Middle School & High School NLC
Conference Programming
The National Leadership Conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside future business leaders. Our comprehensive programming is designed to equip you with cutting-edge skills, professional development insights, and networking opportunities that will propel your career trajectory forward.
Jared Ebersole
Joining us in both Vegas and San Antonio for an unforgettable keynote is Jared Ebersole, FBLA high school alumnus, entrepreneur, and CEO and co-founder of Lectec.
During his inspiring keynote, Jared will share his journey from FBLA member to entrepreneur, and what it takes to build, fail, and lead.
Optional Social Activities
FBLA Block Party – June 28 at 7:00 PM
- Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun and networking at the FBLA Block Party! This year’s party is being held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center grotto, and it’s going to be epic. Enjoy music form our DJ, play lawn games, and make new friends from across the nation. We’ll also have delicious food available for purchase so come hungry!
- Tickets are $35 per person. Space is limited and this event is likely to sell out! Transportation is not provided.
- In case of inclement weather, the party will be moved into the Convention Center.
FBLA Rodeo Night – July 1 at 6:00 PM
- It’s time for a night at the rodeo! Attendees will enjoy an action‑packed evening featuring a full rodeo performance, including bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and the fan‑favorite Calf Scramble. Guests can explore classic Texas yard games, snap photos with the Photo Bull, and try hands‑on activities like Roping 101.
- A hearty BBQ dinner with three sides, dessert, iced tea, and water is included, with optional lemonade available. Cowboy and cowgirl horseback greeters, line dancing, and an authentic Western atmosphere make this a truly immersive night in Texas tradition.
- Tickets are $125 per person. Space is limited and this event is likely to sell out! Roundtrip transportation is provided to and from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
Member Engagement Opportunities
NLC is about more than competitive events! There is something for everyone, but many engagement opportunities require pre-registration.
Additional information on the opportunities below will be posted here as it becomes available.
Internships
Apply to be an intern to go behind the scenes of NLC! All interns must be members of FBLA and registered for the conference. The deadline to apply is May 1.
NLC Workshops You Don't Want to Miss
At the National Leadership Conference, workshops are where inspiration meets action. Designed to help you Make Your Mark, these sessions encourage you to try something new, build real skills, and discover what sets you apart.
To hope you shape your own path, workshops are organized into tracks, allowing you to follow sessions that best align with your interests and goals. Whether you’re looking to focus on skills, leadership, or personal growth, each track is designed to help you Make Your Mark, in your own way. Below are examples of workshop themes that will be offered. Most workshops will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no pre-registration required.
Career
Great for Students Who Want to Explore Career Options & Pathways
- Career Clusters
- Industry Trends
- Certifications
- What Employers Look For
- “A Day in the Life” Sessions
Skills that Matter
Great for Students Wanting to Build Strong Workplace-Ready Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-Solving
- Emotional Intelligence
- Professional Behavior
Technology & Innovation
Great for Students Who are Curious about How Technology Shapes Careers
- AI Basics
- Digital Tools
- Tech Careers
- Responsible Tech Use
Leadership
Great for Students Wanting to Grow Confidence & Leadership
- Student Leadership
- Confidence Building
- Public Speaking
- Team Leadership
- CTSO Officer Skills
Personal Branding
Great for Students Wanting to Stand Out Professionally
- Résumé Basics
- CTSO to Résumé Connections
- Digital Footprint
- Professional Image
Entrepreneurship & Creativity
Great for Students Who Enjoy Ideas, Innovation, & Creative Problem-Solving
- Business Ideas
- Marketing
- Creativity
- Innovation Challenges
Middle School
Great for middle school students who are beginning to explore careers and plan for high school
- Time Management & Organization
- Exploring Interests and Strengths
- Building Confidence for New Experiences
- Connecting School Choices & Courses to Future Goals
- Introduction to Careers and Industries/Career Clusters
- Understanding How FBLA Fits into High School and Beyond
Advisers & Educators
Great for advisers who want to strengthen their chapters, support student leaders, and grow their role – whether new to FBLA or experienced!
- Supporting & Guiding Student Leaders
- Recruitment, Retention, & Member Engagement
- Using FBLA Experiences to Reinforce Classroom Learning
- Skills Students Need for College & Careers
- Supporting Student Leadership & Involvement
Certification Lab
When: July 1, starting at 1:30 PM
FBLA is pleased to expand the Certification Lab at this year’s National Leadership Conference. Participants should plan to bring a fully powered, personal laptop device. A range of certification opportunities, offered at different price levels, is outlined below:
MBA Research Certifications for Members & Educators
A*S*K Fundamentals of Ethics Certification
Cost: No Cost
Division: High School, Middle School – Members & Advisers
High school members (and teachers!) can take the A*S*K Fundamentals of Ethics certification exam, and middle school members (and teachers!) can take the Middle School Ethical Leadership exam at no additional cost. Members who earn passing scores will receive a digital badge to share on their resumes, LinkedIn, and social media.
Want to come prepared for this exam? High schoolers can complete the Business Achievement Awards, Advocate level. Be sure to register in advance through the National Leadership Conference website.
A*S*K Fundamentals of Business Concepts Certification
Cost: Discounted rate of $25 per member
Division: High School – Members & Advisers
High school members (and teachers!) can take the A*S*K Fundamental Business Concepts certification exam at the 2026 NLC. This exam validates a member’s understanding of essential business concepts, such as economics, finance, marketing, and management. Members who earn passing scores will receive a certificate and a digital badge to share on their resumes, LinkedIn, and social media.
You can learn more about the exam and associated credentials on the A*S*K Business Institute website. Be sure to register in advance through the National Leadership Conference website.
A*S*K Concepts of Finance Certification
Cost: Discounted rate of $25 per member
Division: High School – Members & Advisers
Looking to jumpstart a career in accounting, investment, or corporate finance? High school members attending the 2026 NLC have the opportunity to earn the A*S*K Concepts of Finance certification. This specialized exam goes beyond the basics to validate a member’s grasp of financial pillars like risk management, data analysis, accounting cycles, and financial reporting. Earning this credential proves you have the quantitative skills top firms look for. Successful members will receive a professional certificate and a digital badge for their LinkedIn, resumes, and portfolios.
You can explore the specific performance indicators covered on the exam at the A*S*K Business Institute website. Be sure to register in advance through the National Leadership Conference website.
iCEV Certifications for Members & Educators
Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification
Cost: $25 per member
Division: High School
Members attending the FBLA National Leadership Conference can earn the Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification, hosted on iCEV, a credential that proves they’ve mastered essential communication and soft skills highly valued by employers and colleges. Earning this certification helps members stand out in today’s competitive job market by validating their ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and think critically across real-world professional contexts. Registration is available through the conference registration system; at $25 per member fee ($5 administrative fee included).
Preparation course offerings can be found at iCEV’s website.
iCEV Teacher Certification Lab
Cost: No cost
Audience: Educators & administrators
High school members (and teachers!) can take the A*S*K Fundamental Business Concepts certification exam at the 2026 NLC. This exam validates a member’s understanding of essential business concepts, such as economics, finance, marketing, and management. Members who earn passing scores will receive a certificate and a digital badge to share on their resumes, LinkedIn, and social media.
You can learn more about the exam and associated credentials on the A*S*K Business Institute website. Be sure to register in advance through the National Leadership Conference website.
W!SE Personal Finance Certifications for Members & Educators
W!SE Personal Finance Educator Certification
Cost: $55
Audience: Educators & administrators
Educators attending the FBLA National Leadership Conference can earn the W!SE Personal Finance Certification, a nationally recognized credential validating expertise in essential personal finance topics such as budgeting, credit, investing, and financial planning. This certification strengthens classroom instruction through standards-aligned, real-world content and can be added to professional credentials and résumés. Teachers (advisers, chaperones, administrators) may register through the conference registration system for a $55 fee ($5 administrative fee included).
W!SE Personal Finance Student Certification
Cost: $15
Division: High School
Members attending the FBLA National Leadership Conference may earn the W!SE Financial Literacy Certification, a nationally recognized credential that validates real-world knowledge in money management, credit, investing, and financial decision-making. Members who pass the exam earn the Certified Financially Literate (CFL) credential, strengthening résumés, building lifelong financial confidence, and supporting college and career readiness. To be eligible, members must have completed at least one semester (or equivalent) of personal finance instruction; registration is available through the conference registration system for a $15 fee ($5 administrative fee included).
Programming
Some programming may require pre-registration or an application. Additional information on new programming opportunities will be made available here.
Below are examples of programming that will require pre-registration through the NLC registration system or external application.
- NLC Student Internship Program
- BAA Capstone Competitive Review
- And more!
BAA Capstone Competitive Review
The FBLA Capstone Project offers individual students the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills to solve a real-world problem. This project is intentionally designed to be open-ended, allowing students to design a project that will have an impact on their school, community, state/territory, nation, or even the world. FBLA members that have successfully completed the BAA Capstone Award can submit their project for competitive review for a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000. Competitive review Capstone projects must be submitted for competitive review through the conference registration system by the conference registration deadline.
Members that have a Capstone Award approved and have indicated that they would like to participate in the competitive review during conference registration will submit a 3-minute summary video and 2-page executive summary.
- Preliminary Round:Judges review members’ 3-minute summary video and 2-page summary. Members will not need to be available to meet with judges for this round.
- Final Round:Members present project to a panel of judges at NLC (max 7-minute presentation; 3-minute Q&A)
Competitive Review Timeline
- Posted Conference Registration Deadline - Deadline to submit project for competitive review through the NLC conference registration system
- June 15– Top 15 individuals will be notified as finalists
- July 1, Afternoon- Final Round of Judging – must attend NLC to present
See the Capstone Project Student Guidelines for further details.
Sharing With A Purpose(SWAP)
Join us for Sharing With a Purpose (SWAP) – an interactive session by leaders, for leaders! This summer’s National Leadership Conference will feature the best ideas from around the country and across every division. This is truly an opportunity for both members and advisers to exchange ideas and learn from each other.
Interested in Presenting? Apply to become a presenter and showcase your innovative ideas to members and advisers from all corners of the country.
Your topic can originate from any aspect of the FBLA experience. Chapter activities, member engagement, recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and officer development are just a few examples of the possible topic areas. However, don’t hesitate to explore other creative and unique ideas that align with the FBLA mission.
- Who should apply? Members and advisers from all three divisions are invited to apply.
- Presentation Length: 15 minutes
- Deadline to Apply: May 15, 2025
- How to Apply? Members can apply using this application form. Applicants will need to create a free account to submit their application.
