---More than 700 expected to attend annual event---

WHO:             700 middle and high school students; 100 community representatives serving as judges.

WHAT:           Annual Business Professionals of America Conference.

WHEN:          February 27, 2007 through February 29, 2008.

WHERE:       Sheraton Inn and Conference Center, Dover.

WHY:             Business Professionals of America members will have the opportunity to demonstrate occupational competency and leadership skills through 43 individual and team competitive events from the following categories: Financial Skills, Administrative Support, Information Services/Systems and Management/Marketing/Human Resources.  Students placing in state events will qualify to compete in the 2008 National Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference to be held May 7-11, 2008 in Reno, Nevada.

MEDIA NOTE:  Because of national guidelines, students cannot be photographed or taped during actual competition.  However, students can be interviewed immediately following each event.  Also, nearly 600 students will be competing together on Thursday, October 28th.

Delaware’s Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.