California Future Business Leaders of America

Overview of Conferences

Members of California Future Business Leaders of America have many opportunities each year to meet and network with students, teachers, and professionals from their regions, the state, and the nation.  Each local school chapter plans an annual program of work that is rich with activities to develop student leadership and prepare students for college and the professional world beyond.  Leadership and competitive conferences take place all year, starting with local region training sessions.  Students may attend if they are registered members of an active chapter and if they are accompanied at the conference by an eligible adviser (Adviser Eligibility Guidelines and Form).

State Leadership Summit.  State and section FBLA student leaders are elected at the spring leadership conferences and are required to attend the annual State Leadership Summit, which usually takes place in late June at a location that varies annually.  At the Summit, students learn and practice the leadership skills which will carry them through the upcoming year in their roles of leading California FBLA activities.  They also plan the state Program of Work, which all California FBLA school chapters will follow throughout the year.

Officer/Adviser Training (OAT) Day.  Each California FBLA Section (comprised of a few California counties) plans an OAT Day to take place sometime between late August and early October.  Middle and high school chapters send members and advisers to their section's OAT Day in order for them to receive training and materials from the state for the activities planned statewide for the upcoming year.

Adviser Training Conference.  (New 2020)  New and returning chapter advisers meet annually for training on current-year program activities and competitive events, as well as best practices for successful chapter management.

Leadership Development Institute (LDI). This statewide leadership development experience is generally held in late October or early November for chapter officers, members with leadership potential, and chapter advisers. The LDI is planned and hosted by the state officers and the state management team. Sessions include motivational general sessions, workshops presented by state leaders, and training delivered by professionals from the business community. 

Section Conferences. Each section hosts an annual Section Leadership Conferences, held generally in early February. Delegates at these events elect section officers, conduct section business, and participate in the first round of competitions leading to the State Leadership Conference.

National Fall Leadership Conferences (NFLCs). These nationally sponsored training programs are held each fall in various cities around the country. The program focuses on career development, chapter management, and general leadership education. 

State Leadership Conference (SLC). Held in the spring, and rotated between the northern and southern regions of the state, the purpose of this conference is to elect state officers, conduct state business, offer leadership and career development training, and administer statewide competitions to determine who will represent California in national competitions. 

Institute for Leaders (IFL). Held in conjunction with the National Leadership Conference, this focused, specialized training program represents the premier leadership and career training available to FBLA members. Participants select specific tracks to focus their training and participate in both required sessions and elective sessions where they can customize their overall experience. Tracks currently offered include Principles of OfficerShip, Mastering OfficerShip, Communications, Entrepreneurship, Personal Success, and Adviser Leadership.

National Leadership Conference (NLC). This nationally-sponsored conference is always held June 29-July 2 each year in a different city around the country. State winners compete in the various competitive events. Leadership training is offered and national officers are elected.