the National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Journalism

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Economics of journalism
grammar & format
law & ethics
business of journalism
history of journalism

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Journalism event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Local Chapter Annual Business Report

Category: Report/Presentation

Type: Chapter

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: March 1

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Event Guidelines

Report:

The report should include the chapter’s annual business.
Report formats must follow the same sequence given on the rating sheet. If information is not available for a particular criterion, include a statement to that effect in the report. The report must be similar to that of a business report with substantiated statements in a clear and concise format. Creativity through design and use of desktop publishing is encouraged. The report should describe the activities of the local chapter between the start of the previous State Leadership Conference and the start of the current State Leadership Conference. Projects used for other FBLA reports may be included.

Report Contents:

Reports must include a table of contents and page numbers.
The cover and table of contents do not count toward the page limit.
Divider pages and appendices are optional and must be included in the page count.
Reports must be a minimum of 10 pages and not exceed 15 pages.
Pages must be numbered and formatted to fit on 8½” by 11” paper.
Reports may be single- or double-spaced.
Follow the rating sheet sequence when writing the report.

Report Covers:

A front cover is required.
Report covers must contain the following information: Name of the school, state, name of the event, and year (20xx-xx).
Covers are not counted against the page limit.

General Report:

Reports must be prepared by student members, not advisers. Local advisers should serve as consultants to ensure that the reports are well organized, contain substantiated statements, and are written in an acceptable business style.
Reports must describe activities of the local chapters that were conducted between the start of the previous year’s State Leadership Conference and the start of the current year’s State Leadership Conference. (Include last year’s SLC and all activities up to the approaching SLC.)
A PDF of the Local Chapter Annual Business Report must be submitted to BluePanda.
Save the file as ABR_chaptername_year.pdf

Performance (New 2022-2023)

The top eight (8) reports will move to the final performance round of the event at the State Leadership Conference.
Chapters failing to report on time for their performance will be disqualified.
A maximum of three (3) members from each local chapter selected for the finals will give the presentation.
Five (5) minutes are allowed to set up and remove equipment.
Seven (7) minutes will be allowed for the presentation, which will describe the project and the results obtained.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes. The presentation will be ended at seven (7) minutes.
Following each presentation, the judges will conduct a three-minute (3) question-and-answer period.
All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.
Copies of the report, visual aids, and samples related to the project may be used in the presentation. However, no items may be left after the presentation with either the judges or the audience.
A projection screen and cart will be provided; however, all other equipment for the presentation must be provided by the chapter.
All aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, setup, operating audio-visual equipment) must be performed by the members presenting. No additional assistance, including verbal commands or prompting, may be provided by other chapter representatives, including the adviser or individuals in the audience.
Timers such as stopwatches may not be used by audience members while teams are presenting.
Performances are open to conference attendees, except for performing participants of this event.
No pictures may be taken and no video or audio recording devices may be used during the performance.

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may submit one report.

Judging

The final rank is determined by 20% written report scores and 80% performance scores. The report scores will be used to break a tie. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

National Gold Seal of Merit Award: In addition to recognizing places 1-8, the top 15 percent will receive an award. These chapters will also be nominated in the national association for Gold Seal Awards. The top three projects will be entered in the Local Chapter Annual Business Report at the National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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fbla-rubric-LCABR_performance

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Management Information Systems

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 Teams of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test:

Team members will take the online objective test individually at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the login and password information prior to the testing dates.
All team members must be present to take the online test. Team members, not present at testing, are not eligible to advance to the performance. If a team consists of only two members and one team member does not test, the team does not qualify for any recognition.
Team members may use their own cordless calculators; however, no graphing calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The eight (8) teams with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event. The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person at the state office and announced prior to the conference.

Performance:

Members of the eight (8) finalist teams meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before each team’s scheduled performance. Team members will not be sequestered.
Teams receive a role-play scenario twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled event time. Judges receive a copy of the role-play scenario along with suggested questions to ask during each performance.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided to each competitor and may be used during event preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
A flip chart and markers will be provided.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solutions to the case.
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except for performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Systems analysis and design
database management and modeling concepts
object-oriented analysis and design
user interfaces
system controls
defining system and business requirements

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter two teams of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first, second-, and third-place teams will represent Nebraska in the Management Information Systems event at the National Leadership Conference. No member can participate if they have placed top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-MIS

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Marketing

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 Teams of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test:

Team members will take the online objective test individually at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the login and password information prior to the testing dates.
All team members must be present to take the online test. Team members, not present at testing, are not eligible to advance to the performance. If a team consists of only two members and one team member does not test, the team does not qualify for any recognition.
Team members may use their own cordless calculators; however, no graphing calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The eight (8) teams with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event. The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person at the state office and announced prior to the conference.

Performance:

Members of the eight (8) finalist teams meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before each team’s scheduled performance. Team members will not be sequestered.
Teams receive a role-play scenario twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled event time. Judges receive a copy of the role-play scenario along with suggested questions to ask during each performance.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided to each competitor and may be used during event preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solution to the case.
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Basic marketing fundamentals
economics
selling and merchandising
channels of distribution
marketing, information research, and planning
promotion and advertising media
legal, ethical, and social marketing aspects
e-commerce

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter two teams of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Marketing event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-marketing

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Annual Chapter Activities Presentation (New 2022-2023)

Category: Presentation

Type: Chapter

Grade Level: 5-8

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per Chapter

Event Guidelines

The presentation must describe the chapter’s activities that were conducted between the start of the previous State Leadership Conference and the current State Leadership Conference.
The presentation team can be from one to three members of the chapter.
Visual aids (electronic, printed, etc.) and samples specifically related to the project may be used in the presentation; however, no items may be left with the judges.
Comply with state and federal copyright laws.
All competitors must comply with the FBLA dress code.
NOTE: This event does not require the submission of a written report.
Competitors will only present to the judges.

Performance Guidelines:

Preparation for and presentation of the entry must be conducted by chapter members.
Visual aids related to the project may be used during the presentation; however, no items may be left with the judges or audience.
The individual or team must perform all aspects of the presentation. Other chapter representatives may not provide assistance.
All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.
Five minutes will be allowed to set up equipment or presentation items. When five minutes have elapsed, the timer will automatically start the five-minute performance clock.
Performance time: 5 minutes
Q&A: 3 minutes

Competency:

Demonstrate excellent verbal communication skills.
• Display effective decision‑making and problem-solving skills
Express self‑confidence and poise.
Work well as a team when applicable.
Exhibit logic and systematic understanding.
Conduct a professional business presentation.
Answer questions effectively (when applicable).

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Annual Chapter Activities Presentation event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-ms-chapteractivities

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Business Ethics

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 5-8

Event Guidelines

Team members will take the online objective test individually at the State Leadership Conference.
All team members must be present to take the online test. Team members, not present at testing, are not eligible to compete at NLC, if the team qualifies.
No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Emotional intelligence
Professional development
Business Law
Communication Skills
Sample test questions are provided in the year-long Ethical Leadership course guide that can be obtained free of charge from MBA Research’s online store at www.mbaresearch.org.

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in FBLA Middle School level events.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Business Ethics event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Business Etiquette

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops for the objective test at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Proper Introductions
Direct Eye Contact
Public Speaking
Table Manners
Dining Decorum
Cell Phone Etiquette
Texting and Social Media Protocol
Netiquette
Professionalism
International Customs and Etiquette

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were submitted. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Business Etiquette event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Career Exploration

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. Tests will be taken online at the State Leadership Conference in the designated testing location. No calculators, phones, or other electronic devices are allowed.

Competency:

Career Plans
Career Goals
Career Pathways
Job Searches
Job Applications
Cover Letters
Interviews
Basic Career Education
Employability Skills
Stress and Time Management

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were submitted.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Career Exploration event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Career Research

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Competitor Limit: Limit 2 entries per chapter

Event Guidelines

Individuals are to identify a career of interest and conduct research for the presentation. The presentation must include the following, but is not limited to:
- General description of the career.
- What type of education is needed to enter into this career?
- Is this career in high demand?
- What part of the country would have the most demand for a career?
- What is the average starting pay for this career?
Visual aids and samples specifically related to the project may be used in the presentation
Comply with state and federal copyright laws.
Presentation up to 5 minutes in length.
5 minutes will be provided for setup for the presentation.
A timekeeper will notify the competitor when 5 min. setup is over, and start the presentation timer for 5 minutes.
The timekeeper will stand at 4 minutes and again to notify time is up at 5 minutes.

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Career Research event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-ms-careerresearch

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Community Service Presentation (New 2023)

Category: Presentation

Type: Chapter

Grade Level: 5-8

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Event Guidelines

The presentation must describe a chapter project that serves the community. The project must be in the community’s interest and designed for chapter participation.

Presentation with an audience at State Leadership Conference.
Five minutes will be allowed to set up equipment or presentation items.
The timer will notify the competitor and start the five-minute performance clock when five minutes have elapsed.
Presentation up to 5 minutes. The timekeeper will provide a warning at 4 minutes and competitors are asked to stop at 5 minutes.
Visual aids (electronic, printed, etc.) and samples specifically related to the project may be used in the presentation; however, no items may be left with the judges.
Comply with state and federal copyright laws.
NOTE: This event does not require the submission of a written report. Competitors will only present the project to the judges.

Eligibility:

Each chapter may submit one entry. Competitors must have paid FBLA-Middle School national and state dues by 11:59 p.m. on January 15 of the current school year.

Judging

The performance will be judged by a panel of judges. Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Community Service Presentation event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC).

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Digital Citizenship

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own Laptops for testing.

No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Personal Security and Online Privacy
Rights and Responsibilities
Ethics
Digital Footprint
Internet Searches
Copyrights
Cyber Bullying

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Digital Citizenship event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Elevator Speech

Category: Presentation

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Topic

(New 2022-2023)

You and the other FBLA middle school members at your school are attending a CTSO Legislative Day at your State Capitol. You are introduced to one of your local legislators and he/she asks what FBLA is.

In a 30-second elevator speech, share with the legislator an example of a chapter activity that you’ve participated in and how you have benefitted from membership in FBLA.

Event Guidelines

The speech must be developed based on the topic.
Competitors must create and be prepared to leave three copies of a visual aid (brochure, flyer, etc.) about FBLA-Middle Level and a business card with the judges.
Judges can ask up to two questions after the speech is completed.
Competitors must prepare speeches, visual aids, and business cards.
Advisers and others are not permitted to help.
Performance Time: 30 seconds
Q&A: 3 minutes

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members (grades 5-8) may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Elevator Speech event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-ms-elevatorspeech

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Exploring Business Issues (New 2022-2023)

Category: Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 5-8

Competitor Limit: 2 entries per chapter

Topic

In the last few years, businesses have struggled to hire quality employees and retain employees. Businesses are finding it more difficult to fill vacant positions or are not receiving qualified applicants. Another challenge is once they hire new employees, they are finding it difficult to retain these employees. The last obstacle is retaining employees they already have in the company with experience or years of service. What strategic plan could you give to a business to fill vacant positions? What advice could you give to a business to retain employees? Explain your reasoning.

Event Guidelines

The presentation must describe the chapter’s activities that were conducted between the start of the previous State Leadership Conference and the current State Leadership Conference.
The presentation team can be from one to three members of the chapter.
Visual aids (electronic, printed, etc.) and samples specifically related to the project may be used in the presentation; however, no items may be left with the judges.
Comply with state and federal copyright laws.
All competitors must comply with the FBLA dress code.
NOTE: This event does not require the submission of a written report.
Competitors will only present to the judges.

Performance Guidelines:

Preparation for and presentation of the entry must be conducted by chapter members.
Visual aids related to the project may be used during the presentation; however, no items may be left with the judges or audience.
The individual or team must perform all aspects of the presentation. Other chapter representatives may not provide assistance.
All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.
Five minutes will be allowed to set up equipment or presentation items. When five minutes have elapsed, the timer will automatically start the five-minute performance clock.
Performance time: 5 minutes
Q&A: 3 minutes

Competency:

Demonstrate excellent verbal communication skills.
• Display effective decision‑making and problem-solving skills
Express self‑confidence and poise.
Work well as a team when applicable.
Exhibit logic and systematic understanding.
Conduct a professional business presentation.
Answer questions effectively (when applicable).

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Exploring Business Issues event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-ms-exploringbusinessissues

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Exploring Computer Science

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own Laptop. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Computational Thinking and Problem Solving
Algorithms and Programs
Logical Reasoning
Basic Coding
Manipulating and Analyzing Data Using Digital Tools
Robotics

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

The test will be electronically graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were submitted. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Exploring Computer Science event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Exploring Economics

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own Laptop. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle-Level members may compete in Middle-Level events.

Judging

The test will be electronically graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were submitted. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle Level - Exploring Economics event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC).

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Exploring Technology

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle-Level members may compete in Middle-Level events.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle Level - Business Etiquette event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC).

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – FBLA Concepts

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle-School members may compete in Middle-School events.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - FBLA Concepts event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – FBLA Mission & Pledge

Category: Presentation

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Competitor Limit: Each chapter may submit 2 entries.

Event Guidelines

Individuals will recite the FBLA-PBL mission from memory and reflect on the
meaning of the mission.
Individuals will then recite the FBLA-PBL pledge from memory and reflect on
the meaning of the pledge.
No books, other bound materials, reference materials, visual aids, or
electronic devices may be brought to or used during the performance.
Performance at the conference up to 5 minutes.
A timekeeper will stand at 4 minutes and again to indicate the time is up at 5 minutes.

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members (grades 5-8) may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Presentations will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - FBLA Mission & Pledge event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided the competitor has not placed top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-ms-missionpledge

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Financial Literacy

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Percentages
Fractions and Decimals
Ratios and Proportions
Savings
Checking Accounts
Decision Making
Taxes
Investing
Insurance
Real Estate
Financial Goals
Definition of Terms
Basic Economic Concepts

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the last 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Financial Literacy event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Leadership (New 2022-2023)

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops for the objective test at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Personal responsibility
Teamwork
Self-awareness
Communicating effectively
Motivating
Collaboration
Conflict resolution
Problem solving
Empathy
Flexibility
Creativity
Embracing risk
Innovation

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were submitted. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Leadership event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Marketing Mix Challenge (New 2022-2023)

Category:

Type:

Grade Level: 5-8

Competitor Limit: 2 entries per chapter

Topic

Create a new product or service that to your knowledge does not currently exist. The product must be realistic. Your challenge is to develop a marketing mix strategy for this product using the five Ps of Marketing. The presentation must include the following:

- Product: Name of your product or service. Give a description of what it is, what it does, and how it is packaged.
- Price: How much will your product cost? Why are you pricing it the way you are?
- Place: Where are you geographically going to sell your product? What type of stores/businesses will sell or provide it?
- Promotion: What advertising methods will you use to reach your target market? Where will you advertise? Will you offer any discounts, coupons, BOGOs etc.? What are they?
- People: Who is your target market? Include all components of demographics, psychographics, and geographics

*This topic does not change from year to year.

Event Guidelines

Create a new product or service that to your knowledge does not currently exist. The product must be realistic. Your challenge is to develop a marketing mix strategy for this product using the five Ps of Marketing. The presentation must include the following:
- Product: Name of your product or service. Give a description of what it is, what it does, and how it is packaged.
- Price: How much will your product cost? Why are you pricing it the way you are?
- Place: Where are you geographically going to sell your product? What type of stores/businesses will sell or provide it?
- Promotion: What advertising methods will you use to reach your target market? Where will you advertise? Will you offer any discounts, coupons, BOGOs etc.? What are they?
- People: Who is your target market? Include all components of demographics, psychographics, and geographics
Visual aids (electronic, printed, etc.) and samples specifically related to the project may be used in the presentation; however, no items may be left with the judges.
Comply with state and federal copyright laws.
The presentation team can be from one to three members of the chapter.
All competitors must comply with the FBLA dress code.
Competitors will only present to the judges.

Performance Guidelines:

Preparation for and presentation of the entry must be conducted by chapter members.
Visual aids related to the project may be used during the presentation; however, no items may be left with the judges or audience.
The individual or team must perform all aspects of the presentation. Other chapter representatives may not provide assistance.
All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.
Five minutes will be allowed to set up equipment or presentation items. When five minutes have elapsed, the timer will automatically start the five-minute performance clock.
Performance time: 5 minutes
Q&A: 3 minutes

Competency:

Demonstrate excellent verbal communication skills.
• Display effective decision‑making and problem-solving skills
Express self‑confidence and poise.
Work well as a team when applicable.
Exhibit logic and systematic understanding.
Conduct a professional business presentation.
Answer questions effectively (when applicable).

Eligibility:

Only registered Middle School members may compete in Middle School events.

Judging

Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Marketing Mix Challenge event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-ms-marketingmix

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Multimedia and Website Development

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 5-8

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: Two Entries per chapter

Topic

(New 2022-2023)

Develop a how-to website that assists students in your grade with a topic you are learning in your business, information technology, English, mathematics, science, social studies, OR world language class.

The website must include, but is not limited to, the following:

An animated theme and logo that includes music.
A form classmates can submit in order to ask for your assistance with the topic.

Event Guidelines

Projects produced for this event must be prepared by the competitor without help from the adviser or any other person.
Competitors are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws. Refer to the Format Guide for copyright guidelines.
Projects are judged prior to SLC.
Competitors are responsible for ensuring their projects can be viewed by judges.
Any photographs, texts, trademarks, or names used must be supported by proper documentation and approvals indicated on the project.
When applicable, the use of templates must be identified.
Projects submitted for the competition become the property of Nebraska FBLA.
Submit the live URL to the project submission form on Blue Panda.

Competency:

Career Awareness Related to Multimedia and Website Industry
Technology Operations and Concepts
Visual Design Concepts
Animation Techniques
Gaming
Digital Audio
Web Technologies
Graphic Design

Judging

Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top two winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Multimedia and Website Development event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

https://nebraskafbla.org/wp-content/uploads/fbla-rubric-ms-websitedevelopment-1.pdf

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Video Game Challenge (New 2022-2023)

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 5-8

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: Two Entries per chapter

Topic

Create an animated game, in any language or game/animation engine, with keyboard and/or mouse input.

Event Guidelines

Choose a programming language or game/animation engine to create a standalone executable program that will display creativity, and programming skills, and convey the message of the topic.
The use of templates is permitted; however, the final product should demonstrate the competitors’ creativity and original thought. If templates are used, they must be identified during the demonstration.
The game must be free of viruses/malware.
The usability and functionality of the program must be accessible to the judges.
Competitors must include for the judges any of the following that is applicable;
read me file, source code, documentation of templates/libraries used,
documentation of copyrighted material used.
Competitors must prepare projects. Advisers and others are not permitted
to help.
Competitors are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws. Refer to the Format Guide for copyright guidelines.
- Any photographs, texts, trademarks, or names used must be supported by proper documentation and approvals indicated on the project.
Submit the project as a Zip File or URL to Blue Panda by the deadline.
Name project: videogame_chapter_lastnames_year

Judging

Using the rating sheet, a panel of judges will select the winners. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first- and second-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Middle School - Video Game Challenge event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided they have not previously placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Rubrics

https://nebraskafbla.org/wp-content/uploads/fbla-rubric-ms-videogamechallenge-1.pdf

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Middle School – Young Leader Award

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 5-8

Deadline/Testing: March 1

Competitor Limit: One entry per chapter.

Event Guidelines

Elements to display

Criteria for selection of the nominees for this event should include:
- Years of participation in FBLA activities.
- Extent of participation in FBLA conferences sponsored by the state chapter and national association.
- Offices held on the local level and goals accomplished in this position.
- Chairmanships and committee participation.
- Contributions to local, state, and national projects.
- FBLA honors and awards—local, state, and/or national.

Regulations

An applicant for this event can also apply for the All-State Quality Member Award.
Each local chapter shall determine its own method for selecting its nominee for the Young Leader Award.
To be considered for national recognition, the nominee must have completed one level of the LEAD Award.
Submit to the Nebraska Young Leader online form with a PowerPoint-type presentation displaying the required elements.
Name file: YoungLeader_Chapter_Name.PDF

Eligibility:

All registered Middle School Members who have completed one level of the LEAD program.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top winner of this event will represent Nebraska for the Middle School - Young Leader Award at the National Leadership Conference (NLC).

Rubrics

Rubric

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Mobile Application Development

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Topic

(New 2022-23)

Create a mobile application for your school to help keep parents and the community up to date. The app needs to include upcoming events, important information such as the school calendar and activities schedule, a way for teachers and students to share photos, and a way for parents to notify the school of student absences. The app must also include one additional item that is recommended by your administration.

The app must be designed for a phone/tablet.
The operating system must be mobile based such as Android or iOS.
The app should state its licensing and terms of use.

Event Guidelines

The individual or team will research the topic and then create a mobile application on the topic.
Competitors must prepare the program. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
Competitors may use one of the following platforms to develop the mobile application: Google’s Android, Apple iOS, or Microsoft Windows Phone.
The entry must include the source code and screenshots of the GUI in PDF format for review.
The solution must run standalone with no programming errors.
The application may deploy from a tablet, but must be smartphone deployable.
The application does not need to be available for download from a digital-distribution multimedia content service such as Google Play, Apple Store, or Microsoft.
Submit the project electronically on the entry form.
- May need to Zip the folder with project files before submitting.
- Cloud Storage URLs are acceptable.
Name file: MobileApp_chaptername_lastnames_year
(i.e. MobileApp_NDE_Garrison_20XX)

Eligibility:

Each chapter may submit entries created by an individual or team of two (2) or three (3) members in Grades 9 through 12. No team member may have placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous NLC. All team members must be registered for the State Leadership Conference to participate in this event.

Judging

Entries must address the topic. Entries will be judged by a panel of judges according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will be entered in the Mobile Application Development event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-MobileAppDev

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Network Design

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 Teams of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test:

Team members will take the online objective test individually at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the logon and password information prior to the testing dates.
All team members must be present to take the online test on the same day and time. Team members, not present at testing, are not eligible to advance to the performance.
No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The eight (8) teams with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event. The order of performance will be drawn at random.

Performance:

Members of the eight (8) finalist teams meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before each team’s scheduled performance. Team members will not be sequestered.
Teams receive a role-play scenario twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled event time. Judges receive a copy of the role-play scenario along with suggested questions to ask during each performance.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided to each competitor and may be used during event preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
A flip chart and markers will be provided.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solutions to the case.
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except for performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Network installation
problem solving and troubleshooting
network administrator functions
configuration of Internet resources
backup and disaster recovery
configuration of network resources and services

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter two teams of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place teams in this event will represent Nebraska in the Network Design event at the National Leadership Conference NLC, provided no team member has placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-networkdesign

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Networking Infrastructures

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptop for testing at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

General network terminology and concepts
network operating system concepts
equipment for network access (firewall, DSU/CSU, T1, WiFi)
OSI model and functionality
network topologies and connectivity
network security

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were submitted. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Networking Infrastructures event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Organizational Leadership

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Leadership concepts
leadership managerial roles
behavior and motivation
networking
communication skills
leader and follower relations
team leadership
self-managed teams
strategic leadership for managing crises and change
levels of leadership
leadership theory
traits of effective leaders
personality profile of effective leaders
leadership attitudes
ethical leadership
relationship between power, politics, networking, and negotiation
coaching
managing conflict
team decision making
organizational politics
team skills
charismatic and transformational leadership
stewardship and servant leadership
diverse settings

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Organizational Leadership event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Parliamentary Procedure

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 4 to 5 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test:

Team members will take the online objective test individually at the State Leadership Conference.
The examination and performance criteria for this event are based on Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Contestants must furnish their own laptops for testing at the conference.
The team score is determined by averaging the score of its members. The four teams with the highest scores are then scheduled for a performance before a panel of judges.

Performance:

All members of the four participating teams will meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before the first performance is scheduled to begin. All team members will be sequestered until their performance times.
Twenty (20) minutes before each performance, each team will receive four copies of the case study to be distributed to each team member. The participants are not to write on a copy of the case study. The team may use the preparation time to consider procedure.
Parliamentary procedure reference materials may be used during the preparation period but not during the performance. The following items may be taken into the preparation and performance room: a copy of the problem for each team member, the treasurer’s report, a copy of the minutes from a preceding meeting, and paper for recording the minutes of this meeting.
No other reference materials, visual aids, scripts, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Performances must include presentation of procedures that are used in a complete regular meeting of the chapter from the time the meeting is called to order until it is adjourned. Items designated in the case must be included in the appropriate order of business, but other items should also be taken up during the meeting. The secretary will take notes during the meeting, but the notes will not be transcribed into minutes.
The problem may or may not include each class of motions, but all five classes of motions – main, subsidiary, privileged, incidental, and motions that bring a question again before the assembly – must be demonstrated during the performance.
Performance time may be from 9 to 11 minutes. A timekeeper will stand at 8 minutes and again at 11 minutes. When each team is finished, the time will be recorded, noting a deduction of 1 point for each full half minute (30 seconds) under 9 minutes or each full half minute (30 seconds) over 11 minutes.
This performance is open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event. All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Parliamentary procedure principles
FBLA National Bylaws
Questions for the parliamentary procedure principles section will be drawn from the National Association of Parliamentarians’ official test bank.

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter one (1) team of FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 composed of four or five persons – president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and an additional member(s).
Candidates for the office of State Parliamentarian may or may not be team members but are required to take the objective test.
A student who entered the Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure event may not compete in the Parliamentary Procedure event with the exception of a State Parliamentarian candidate who is not a member of a team.
All competitors must be on a team unless running for State Parliamentarian.

Judging

The objective test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the time the last team member’s test was submitted. The performance portion of the event will be evaluated by a panel of judges. An official timekeeper will be appointed. All decisions of the judges are final.
Final rank is determined by weighting 20 percent team average test score and 80 percent team performance score.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-place team will represent Nebraska in the Parliamentary Procedure event at the National Leadership Conference. Team members should not have placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Partnership with Business Project

Category: Report/Presentation

Type: Chapter

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: March 1

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Event Guidelines

Project:
The project must demonstrate the development and implementation of an innovative, creative and effective business partnership plan.

Report:

Reports must describe chapter activities conducted between the previous State Leadership Conference and the current State Leadership Conference.
Competitors must prepare reports. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
Follow the rating sheet sequence when writing the report. If information is not available for a particular criterion, include a statement to that effect in the report.
Front covers must contain the following information: name of the school, state, name of the event, and year (20xx-xx). They may also contain other information.
Front covers and table of contents are not counted in the page limit.
Divider pages and appendices are optional and must be included in the page count.
Reports must include a table of contents with page numbers.
Reports must be a minimum of 10 pages and not exceed 15 pages.
Pages must be numbered and formatted to fit on 8½” by 11” paper.
The report must be original, current, and not submitted for a previous SLC.
Points will be deducted if the written project doesn’t adhere to the guidelines.
A PDF of the Partnership with Business Project report must be submitted electronically.
Save the file as PWB_chaptername_year.pdf
A maximum of eight (8) chapters will be notified that they ar finalists for the performance part of the event at the State Leadership Conference.

Performance:

Chapters failing to report on time for their performance may be disqualified.
A maximum of three (3) members from each local chapter selected for the finals will give the presentation.
Seven (7) minutes will be allowed for the presentation, which will describe the project and the results obtained.
Five (5) minutes is allowed to set up and remove equipment.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes. When the presentation is finished, the timekeeper will record the time used, noting deductions of five (5) points for any time over seven (7) minutes.
Following each presentation, the judges will conduct a three-minute (3) question-and-answer period.
All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.
Copies of the report, visual aids, and samples related to the project may be used in the presentation. However, no items may be left after the presentation with either the judges or the audience.
A projection screen and cart will be provided; however, all other equipment for the presentation must be provided by the chapter.
All aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, setup, operating audio-visual equipment) must be performed by the members presenting. No additional assistance, including verbal commands or prompting, may be provided by other chapter representatives, including the adviser or individuals in the audience.
Timers such as stop watches may not be used by audience members while teams are presenting.
Performances are open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event.
No pictures may be taken and no video or audio recording devices may be used during the performance.

Eligibility:

Each chapter may submit one report.

Judging

Reports will be reviewed by a screening committee to determine if chapters have complied with event eligibility and regulations.

A panel of judges will select the finalists before the State Leadership Conference. The performance will be judged by a panel of judges.

The final rank is determined by totaling the written report scores and the performance scores. The report scores will be used to break a tie. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The top three entries based on the combined written and presentation scores will be entered in the Partnership with Business Project at the National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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fbla-rubric-PBP_performance

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Personal Finance

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 11-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Credit and debt
earning a living (income, taxes)
managing budgets and finance
saving and investing
banking and insurance
financial principles related to personal decision making
buying goods and services

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 11 and 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Personal Finance event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Political Science

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Political Science Terms & Concepts
History & Role of Political Science
Civil Liberties & Civil Rights in Political Science
Forms of Government & Legislatures
Electoral Systems & Presidential Elections
The Powers & Elections of Congress
Federal Judicial System
Federal Bureaucracy
Mass Media & Politics
Public Opinion & Culture
Political Science Law
Public & Social Policy
Government Fiscal Policy
Government Foreign & Defense Policies
International Relations Concepts

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Political Science event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Public Service Announcement

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

After recovering from the global pandemic many social issues in our communities and country have been brought to light. Develop a Public Service Announcement about a social issue that affects teenagers. Your job is to bring awareness about that topic to your peers, school, and community.

Event Guidelines

Competitors must research and form an objective on the topic provided.
Student members, not advisers, must prepare the PSA.
Competitors create a script and 30-second video on the topic.
Video production may use any method to capture or create moving images.
These videos must be original content; competitors may not use previously published video clips in the videos they submit for the competition.
Members are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws. Refer to the national Format Guide for copyright information.
Upload the video to YouTube as unlisted and disable comments.
Submit URL to BluePanda by the deadline.

Competency:

PSA addresses topic and is appropriate for the audience
graphics, text treatment, and special effects show creativity and cohesiveness of design
overall layout and design is creative and appealing
final product indicates a clear thought process and an intended, planned direction with formulation and execution of a firm idea
identify the basic functions and resources for editing an audio/video production
required information is effectively communicated
copyright laws followed

Eligibility:

Each chapter may submit one (1) entry created by an individual or a team of two (2) or three (3) members in Grades 9 through 12. All team members must be registered for the State Leadership Conference to participate in this event.

Judging

Presentations must address the topic as described in the topic section. Entries will be judged by a panel of judges according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second, and third-place winners of this event will be entered in the Public Service Announcement event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Public Speaking

Category: Prejudge Project, Speech

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 11-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Topic

Develop and deliver a speech based on the following topic:

How should higher education transform to better serve the needs of students and the workforce?

Event Guidelines

Competitors must write their speeches. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
Each speech must be 5 minutes in length.
The speech must be of a business nature and based on the topic.
Place the student’s name, chapter, event name, and title of the speech on the written copy.
Submit a PDF of the written speech and an audio recording of the speech electronically.
Ensure that the audio file is a universal file type (ie mp3).
Name files PS_chaptername_year.
The top 20 competitors will be notified of their eligibility, groups, and performance times prior to the State Leadership Conference.

Preliminary Round:

Each speech must be 5 minutes in length. A timekeeper will stand at 4 minutes and again at 5 minutes. When the speaker is finished, the time used by the participant will be recorded noting a deduction of 5 points for any time under 4:31 or over 5:29.
At the time of the performance, the event administrator will introduce each competitor by name.
No visual/speaking aids or electronic devices may be used. Handouts are not allowed.
No microphones are allowed.
When speaking, participants may use 4” by 6” note cards; however, judges prefer that the speeches are memorized.
Any competitor receiving coaching from the adviser or members of the audience may be disqualified.
All performances are open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event. Performances may not be recorded.
The top ten (10) participants from each group will be selected for the final round.

Final Round:

The competitors will be randomly placed for performance times, which will be posted online.
All other procedures as outlined for the preliminary round will be followed for the final round.

Competency:

Demonstrate the ability to make a businesslike presentation
Demonstrate effective verbal communication skills
Display self-confidence through knowledge of content and articulation of ideas
Explain content logically and systematically

Eligibility:

Each chapter may enter one FBLA member from Grades 11 or 12. A participant entered in the Public Speaking event is not eligible to enter the Impromptu Speaking event.

Judging

Each participant will be judged by one or more judges. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Public Speaking event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Publication Design

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

You have been asked by your school activities director to create a publication highlighting the activities within your school. You will develop a five-page online magazine showcasing your school’s activities, including:

A print advertisement for a club or organization
A story about a school activity or event
Three other pages including information and designs of your choice.

Event Guidelines

Projects must address the given topic.
Competitors may use any desktop publishing software to complete the project.
Competitors must prepare projects. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
Competitors are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws. Refer to the national FBLA Format Guide for copyright guidelines.
Participants should place emphasis on the topic and design using the rating sheet as a guide.
The finished product must be submitted in color.
Participants may NOT use any words, diagrams, clipart, and/or artwork that are not public domain.
Upload files to an online file storage location such as Google Drive Folder or a website.
- Name project PD_item_chaptername_year
- Share so anyone with the link can view it.
- Post folder link/URL to Blue Panda by deadline.

Eligibility:

Each chapter may enter one individual or one team composed of two (2) or three (3) FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12. Each participant must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

Documents will be evaluated by a panel of judges. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Publication Design event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), provided that competitors have not placed in the top 10 at a previous NLC.

Rubrics

Rubric

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Sales Presentation

Category: Prejudge Project, Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter

Event Guidelines

Preliminary Round

The presentation is a sales pitch and should be prepared for a product or concept with equipment used to present the sales presentation.
Student members, not advisers, must prepare presentations.
Visual aids and samples related to the product or concept may be used in the presentation.
The competitor may use notes, note cards, and props.
The competitor will provide the necessary materials and merchandise for the demonstration along with the product or concept.
Facts and working data may be secured from any source.
Comply with state and federal copyright laws.
Follow the event rating sheet for items to consider in the presentation.
Competitors will create a video of the sales presentation, which allows the judges to view the competitor as well as the presentation slides.
Upload the video to YouTube as unlisted and disable comments.
Save video as SalesPresentation_chaptername_year
The preliminary round will be judged based on the presentation submitted online. The audio recording should be clear with the appropriate volume.
Eight (8) finalists will advance to the final round.

Final Round

The top eight (8) competitors will be notified of their eligibility and performance times prior to the conference.
Competitors must be available to compete at the designated time in the program.
Performance times for the presentations will be randomly selected by the state office staff.
Five minutes (5) will be allowed to set up and remove equipment and other presentation items. Equipment may be connected or partially connected before entering the presentation room.
Competitors must perform all aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, setup, operating equipment). Other representatives of the chapter or the adviser may not provide assistance.
The competitor has seven (7) minutes to deliver the presentation.
The competitor may use notes, note cards, and props.
Visual aids and samples specifically related to the presentation may be used; however, no items may be left with the judges or audience.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes. When the presentation is finished, the timekeeper will record the time used, noting a deduction of five (5) points for any presentation over seven (7) minutes.
Following each presentation, judges will conduct a three (3) minute question-answer period.
The performance is open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter one team of 2-3 members or an individual in Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

Each presentation will be judged by a panel of judges. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Sales Presentation event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Securities and Investments

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers and their own calculators. No graphing or financial calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Investment fundamentals
personal investing
retirement and estate planning
financial services industry
financial assets and markets
financial services regulation
stock market
mutual funds

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete.

Judging

The test will be machine graded. Ties will be broken based on the order the tests were returned. All judges’ decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Securities and Investments event at the National Leadership Conference, providing they have not entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Social Media Strategies

Category: Project/Presentation

Type: Team

Grade Level: 11-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: Each local chapter may enter one team of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 11 through 12. Each participant must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Topic

(New 2022-23)

Create a social media campaign to advocate for awareness about food insecurity in your community. This should bring awareness of the issue and provide solutions to help solve the problem. Address the following in your social media strategy:

A schedule of social media posts
An example of social media posts
The promotional plan of the campaign
The plan is to develop an awareness of the issue.

Do not create live accounts.

Event Guidelines

Effectively address a recruitment opportunity and a strategic approach to the target audience.
The topic is addressed effectively and is appropriate for the audience.
The campaign has a high level of engagement and interactivity.
Demonstrates knowledge of social media marketing beyond community management, including but not limited to developing unique content, effectively utilizing existing content, optimizing content for search, and distributing content across as many platforms as possible within a limited budget.
Describe any applicable insight/research methodology as to why you have chosen specific platforms, messaging, content, engagement, and outreach strategies.
Overall campaign—images, videos, copywriting, graphic designs (if applicable)—is creative and appealing.
The final product indicates a clear thought process, a well-formulated campaign, and the execution of a firm idea.
Effectively communicate required information and drive the campaign toward a clear call-to-action.
Comply with state and federal copyright laws.
Should not be live on social media platforms. Rather, showcase your proposal to a group/company.

Preliminary Round:

Student members, not advisers must prepare a project/presentation.
The individual or team may use notes, note cards, and props.
Follow the event rating sheet for items to consider in the presentation.
Competitors will create a video of the social media campaign presentation, which allows the judges to view the competitor as well as the presentation slides.
The individual or team has seven (7) minutes to deliver the presentation.
Upload the video to YouTube as unlisted and disable comments.
Upload Slidedeck as PDF.
Save file and video as SocialMedia_Chaptername_year
The preliminary round will be judged based on the presentation submitted online. The audio should be clear with the appropriate volume.
The top five (5) finalists will advance to the final round.

Final Round:

The top five (5) individuals or teams will be notified of their eligibility and performance times prior to the conference. Competitors must be available to compete at the designated time in the program.
Performance times for the presentations will be randomly selected by the state office staff.
Five minutes will be allowed to set up and remove equipment and other presentation items. Equipment may be connected or partially connected before entering the presentation room.
Competitors must perform all aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, setup, operating equipment). Other representatives of the chapter or the adviser may not provide assistance.
The individual or team has seven (7) minutes to deliver the presentation.
The individual or team may use notes, note cards, and props.
Visual aids and samples specifically related to the presentation may be used; however, no items may be left with the judges or audience.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes. When the presentation is finished, the timekeeper will record the time used, noting a deduction of five (5) points for any presentation over seven (7) minutes.
Following each presentation, judges will conduct a three (3) minute question-answer period.
The performance is open to conference attendees, except those competing in the event finals. No audio or video recording will be allowed.
As this is part of the Competitive Events Program, we do not require or expect anyone to raise money for the organization as part of the event. Our expectation is simply that a marketing strategy is developed to do so.

Judging

The top five (5) entries will present their campaign at the State Leadership Conference.
Entries will be judged according to the rating sheet. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners will represent Nebraska in the Social Media Strategies event at the National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Sports and Entertainment Management

Category: Objective Test/Presentation

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 2 Teams of 1-3 members

Event Guidelines

Objective Test:

Team members will take the online objective test individually at the local school at the designated time prior to the State Leadership Conference.
A proctor will administer the event using a prescribed set of instructions by a person other than the FBLA chapter adviser. The proctor can be another staff member, such as the technology coordinator, guidance counselor, or teacher.
The state office will email chapter advisers the instructions as well as the login and password information prior to the testing dates.
All team members must be present to take the online test. Team members not present at testing are not eligible to advance to the performance. If a team consists of only two members and one team member does not test, the team does not qualify for any recognition.
Team members may use their own cordless calculators; however, no graphing calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.
The eight (8) teams with the highest test scores will be scheduled for the performance component of the event. The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person at the state office and announced prior to the conference.

Performance:

Members of the eight (8) finalist teams meet for instructions thirty (30) minutes before each team’s scheduled performance. Team members will not be sequestered.
Teams receive a role play scenario twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled event time. Judges receive a copy of the role play scenario along with suggested questions to ask during each performance.
Two (2) 4” x 6” note cards will be provided to each competitor and may be used during event preparation and performance. Information may be written on both sides of the note cards. Note cards will be collected following the presentation.
No reference materials, visual aids, or electronic devices may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance.
Team members have seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present their solution to the case. Includes questions and answers with judges.
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.
All team members should actively participate in the performance.
All questions raised in the case must be addressed during the presentation.
A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes (warning) and again at seven (7) minutes (time up).
The performance is open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event.
All electronic devices must be turned off. No audio or video recording will be allowed.

Competency:

Management basics
events management
management functions
decision making
management strategies
strategic planning tools
networking and delegating
leadership
managing groups and teams
ethics
management for entertainment industry
marketing concepts and buyer behavior
marketing information management and research
marketing mix and product life cycle
distribution, pricing, and market conditions
promotion, advertising, and sponsorship
sales
entrepreneurship
human resource management
careers

Eligibility:

Each local chapter may enter two teams of one (1) to three (3) members from Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place teams will represent Nebraska in the Sports and Entertainment Management event at the National Leadership Conference.

Rubrics

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Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Spreadsheet Applications

Category: Computer Skill Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: At School Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: Unlimited entries (New 2022-2023)

Event Guidelines

The objective Test will be taken at the local school prior to SLC.
The top 15 scores from the objective test qualify to take an application/certification test for Excel at SLC.

Competency:

Basic mathematical concepts
data organization concepts
create formulas
functions
generate graphs for analysis purposes
pivot tables
create macros
filter and extract data

Eligibility:

Each chapter may enter two (2) FBLA members from Grades 9 through 12. Participants should have completed a computer course utilizing advanced applications in spreadsheet software. Each competitor must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

The production/certification score will constitute 85% of the final event score.

The objective test will constitute 15% of the final event score.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Spreadsheet Applications event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Supply Chain Management

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Channels of distribution
Essential supply chain management concepts
Supply chain topics
Characteristics for successful supply chain managers
Improving supply chain network performance
Production planning, control
Supply chain planning and design
Supply chain process
Product portfolio management
Coordination and decision-making for the flow of products, services, and information
Supply chain management contemporary issues

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the last 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Supply Chain Managemet event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

UX Design

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

Participants must furnish their own laptops. This test will be taken online at the conference. No calculators, phones, or other memory storage devices are allowed.

Competency:

Effective Design Principles
Ease of Navigation and Readability
Accomodation for Special Needs and Related Laws
Color Scheme
Responsive Web Design
Copyright, Creative Commons, and Fair Use
Role of UX Design
UX Design Process
Careers in UX/UI Design

Eligibility:

All FBLA members in Grades 9 through 12.

Judging

Ties will be broken based on the time tests were submitted followed by the last 10 questions. All decisions are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the UX Design event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Virtual Business Finance Challenge

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

No registration is required for SLC.
There is no separate state competition for this event. All competition is handled at the national level through the VBFC website.
During the challenge, FBLA members are required to:
Register an individual or team up to three (3) individuals
Run the simulation
Submit scores
Compete and be ranked against other participating FBLA teams
Registration link https://knowledgematters.com/highschool/competitions/fbla

Preliminary Round

The top eight (8) nationally ranked teams from each VBC—both fall and spring but no more than one (1) per
state, per challenge—are eligible to compete at the NLC. These sixteen (16) teams are determined by the standings in the fall and spring competitions administered via the Internet during the school year
At the NLC, the qualifying teams for the preliminary round will participate in a round-robin event with each team participating in a minimum of two (2) fifteen (15) to twenty (20) minute sessions. Teams will be using a multiplayer component that allows them to compete within the same simulated economy. Bracket winners will be determined based on the highest cumulative profit.

Preliminary Round Challenge Dates

Fall: October 20 – November 13, 2020
Spring: February 1-26, 2021

The FBLA VBC is an official event brought to FBLA chapters through a partnership with Knowledge Matters.

Eligibility:

Individual members or a team of two (2) or three (3) members in Grades 9 through 12 from active, local chapters may participate in both the fall and spring online challenge. A team member cannot be on more than one (1) team at a time. Team members cannot be changed once a team has registered. Members are unable to participate in any other event if they have qualified and plan on participating in the final round at the NLC. Competitors must have paid FBLA state and national dues by the deadline date of the current year.

Judging

All judging occurs through VBMC and winners are notified individually.

Who Goes to Nationals?

This is a national event. State awards are given to the national qualifying teams.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Virtual Business Management Challenge

Category: Objective Test

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Event Guidelines

No registration is required for SLC.
All competition is handled at the national level through the VBMC website.
Participation in this event crosses the curriculum areas of Introduction to Business, Information Technology, and Management. The students will manage a simulated business.
During the challenge, FBLA members are required to:
- Register an individual or team up to three (3) individuals
- Run the simulation
- Submit scores
- Compete and be ranked against other participating FBLA teams
- Registration link https://knowledgematters.com/highschool/competitions/fbla/ Preliminary Performance
The top eight (8) nationally ranked teams from each VBC—both fall and spring but no more than one (1) per state, per challenge—are eligible to compete at the NLC. These sixteen (16) teams are determined by the standings in the fall and spring competitions administered via the Internet during the school year.
At the NLC, the qualifying teams for the preliminary round will participate in a round-robin event with each team participating in a minimum of two (2) fifteen (15) to twenty (20) minute sessions. Teams will be using a multiplayer component that allows them to compete within the same simulated economy. Bracket winners will be determined based on the highest cumulative profit.

Preliminary Performance Challenge Dates

Fall: October 20 – November 13, 2020
Spring: February 1 – 26, 2021

Final Performance

For the final round, four (4) teams will compete in a fifteen (15) to twenty (20) minute session. The national
winner will be determined based on the highest cumulative profit.
The FBLA VBC is an official event brought to FBLA chapters through a partnership with Knowledge Matters.

Eligibility:

Judging

All judging occurs through VBMC and winners are notified individually.

Who Goes to Nationals?

This is a national event. State awards are given to the national qualifying teams.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Website Design

Category: Prejudge Project

Type: Individual, Team

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb

Competitor Limit: 1 team of 1-3 members

Topic

(New 2022-23)

Develop a website for a local business. This business can be real or fictional but must serve the members of your community. The website should include the following elements:

Header with logo
Favicon
Call to action button
Form to subscribe to receive announcements
Navigation menu
Footer to include credits to website creators and copyright information

The website does NOT need to be published; however, if you publish the website, you must obtain permissions in accordance with the competitive event guidelines and proper copyright law.

Event Guidelines

Participation in this event will allow competitors to demonstrate proficiency in conceptualizing, designing, and creating websites. Members will work individually or as a team in creating a website that addresses the topic provided.
Competitors, not advisers, must prepare the websites.
Websites should be designed to allow for viewing on as many different platforms as possible.
Must be a live link published online.
Include full address – http://www.domain.com/path/to/website
Any photographs, text, trademarks, or names that are used on the site must be supported by proper documentation and approvals indicated on the site.
The use of templates must be identified at the bottom of the page. Must edit the template from the original design.
Competitors are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws. Refer to the national Format Guide for copyright information.
The website must be available for viewing on the Internet at the time of judging.
No changes can be made to the website after the conference registration deadline.
Websites not adhering to these regulations may be disqualified.
Submit URL to Blue Panda by deadline.

Eligibility:

Each chapter may submit one (1) entry. Entries must be created by an individual or a team of two (2) or three (3) members in Grades 9 through 12. All team members must be registered for the State Leadership Conference to participate in the event.

Judging

Using the rating sheet, a panel of judges will select the winners. All decisions of the judges are final.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Website Design event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed top 10 for this event at a previous NLC.

Rubrics

fbla-rubric-website

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Who’s Who

Category: Prejudge Report

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: March 1

Competitor Limit: 1 entry per chapter

Event Guidelines

Criteria for selection of the nominees for this event should include:

Years of participation in FBLA activities.
Extent of participation in FBLA conferences sponsored by the state chapter and national association.
Offices held on the local, state, and national levels as well as goals accomplished as a state and/or national officer.
Chairmanships and committee participation.
Contributions to local, state, and national projects.
FBLA honors and awards—local, state, and/or national.

Regulations

Up to one (1) percent of Nebraska’s FBLA membership may receive this honor.
An applicant for this event can also apply for the All-State Quality Member Award.
Each local chapter shall determine its own method for selecting its nominee for the State Who’s Who Event.
To be considered for national recognition, the nominee must have completed one level of the Business Achievement Awards.
Complete the appropriate entry form found on the Nebraska FBLA website and submit it with your resume electronically.
For this event, a resume (not to exceed 1 page in length in 10-point font or larger) should include evidence of the nominee’s participation and contributions to FBLA.
A cover or title page should not be included.
File Name: WhosWho_chapter_name.pdf
- Submit PDF to Who’s Who on Blue Panda.

Eligibility:

Each active local chapter may enter one participant. State and national officers are automatically eligible for this recognition. Having a national or state officer does not prohibit a chapter from selecting an additional member for this honor.

Judging

A judging team will select up to the top entry of the Nebraska FBLA membership to receive recognition at NLC.

All nominations will receive recognition at State Leadership Conference.

Who Goes to Nationals?

Nebraska’s candidate for Who’s Who at the National Leadership Conference will be the highest point recipient as determined by the judging team. The nominee must have completed one level of the Business Achievement Awards to be eligible for the national competition. National officers are automatically recognized at the National Leadership Conference providing they have completed one level of the Business Achievement Awards.

Rubrics

Rubric

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023

Word Processing

Category: Computer Skill Test

Type: Individual

Grade Level: 9-12

Deadline/Testing: February 20 - March 15

Competitor Limit: 3 Entries per chapter

Event Guidelines

The objective Test will be taken at the local school prior to SLC.
The top 15 scores from the objective test qualify to take an application/certification test for Word at SLC.

Competency:

Production of all types of business forms
letters and mail merge
memos
tables
reports (including statistical)
materials from rough draft and unarranged copy
email messages

Eligibility:

Each chapter may enter three (3) FBLA members from Grades 9 through 12. Each competitor must pay the SLC registration fee and attend the State Leadership Conference.

Judging

The production/certification score will constitute 85% of the final event score.

The objective test will constitute 15% of the final event score.

Who Goes to Nationals?

The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Word Processing event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.

Nebraska FBLA - 12/01/2023