Area 3 Region 3

JUDGE'S NEEDED

Welcome Judges!

We are so glad you have decided to judge for BPA! You many not be sure what this entails, we are happy to explain how much we need you!

We are Business Professionals of America, a Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO). Our region covers from Bastrop to Floresville and Burbank to Stockdale. We have hundreds of students who compete in different categories. We are looking for those in professionals fields to help judge student projects.

This competition will take place at La Vernia High School on January 10, 2026 from 8 AM to approximately 1 PM.

What Events are there to Judge?

We have events in

Finance
Business Administration
Management Information Systems
Digital Communication & Design
Management, Marketing & Communication
Health Administration

How do I Judge?

Judges will arrive at 8 AM and receive an orientation. During this time all judges will receive a packet of instructions.

How will I know when & what I'm Judging?

Either Cynthia Sutton or Justin Hellmann will be in touch with all judges by January 2, 2026.

Where can I learn the topic choices?

Below are the contest names and a small section of the topics given to our BPA students this year to prepare for you.

Who can Judge?

We are looking for volunteers to fill our judged events and assist us with our conference to review projects and presentations from the most outstanding young leaders in Texas. Judges are professional volunteers who work in the field they are judging in or have extensive knowledge of that field.

Can I invite family and friends to help?

YES. We need two judges for each event. You can invite friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. We need lots of help recruiting judges. We need approximately 50 people to judge 350 students. Professional organizations, church groups and service organizations are all great resources.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

You can email our Regional Advisors

Cynthia Sutton at mrssutton.txbpa@gmail.com

Justin Hellmann at jhellmann.txbpa@gmail.com

Can I help at other levels?

We will be in Dallas, TX in March 5-8, 2026 for our State Leadership Conference. Mark your calendars to assist us as judges. More details and signup link will be posted at https://bpa.org/texas/opportunities/

If you would like more information, please contact our Judges Coordinator, Sharon Shuler at schuler.sharon@gmail.com

Thank you for believing in us!

COMPETITIVE EVENT & TOPICS

FINANCE

150 - Financial Analyst Team

Initial Case Study Topic: GreenTech Innovations. GreenTech Innovations is a startup focused on developing sustainable energy solutions. The company has created a new type of solar panel that is more efficient and cost-effective than current market offerings. GreenTech has been operating for two years and has seen moderate success in local markets. They are now looking to expand their operations and increase their market share.

Tasks:

Financial Analysis
Calculate Liquidity Ratios
Calculate Debt Ratios
Calculate Profitability Ratios
Complete a Horizontal Analysis
Complete a Vertical Analysis

Based on this financial analysis, interpret how well the company operated for 2024 and 2025.

More details will be shared with judges who sign up.

155 - Economic Research Individual

How important is earning a college degree in 2026? As financial costs (tuition, room & board, interest rates) rise for post secondary education, and considering the economic costs of attending a 4-year college or university, should qualifying students be encouraged to earn a bachelor's degree?

In your response, consider:

The economic costs of earning a college degree
Potential financial debt from earning a degree
Employment opportunities for degreed and non-degreed candidates in the labor market
Positive externalities of a college-educated community
Future earning potential for degree and non-degreed candidates
Theory of creative destruction on career prospects for degreed and non-degreed candidates

155 - Economic Team

Topic: Is market failure a valid justification for government intervention? Use at least two examples to support your answer. In your response, consider the following:

Circular Flow of the Economy
Costs/Benefits of Market Failure
Externalities
Market Competition & Incentives
Property Rights
Public Goods

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

260 - Administrative Support Research Project

Topic: Research how generative artificial intelligence (Al) is currently being integrated into administrative support roles. Explore how generative Al impacts efficiency, job responsibilities, data management, and communication. Consider both the opportunities and ethical concerns related to generative Al adoption. Offer recommendations for how administrative professionals can adapt to and thrive in a workplace where generative AI tools are increasingly common.

Points to consider:

Historical Context & Evolution
Types of Generative AI Used in Administrative Roles
Productivity and Efficiency Gains
Challenges and Limitations
Ethical and Privacy Considerations
Skills for the Future Administrative Professional
Global and Cultural Considerations
Training, Certification, and Professional Development
Workplace Impacts
Future Outlook

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

325 - Network Design Team

Topic: Voyager Virtual Reality Ventures, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, operates three pop-up VR arcade kiosks inside major shopping malls. Each kiosk features four high-performance VR pods, a spectator lounge with digital signage, and a small retail counter selling VR accessories. To date, each location has relied on disparate cellular hotspots and aging consumer-grade routers, resulting in inconsistent performance, high latency during peak hours, and unsecured guest networks.

As part of their growth strategy, Voyager plans to open three full-service VR Experience Centers in 2026-one in Austin, Texas; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Portland, Oregon. These new locations will be permanent retail spaces of approximately 3,500 square feet, with dedicated server rooms, wired and wireless network zones for VR pods, administrative offices, a streamer's booth for live E-Sports events, and a cafe area offering complimentary guest Wi-fi. Voyager Virtual Reality Ventures needs a proposal for the following:

High-Throughput, Low-Latency Network Architecture: Design a network capable of supporting simultaneous VR streams (minimum 10 Gbps backbone) with quality-of-service (QoS) to prioritize VR traffic.
Network Segmentation: Create VLANs to isolate VR pods, corporate offices, guest Wi-fi, digital signage, and IoT sensors (environmental monitoring, motion tracking).
Centralized Management and Monitoring: Propose a unified network management solution (e.g., SD-WAN controller or cloud-managed switches/ APs) for all six sites, with real-time performance dashboards and automated alerting.
Security and Remote Support: Incorporate firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, VPN access for remote troubleshooting, and a plan for role-based access control.
Scalability and Redundancy: Ensure the design can accommodate at least double the number of VR pods and add-on mobile "VR-on-wheels" kiosks; include redundant uplinks and failover strategies.
T and Digital Signage Integration: Plan for IoT-powered environmental sensors in VR rooms and digital signage in the lounge and cafe areas, with secure segmentation.
Cost Estimation and ROI Analysis: Provide a high-level bill of materials (switches, routers, APs, cabling, racks) and estimate both upfront and ongoing costs, balanced against projected revenue gains from improved uptime and customer satisfaction.

Teams should deliver a written proposal in report format, complete with network diagrams, equipment specifications, and Works Cited, formatted according to the Style & Reference Manual.

DIGITAL COMMUNICATION & DESIGN

410 - Digital Design & Promotion

Topic: BPA 60th Anniversary Celebration Branding: Business Professionals of America is celebrating its 60th Anniversary next year, and your task is to help brand this milestone celebration! You will need to design a cohesive set of graphics to commemorate this event, honoring BPA's legacy while looking toward its future.

Task: Create the following:

60th Anniversary Logo Design (must include "60 Years" or "60th Anniversary" and a tagline like "Honoring the Past" or "Empowering the Future")
Windbreaker for the 60th Anniversary (front & back design)
Stress Ball (unique design & shape)

420 - Digital Media Production

Topic: Create a 1-2 minute video that introduces high school students to exciting and fast-growing careers in the digital age. The video should be informative, visually engaging, and include a clear call to action for students interested in pursuing these paths.

Key Points to Consider (but not limited):

What career are you spotlighting, and why is it exciting or important today?
What makes this career a good fit for students like you?
How can students start exploring this career right now?
What message do you want to leave your audience with?

425 - Computer Modeling

Topic: Create a mythical creature for a Fantasy RPG Game. A fantasy role-playing game studio is developing a new game that needs a unique mythical creature design. Your task is to create a 3D model of an original creature, complete with special features, textures, and accessories that hint at its powers or origins.

430 - Video Production Team

Topic: Your team is tasked with developing a website for a mental health awareness campaign. The website will serve as a hub for resources and support, helping to de-stigmatize mental health issues and provide tools for individuals to seek help.

Key features to include:

Information about mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression)
Local and national helplines and resources
Online counseling appointment scheduler
Interactive support community (forums or chat rooms)
Informational blog posts about mental health
Testimonials from individuals who've overcome mental health challenges

435 - Website Design Team

Topic: A local up-and-coming rock band, Stage Fright, has contracted your team to create a website for them. Your site must include, but is not limited to:

About – Write a description of the band along with profiles for each band member, their music, and how the band got started
Tour Dates – Create a schedule of dates and locations with online ticket purchasing
Merch (swag) – Create a page with your choice of merchandise for the band to sell along with purchasing options
Contact Us – Include a booking link, email link, and customer service link

440 - Computer Animation Team

Topic: Your task is to develop a two (2:00) minute animated game promo that introduces a new game called Escape the Jungle. In the promo, your team will need to show off the game's setting, highlight its unique challenges, and showcase key gameplay features. The animation should capture the excitement of navigating a high-tech digital jungle filled with dangerous traps, mysterious environments, and menacing creatures. The goal of the promo is to build anticipation for the game's release by giving audiences a thrilling preview of what's in store for players.

445 - Broadcast News Production Team

Topic: The Power of Volunteering and Giving Back: Produce a three to five (3:00 - 5:00) minute news broadcast that educates teens on the value of community service and volunteering. Highlight how volunteering can positively impact a teen's personal growth, resume, and college applications, feature local volunteer opportunities, school service projects, or teenagers who are actively making a difference in their communities.

450 - Podcast Production Team

Topic: Research and produce a 3 to 5 minute podcast exploring how artificial intelligence (Al) is influencing the art world. Your podcast should present a balanced and engaging discussion that informs listeners about the opportunities, challenges, and ethical questions surrounding Al-generated art.

Key Points to Consider (but not limited to):

Copyright ownership of Al-generated art
Impact on employers in creative industries
Changes in how art is created, valued, and consumed
Reactions from artists, galleries, and collectors
Legal and ethical implications

455 - User Experience Design Team

Topic: The National Esports Championship Series 2026 Scenario: An annual National Esports Tournament featuring the top teams in games like Valorant, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros is being hosted in Nashville, TN, May 6-10, 2026. Your team is tasked with designing the branding/identity of this event.

Deliverables:

Promotional website landing page for team rosters, livestream schedules, and event tickets
Mobile app prototype with five screens: live scores, player stats, match replays, bracket updates, and social community chat
Social media campaign artboard for Twitch or YouTube Gaming

460 - Visual Design Team

Topic: Paws in the Park - Community Pet Adoption Festival Scenario: Your team has been hired to design promotional components for a local pet adoption event called Paws in the Park - Find a friend, Change a Life.

Deliverables:

Logo design for the event
At least three (3) promotional items, such as:
- Event poster/banner
- Social media ads (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
- Event T-shirt for volunteers
- Adoption certificate template
- Pet-themed swag (stickers, buttons, or reusable tote bags)
  - Event Information:
  - Location: Willow Creek Park, Nashville, TN
  - Date: Saturday, September 14, 2026
  - Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

MANAGEMENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATION

500 - Global Marketing Team

Topic:

Background: A fictional U.S.-based tech startup has developed ThriveSpace, a mobile mental wellness app designed to support the emotional well-being of high school and college-aged students. The app features guided meditations, journaling tools, CBT-based self-help exercises, and AI-powered mental health support. As youth mental health becomes an increasingly urgent global issue, the company is seeking to expand its reach through international markets.

Task: Your team has been selected to create a comprehensive global marketing expansion strategy for ThriveSpace by identifying and justifying three countries outside the United States where the app can be successfully launched within the next one to three years. Your recommendations should be supported by thorough research, including market data, social trends, and economic conditions. In addition to submitting a formal written marketing plan that follows the BPA Style & Reference Manual, your team will deliver a professional presentation that summarizes your strategy and key findings. Be prepared to defend your decisions from a marketing perspective, demonstrating how your plan will position ThriveSpace for success in a competitive global marketplace.

510 - Small Business Management

Initial Case Study Topic: Luna & Co. - A Modern Art & Design Studio. Sabrina Luna is the owner of Luna & Co., a boutique art and design studio based in a growing arts district. She started the business creating custom hand-painted wall art and murals for local homes and businesses. Over time, she added graphic design services, digital illustrations, and art licensing for local brands. Her work has been featured in pop-up galleries, coffee shops, and influencer home decor reels.

Now three years into her business, Sabrina is at a turning point. She is booked solid for custom work but has no time to explore passive income, personal creative projects, or expand her online presence. She's also received frequent requests from customers to offer merchandise featuring her designs (like prints, mugs, planners, or digital downloads), but hasn't had the time or bandwidth to set up an online store. She currently handles all aspects of her business-design, emails, billing, shipping-and it's starting to affect her mental health and creative energy. Sabrina wants to grow sustainably, not just financially, but in a way that protects her love for art and gives her more time freedom.

Sabrina has hired your team to develop a growth plan that helps Luna & Co. evolve into a profitable, creatively fulfilling, and scalable brand. Your plan should include:

Strategies for diversifying revenue (passive income, e-commerce, licensing, etc.)
Recommendations for hiring or outsourcing low-level tasks without losing quality
A roadmap for launching an online store and building a digital presence
Time management and technology tools that help her automate and simplify
Ideas to keep her creative mission and well-being at the center of her business decisions

Points to consider include, but are not limited to:

What new products or services can Luna & Co. offer that generate income without requiring more of Sabrina's time?
How can Sabrina delegate or automate routine business tasks?
What tools/platforms can streamline her order fulfillment, customer communication, and finances?
Should Luna & Co. invest in a team contestant (e.g., virtual assistant, junior designer)?
How can she market her art and products online without burning out?

515 - Interview Skills

Contestant will indicate on his/her résumé the position for which he/she is applying. There are openings in all departments of Professional Business Associates shown on the Organizational Chart found in the Style & Reference Manual.

More details will be shared with judges who sign up.

520 - Advanced Interview Skills

525 - Extemporaneous Speech

The contestant will draw two (2) different business topics and will select either one. The topics may deal with Business Professionals of America, office situations, the business world, etc. Contestants will have 10 minutes to prepare a 2-4 minute speech.

More details will be shared with judges who sign up.

535 - Human Resource Management

The contestant will be given a human resource management scenario. The scenario may deal with office situations, workplace issues, legal matters, etc. The contestant will be provided twenty (20) minutes to develop the presentation.

More details will be shared with judges who sign up.

540 - Ethics & Professionalism

The contestant will be given an ethical or professionalism scenario. Explore the application of ethical frameworks to various aspects used in business today. The contestant will be provided twenty (20) minutes to develop the presentation.

More details will be shared with judges who sign up.

545 - Prepared Speech

Each contestant is to select a topic related to business, entrepreneurship, or Business Professionals of America, and develop an oral presentation of no less than five (5) and no more than seven (7) minutes.

More details will be shared with judges who sign up.

550 - Parliamentary Procedure Team

Demonstrate the use of correct parliamentary procedure through a chairperson’s ability to conduct a business meeting in a democratic manner that allows the members of the team to effectively participate. Examine the team’s knowledge of parliamentary procedure through oral questions and the objective test.

More details will be shared with judges who sign up.

555 - Presentation Individual

Topic: New generative-Al tools-such as ChatGPT for writing help, Adobe Firefly for images, and Sora for video creation-are rapidly changing how teachers teach and how students approach learning. These technologies can break down tough lessons, give instant feedback on essays, and quickly create eye-catching visuals, but they also raise concerns about academic integrity, over-reliance, and data privacy.

Your challenge is to craft a multimedia presentation that shows how generative Al is reshaping education from elementary classrooms to university lecture halls. Use solid research-articles, studies, and school surveys-plus real stories you have observed or experienced. Highlight the key benefits, such as personalized tutoring, adaptive feedback, and creative project support, while also examining the main risks, including academic dishonesty, misinformation, and unequal access to reliable Al tools. Finish by sharing a concise call to action-a set of three practical steps-to help educators, students, and families use Al smartly, safely, and fairly.

Points to consider include, but are not limited to:

Benefits (personalized tutoring, adaptive feedback, creative project support, etc.)
Risks (academic dishonesty, Al misinformation, access gaps, etc.)
Call to Action (develop a brief three-step plan that schools can adopt immediately)

560 - Presentation Individual

Topic:

Last month, headlines revealed that a popular educational app-required by the school and installed on nearly every student's phone-had been quietly collecting and selling students' location and browsing data. Outrage spread across campus, but a follow-up discussion with the school's technology department uncovered something even more troubling: most students believe that tools like "Incognito Mode" or social media privacy settings protect their data.

Now, your team has been selected to become the student voice of truth. Research the biggest personal data myths your peers believe, expose the hidden realities, and propose simple protections that keep today's apps convenient-but safe. You will deliver a 7-10-minute multimedia presentation of your findings to your school's technology department for review.

Points to consider include but are not limited to:

Myth-Busting Spotlight: Identify three common privacy myths among students. Pair each myth with a powerful fact or statistic that exposes the truth.
Student Sentiment Snapshot: Poll your classmates about the myths. Present the results using a clear, visual format (bar or pie chart) to highlight gaps between perception and reality.
Local Impact Story: Share a concise, relatable story showing how the misuse of personal data could directly harm students, especially when the school endorsed the app.
Quick Win Toolkit: Recommend three fast, actionable steps students can take today to improve their digital safety-plus one school-wide initiative to prevent future issues.
Success Metric: Define one measurable way to track progress. Clarify who will gather the data and how the results will be reported back to the school's technology department.

HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

615 - Health Research Presentation

Topic: You are part of a task force assembled by a state hospital association aiming to evaluate and improve pediatric cancer research outcomes. Your team has been asked to present at their upcoming innovation summit.

Prepare a presentation that examines the history of pediatric cancer research in the U.S., highlighting major milestones and disparities in funding compared to adult cancers. Analyze how this funding gap affects innovation, treatment access, and long-term outcomes. Then, propose realistic, community-based solutions that could drive awareness, improve support, and influence policy to accelerate progress in pediatric oncology.