Waukon FBLA members compete at National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, TX

Seventeen members of the Waukon High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter traveled to San Antonio, TX, to compete at the 2026 FBLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) from June 28 through July 3.

Accompanied by FBLA Advisor Joanne Ericson and chaperones Micah Miller, Kristin Berns, Anne Wuebker, and Jessa Burns, the students joined more than 18,000 FBLA members and chaperones from across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada for a week of competition, leadership development, and networking.

One of Waukon FBLA’s largest groups of National qualifiers in recent years represented the chapter after advancing from the Iowa FBLA State Leadership Conference. To qualify, students had to place in the top four at the State Conference to automatically qualify, or top 10 to qualify through the bump-up process.

Waukon FBLA competitors included Kayler Hanson in Event Planning; Katie Regan in Public Administration; Allia Ericson in Intro to Parliamentary Procedure; Lucy Welch in Future Business Educator; Megan Huinker in Mobile Application Development; Hailey Miller and Kaydence May in Broadcast Journalism; Addisyn Berns in Customer Service; Dane Burns and Parker Knox in Management Information Systems; Alex Wuebker and Maxwell Moore in Intro to Programming; Savannah Burns in Annual Chapter Business Report; Jordan Snitker in Intro to FBLA; Colton Snitker in Computer Game & Simulation Programming; Jackson Moore in Career Portfolio; and Ella Livingston in Supply Chain Management. Although the chapter did not have any top-ten finalists this year, competing at the National level gave students valuable experience against the nation’s top competitors and ideas to take into next year’s competitions.

Preparing for Nationals required months of fundraising. Members organized their first-ever Bingo Night fundraiser, sold snow cones at local soccer games and swim meets, hosted bake sales at Fareway and Dollar Fresh, and held their annual community garage sale. These efforts, along with the support of local businesses and community members, helped make the trip possible. Waukon FBLA expresses its appreciation to those who contributed to its efforts.

In addition to competing, students took advantage of numerous leadership development opportunities offered throughout the conference. They attended inspiring workshops led by nationally recognized speakers and explored career pathways, colleges, and business opportunities during the conference’s interactive exhibit hall.

Among the conference highlights were “Spend Less, Travel More!” presented by Peter Franz, which encouraged students to think creatively about budgeting and experiencing the world, and “The People You Surround Yourself With Is a Reflection of Who You Are and Where You Are Going,” presented by Dr. B, whose powerful message emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and building meaningful relationships.

Throughout the week, students also had the opportunity to network with FBLA members from across the United States, exchange ideas and experiences with peers, and connect with business leaders and industry professionals.

One networking opportunity included trading the official Iowa FBLA pin with other state pins to collect a variety while also having the opportunity to talk with students from other states. These experiences not only enhanced their leadership skills but also inspired them to pursue future educational and career opportunities while representing their school and community with pride.

Outside of the conference, members visited the Alamo, explored the River Walk, enjoyed the Tower of the Americas, and spent a day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. During the Central Region meeting, Waukon FBLA was also recognized as a Gold Champion Chapter with a banner, honoring the chapter’s commitment to leadership, service, and member engagement through the national Champion Chapter program.

Champion Chapter is FBLA’s official recognition program that helps chapters build their Program of Work while keeping members engaged. It includes activities members can complete for points and helps with the planning of activities.

Waukon High School FBLA Chapter President Allia Ericson reflected on the experience, saying, “Attending the 2026 FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio was an unforgettable experience. I am so glad I got the opportunity to connect with others and showcase my knowledge in my event!”

The National Leadership Conference marked the culmination of months of preparation, hard work, and dedication. Members returned home with new leadership skills, meaningful connections, and memories that will continue to inspire them in their future careers.