Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) at Missouri State University recently competed at the State Leadership Conference, with several members qualifying for the national conference later this summer. FBLA-PBL member and National Leadership Conference qualifier Spencer Ingram spoke on the group’s experience at the competition and an unexpected change of venue that presented some challenges. “Originally, SLC was going to be hosted by Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, Missouri,” says Ingram. “[The SLC] was moved virtual a few weeks before competition. Members had to navigate competition remotely on short notice.”

Even with the abrupt shift online, members were able to continue with their competitive events and participate in other conference offerings. The entire conference was moved online, including speakers, workshops, competitions, and the awards ceremony. FBLA-PBL members at MSU had some prior experience with virtual competitions and knew what they should expect in the new format thanks to their experiences last year due to the coronavirus.

Several members qualified for the National Leadership Conference that will be held later this summer in Anaheim, California. As of the writing this article, the event will be held in-person. The team, advised by marketing department faculty member Courtney Pham, hopes the event will continue as planned so members can meet other organizations, network, participate in workshops, and compete in a more traditional environment. “As with any competition, there is uncertainty, but we are confident in our members and our ability to succeed,” says Ingram.

The qualifying members are listed below with their events and educational background.

Angelia Ashberger
Bachelor of Science – Accounting (May 2022)
Entrepreneurship Concepts: 1^st Place
Marketing Concepts: 4^th Place

Madison Agee
Bachelor of Science – Human Resource Management (May 2022)
Management Concepts: 1^st Place
Marketing Concepts: 1^st Place
Organizational Behavior & Leadership: 4^th Place

Spencer Ingram
Bachelor of Science – Accounting (May 2023)
Personal Finance: 3^rd Place
Statistical Analysis: 4^th Place