2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines

Introduc�on to Social Media Strategy

Introduction to Social Media Strategy provides members with the opportunity to showcase their skills in
developing a marketing strategy using one social media platform. This competitive event consists of a
presentation component.

Event Overview
Division: High School (9th or 10th grade only)
Event Type: Team of 1, 2 or 3 members
Event Category: Presentation
Event Elements: Presentation with a Topic
Presentation Time: 3-minute set-up, 7-minute presentation time, 3-minute question & answer time
NACE Connections: Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Leadership,
Professionalism, Teamwork, Technology

2024-25 Topic
Develop one social media strategy aimed at increasing donations and support for a local non-profit
organization in your community. Highlight specific projects, success stories, and behind-the-scenes
content to build a connection with the audience.

Do not create live accounts without permission from the non-profit organization.

Region
Region Eligibility
Each chapter may enter two (2) teams of 1, 2, or 3 members of active local chapters and are on record in
Blue Panda as having paid dues by January 31. If the region conference is scheduled before January 31,
then dues must be paid prior to that conference date as established by the region.

Members may compete in an event 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 at RLC, SLC, or NLC.

Only members enrolled in grades 9 and 10 as of May 20 of the current school year are eligible for this
event.

It is the responsibility of the local chapter adviser

• to pay membership dues for all competitors by the published region deadline and to register
students through Blue Panda by the published deadline.

Region Procedure
The following procedures must be used.
1. The participant must comply with the PA FBLA Dress Code which can be found at
https://www.pafbla.org/about-pafbla/dress-code/. Points will be deducted for not complying
with the dress code UNLESS it is an egregious violation.
2. There will only be one round of competition at the region level.
3. Participants should introduce themselves and present to the judges.

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2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines
Introduc�on to Social Media Strategy
4. All presentations must comply with state and federal copyright laws. Refer to format guide for
additional information.
5. A maximum time limit of five (5) minutes will be allowed to set up and remove equipment or
presentation items.
6. The chapter must provide all technology for this event at the Region Competition. Internet access
will not be provided.
7. The individual or team members must perform all aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, set-
up, operating audiovisual equipment). Other representatives of the chapter may not provide
assistance.
8. The presentation should follow the rating sheet and given topic.
9. Presentation should cover the following aspects:
a. Develop a marketing strategy, utilizing social media, to effectively address an opportunity
and a strategic approach to a target audience.
b. Demonstrate 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 on one platform within a limited
budget.
c. Describe any applicable insight/research methodology as to why you have chosen the one
specific platform, messaging, content, engagement, and outreach strategies.
d. Overall campaign – images, videos, copywriting, graphic design (if applicable) – is creative
and appealing.
e. Planned metrics to measure the campaign.
f. Final product indicates a clear thought process, a well-formulated campaign, and execution
of a firm idea.
g. Effectively communicate required information and drive the campaign toward a clear call-
to-action.
h. Facts and data must be cited and secured from quality sources.
10. Links and QR codes (for display only; cannot be clicked or scanned by judges before, during, or after
the presentation).
11. All individuals or team members are expected to actively participate in the live performance.
12. Seven (7) minutes will be given to deliver the presentation.
13. Visual aids and samples related to the project may be used; however, no items may be left with the
judges or audience.
14. At the end of six (6) minutes, a timekeeper will stand until noticed and hold up a colored timecard
indicating one minute is left, and at seven (7) minutes the timekeeper will stand and hold up a
colored timecard indicating time is up. When time is called, the presenter must end the
presentation.
15. Following each presentation, the judges will conduct a three-minute (3) question-and-answer
period.
16. The performance is open to all conference attendees, except performing participants of this
event. If participants of the event view other presentations before or after their scheduled
presentation time, they (or their team if they are part of one) will be disqualified.

Region Judging
The team will be evaluated by a panel of judges using the rating sheet found in these guidelines. All
decisions of the judges are final. If there is a tie, ties will be broken based on the following:

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2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines
Introduc�on to Social Media Strategy
Judges must make a definitive decision on ranking. Ties are not permitted. The decision of the judges is
final.

Region Awards
Each region at a minimum must distribute a certificate to the top five place finishers in each event.

State
State Eligibility
The minimum number of competitors each region may enter is the first- and second-place winners who
are members of active local chapters and are on record in Blue Panda as having paid dues by January 31
or prior to the region conference by the date posted on the PA FBLA web site.

If any of the eligible winners cannot attend the SLC, it is the responsibility of the:

local chapter adviser

• to contact the region adviser about the student who will not be attending.

region adviser

• to contact the adviser of the next eligible competitor about participating at the State Leadership
Conference.
• to notify the PA FBLA Executive Director/State Chairman of the change before the deadline date
published at https://www.pafbla.org/about-pafbla/important-dates/, which is posted on the
PA FBLA web site.

State Procedure
The following procedures must be used:

1. A preliminary round will be held to determine the top teams in the final round. All participants will
be divided randomly into groups by a member of the state committee, with an equal number of the
top participants from each group advancing to the final round.
• The order of performance will be drawn at random by a member of the state committee.
• Finalists for this event will be an equal number advancing from the preliminary round groups to
a maximum of 15 in events in which there are no preliminary rounds.
2. The following procedures will be followed during the final round:
• The order of performance will be drawn at random by a member of the state committee.
3. Both the rounds will be open to an audience. The performance is open to all conference attendees,
except performing participants of this event. If participants of the event view other presentations
before or after their scheduled presentation time, they (or their team if they are part of one) will be
disqualified.
4. The participant must comply with the PA FBLA Dress Code which can be found at
https://www.pafbla.org/about-pafbla/dress-code/. Points will be deducted for not complying
with the dress code UNLESS it is an egregious violation.
5. Participants should introduce themselves and present to the judges.
6. All presentations must comply with state and federal copyright laws. Refer to format guide for
additional information.
7. A maximum time limit of five (5) minutes will be allowed to set up and remove equipment or
presentation items.

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2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines
Introduc�on to Social Media Strategy
8. Links and QR codes (for display only; cannot be clicked or scanned by judges before, during, or after
the presentation).
9. The chapter must provide the computer for the event. An LCD projector, screen, table, and
electrical power will be provided on-site. Participants that will be utilizing Apple products or other
devices that do not have an HDMI port will need to provide their own adapters.
10. Internet access is provided as Wi-Fi or cable. Internet access may not be Wi-Fi, so competitors
should plan appropriately when selecting devices on which to present. Please note that internet
reliability at any conference venue cannot be guaranteed. Always have a backup plan in case
internet connections go down.
10) The individual or team members must perform all aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, set-
up, operating audiovisual equipment). Other representatives of the chapter may not provide
assistance.
11) The presentation should follow the rating sheet and given topic.
12) Presentation should cover the following aspects:
a) Develop a marketing strategy, utilizing social media, to effectively address an opportunity and a
strategic approach to a target audience.
b) Demonstrate 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 on one platform within a limited budget.
c) Describe any applicable insight/research methodology as to why you have chosen the one
specific platform, messaging, content, engagement, and outreach strategies.
d) Overall campaign – images, videos, copywriting, graphic design (if applicable) – is creative and
appealing.
e) Planned metrics to measure the campaign.
f) Final product indicates a clear thought process, a well-formulated campaign, and execution of a
firm idea.
g) Effectively communicate required information and drive the campaign toward a clear call-to-
action.
h) Facts and data must be cited and secured from quality sources.
13) All individuals or team members are expected to actively participate in the live performance.
11. Seven (7) minutes will be given to deliver the presentation.
12. Visual aids and samples related to the project may be used; however, no items may be left with the
judges or audience.
13. At the end of six (6) minutes, a timekeeper will stand until noticed and hold up a colored timecard
indicating one minute is left, and at seven (7) minutes the timekeeper will stand and hold up a
colored timecard indicating time is up. When time is called, the presenter must end the
presentation.
14. Following each presentation, the judges will conduct a three-minute (3) question-and-answer
period.
15. The performance is open to all conference attendees, except performing participants of this
event. If participants of the event view other presentations before or after their scheduled
presentation time, they (or their team if they are part of one) will be disqualified.

State Judging
The team will be evaluated by a panel of judges using the rating sheet found in these guidelines. All
decisions of the judges are final. If there is a tie, ties will be broken based on the following:

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2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines
Introduc�on to Social Media Strategy
Judges must make a definitive decision on ranking. Ties are not permitted. The decision of the judges is
final.

State Awards
The state chapter will present a maximum of ten (10) awards at the State Leadership Conference.

National Conference Eligibility

The first-, second-, third-, and fourth-place award winners at the State Leadership Conference are
eligible to attend the National Leadership Conference.

If the first-, second-, third-, or fourth-place winner cannot attend, it is the responsibility of the:

local chapter adviser

• to contact the PA FBLA Executive Director/State Chairman about the student who will not be
attending.
PA FBLA Executive Director/State Chairman

• to contact the next eligible award winner about participating at the National Leadership
Conference.

National

Required Competition Items

Items Competitor Must Provide Items FBLA Provides
Preliminary • Technology and presentation items • Table
Presentation • Conference-provided nametag • Internet access
• Photo identification
• Attire that meets the FBLA Dress Code
Final Presentation • Technology and presentation items • Table
• Conference-provided nametag • Internet access
• Photo identification • Power
• Attire that meets the FBLA Dress Code • Projector with HDMI cord
• Projector screen

Important FBLA Documents

• Competitors should be familiar with the Competitive Events Policy & Procedures Manual, Honor
Code, Code of Conduct, and Dress Code.

Eligibility
• FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on March 1 of the current school
year.
• 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.

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2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines
Introduc�on to Social Media Strategy
• Members must be registered for the NLC and pay the national conference registration fee to
participate in competitive events.
• Members must stay in an official FBLA hotel block to compete.
• Each state may submit four entries.
• Each competitor can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event
(American Enterprise Project, Community Service Project, Local Chapter Annual Business Report,
Partnership with Business Project).
• Only competitors are allowed to plan, research, prepare, and set up their presentations.
• Each competitor must compete in all parts of an event for award eligibility.
• All members of a team must consist of individuals from the same chapter.
• Picture identification (physical or digital: driver’s license, passport, state-issued identification, or
school-issued identification) matching the conference nametag is required when checking in for
competitive events.
• If competitors are late for their assigned presentation time, they will be allowed to compete
with a five-point penalty until such time that results are finalized, or the accommodation would
impact the fairness and integrity of the event.
• Some competitive events start in the morning before the Opening Session of NLC. The schedules
for competitive events are displayed in the local time of the NLC location. Competitive event
schedules cannot be changed.

Recognition
• The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of
winners for each competitive event is 10.

Event Administration
• This event has two parts: preliminary presentation and final presentation
• Preliminary Presentation Information
o Equipment Set-up Time: 3 minutes
o Presentation Time: 7 minutes (one-minute warning)
o Question & Answer Time: 3 minutes
o Internet Access: Provided (Please note that internet reliability at any conference venue
cannot be guaranteed. Always have a backup plan in case internet connections are lost
or are unable to connect to your device.)
o The presentation is judged at the NLC. Preliminary presentations are not open to
conference attendees. The presentation will take place in a large, open area, with a
booth size of approximately 12’ x 12’.
o Competitors/teams are randomly assigned to sections.
o Timing: The presentation time is exclusive to the allotted times. Once the set-up time
has been reached, the presentation time automatically begins. The presentation time
shall not exceed the stated time, meaning that the set-up and Q&A time cannot be used
as presentation time.
o Technology
 Competitors present directly from a device which includes a laptop, tablet,
mobile phone, or external monitor (approximately the size of a laptop screen).

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2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines
Introduc�on to Social Media Strategy
Competitors can present with one or two devices. If presenting with two
devices, one device must face the judges and one device must face the
competitors.
 Projectors and projector screens are not allowed for use, and competitors are
not allowed to bring their own.
 Wireless slide advancers (such as a presentation clicker or mouse) are allowed.
 External speakers are not allowed. Only device audio can be used.
 Power is not available.
o Non-technology Items: Materials, notecards, visual aids, and samples related to the
project may be used during the presentation; however, no items may be left with the
judges or audience.
o Restricted Items: Animals (except authorized service animals), Food (for display only;
may not be consumed by judges during the presentation), Links and QR codes (for
display only; cannot be clicked or scanned by judges before, during, or after the
presentation)
o Teamwork: If performing as a team, all team members are expected to actively
participate in the presentation.
o Presentation should cover the following aspects:
 Develop a marketing strategy, utilizing social media, to effectively address an
opportunity and a strategic approach to a target audience.
 Demonstrate 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 on one platform within a limited budget.
 Describe any applicable insight/research methodology as to why you have
chosen the one specific platform, messaging, content, engagement, and
outreach strategies.
 Overall campaign – images, videos, copywriting, graphic design (if applicable) –
is creative and appealing.
 Planned metrics to measure the campaign.
 Final product indicates a clear thought process, a well-formulated campaign,
and execution of a firm idea.
 Effectively communicate required information and drive the campaign toward a
clear call-to-action.
 Research: Facts and data must be cited and secured from quality sources.
• Final Presentation Information
o Equipment Set-up Time: 3 minutes
o Presentation Time: 7 minutes (one-minute warning)
o Question & Answer Time: 3 minutes
o Internet Access: Provided (Please note that internet reliability at any conference venue
cannot be guaranteed. Always have a backup plan in case internet connections are lost
or are unable to connect to your device.)
o An equal number of top scoring competitors/teams from each section in the preliminary
round will advance to the final round. When there are more than five sections of

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2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines
Introduc�on to Social Media Strategy
preliminary presentations for an event, two competitors/teams from each section will
advance to the final round.
o Final presentations may be open to conference attendees, space permitting. Finalists
may not view other competitors’ presentation in their event.
o Timing: The presentation time is exclusive to the allotted times. Once the set-up time
has been reached, the presentation time automatically begins. The presentation time
shall not exceed the stated time, meaning that the set-up and Q&A time cannot be used
as presentation time.
o Technology
 Competitors can present with one or two devices which includes a laptop,
tablet, mobile phone, or external monitor (approximately the size of a laptop
screen). If presenting with two devices, one device must be connected to the
projector or facing the judges and one device must face the competitors.
 The following will be provided for the final round if it occurs in a conference
room: Projector, projector screen, power, and table.
 Competitors using laptops or other devices that do not have an HDMI port will
need to provide their own adapters.
 It is up to final-round competitors to determine if they wish to use the
technology provided.
 Wireless slide advancers (such as a presentation clicker or mouse) are allowed.
o Non-technology Items: Materials, notecards, visual aids, and samples related to the
project may be used during the presentation; however, no items may be left with the
judges or audience.
o Restricted Items: Animals (except authorized service animals), Food (for display only;
may not be consumed by judges during the presentation), Links and QR codes (for
display only; cannot be clicked or scanned by judges before, during, or after the
presentation)
o Teamwork: If performing as a team, all team members are expected to actively
participate in the presentation.
o Presentation should cover the following aspects:
 Develop a marketing strategy, utilizing social media, to effectively address an
opportunity and a strategic approach to a target audience.
 Demonstrate 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 on one platform within a limited budget.
 Describe any applicable insight/research methodology as to why you have
chosen the one specific platform, messaging, content, engagement, and
outreach strategies.
 Overall campaign – images, videos, copywriting, graphic design (if applicable) –
is creative and appealing.
 Planned metrics to measure the campaign.
 Final product indicates a clear thought process, a well-formulated campaign,
and execution of a firm idea.

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2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines
Introduc�on to Social Media Strategy
 Effectively communicate required information and drive the campaign toward a
clear call-to-action.
 Research: Facts and data must be cited and secured from quality sources.

Scoring
• The preliminary presentation score will determine the finalists.
• The final presentation score will determine the winners.
• Judges must break ties.
• The decision of the judges is considered final. All announced results are final upon the
conclusion of the National Leadership Conference.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• FBLA meets the criteria specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act for all competitors with
accommodations submitted through the conference registration system by the registration
deadline.

Recording of Presentations
• No unauthorized audio or video recording devices will be allowed in any competitive event.
• Competitors in the events should be aware FBLA reserves the right to record any presentation
for use in study or training materials.

Penalty Points
• Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Code of Conduct or the Honor Code.
• Five points are deducted if competitors do not follow the Dress Code or are late to their
assigned presentation time.

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2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines
Introduc�on to Social Media Strategy
Introduction to Social Media Strategy Presentation Rating Sheet
Points
Expectation Item Not Demonstrated Below Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Earned

Demonstrates use of
No understanding of Understanding of topic
Demonstrates the topic industry terminology and
Demonstrates understanding event topic OR incorrect inconsistent during the
throughout presentation expertise throughout
of the event topic topic used presentation
presentation

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

Unclearly Demonstrates knowledge
Demonstrates knowledge
Demonstrate knowledge of a No knowledge demonstrated of social media strategies
of social media and
social media strategy and demonstrated knowledge of social and metrics with
metrics
metrics throughout media or metrics supporting evidence
0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points
No explanation or
Explains both the design Expert industry
description of the Explains the design OR
Explains the design and and the development explanation of both design
design and development process
development process process and development process
development process
0 points 1-9 points 10-16 points 17-20 points

Campaign is presented
but contains less than Campaign is presented
Campaign is presented
Does not present 3 models of social with 3 models of social
Incorporates campaign into with 3 models of social
campaign media OR contains 3 media and is fully
presentation media and is developed
models that are not developed
well developed

0 points 1-9 points 10-16 points 17-20 points

Compelling evidence from
Professionally legitimate
Sources/References professionally legitimate
Substantiates and cites sources & resources that
Sources are not cited are seldom cited to sources & resources is
sources used while conducting support statements are
support statements given to support
research generally present
statements
0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points
Presentation Delivery
Presentation flowed in a
Competitor(s) were
Competitor(s) did not Presentation flowed in logical sequence;
Statements are well-organized prepared, but flow
appear prepared logical sequence statements were well
and clearly stated was not logical
organized
0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points
Competitor(s)
Competitor(s)
Competitor(s) did not Competitor(s) demonstrated self-
Demonstrates self-confidence, demonstrated self-
demonstrate self- demonstrated self- confidence, poise, good
poise, assertiveness, and good confidence, poise, and
confidence confidence and poise voice projection, and
voice projection good voice projection
assertiveness
0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points
Interacted with the judges
Unable to answer Does not completely Completely answers in the process of
Demonstrates the ability to
questions answer questions questions completely answering
effectively answer questions
questions
0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points
Staff Only: Penalty Points (5 points for dress code penalty and/or 5 points for late arrival penalty)

Presentation Total (100 points)

Name(s):
School:
Judge Signature: Date:
Comments:

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