Feb 18, 2026
Every Career Fair & Job Expo in the U.S. (2026)
George El-Hage
If you're looking for career fairs in 2026, you've found the most complete calendar on the internet. I've compiled every major job fair, career expo, and hiring event happening across the United States this year - organized by category so you can find what's relevant to your industry, experience level, or location.
Whether you're a job seeker trying to land your next role or an HR professional building a recruiting pipeline, there's something here for you. One quick tip before you dive in: if you're attending any of these events, ditch the stack of paper resumes as your only tool. I've watched recruiters collect hundreds of resumes at a single fair, and most end up in a pile that never gets sorted. A digital business card makes you instantly memorable - and it actually gets you follow-ups. But more on that later.
Here's every major career fair and job expo in the U.S. for 2026. 📅
What's in This Guide
- 80+ events and organizers: Every major career fair, job expo, and hiring event in the U.S. for 2026 - from national organizers to niche industry events
- Organized by 13 categories: National organizers, tech/engineering, healthcare, government, finance, DEI, military/veteran, college, virtual, education, skilled trades, clean energy, legal, and hospitality
- Quick-reference table: Overview of top organizers with schedules, cities, and industries
- Full details per event: Dates, locations, industries, format, cost, and registration links
- Tips for both sides: Advice for job seekers AND recruiters to get the most from every event
2026 U.S. Career Fairs - Quick-Reference Calendar
Here's a snapshot of the top career fair organizers and events at a glance. Scroll down to each section for full details, descriptions, and registration links.
| Organizer / Event | Schedule | Cities | Industries | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JobFairX | Year-round | 50+ cities nationwide | All industries, Healthcare, Tech, Diversity | Virtual + In-Person |
| Best Hire Career Fairs | Year-round (monthly) | 30+ cities | All industries | In-Person + Virtual |
| Choice Career Fairs | Year-round (130+ events) | 30 cities | All industries | In-Person |
| RecruitMilitary | Year-round (95 events) | 25+ cities + military bases | All industries (veterans) | In-Person + Virtual |
| Hiring Our Heroes | Year-round | Military bases nationwide | All industries (military) | In-Person + Virtual |
| CareerEco | Year-round | Virtual (nationwide) | STEM, Healthcare, Diversity, Education | Virtual |
| ClearanceJobs | Monthly | DC/MD/VA + Virtual | Government, Defense, Intel | In-Person + Virtual |
| Diversity Career Group | Year-round | 20+ cities | All industries (diversity focus) | In-Person |
| National Career Fairs | Year-round | Major metros | All industries | In-Person + Virtual |
| HealtheCareers | Quarterly | Virtual (nationwide) | Healthcare, Nursing, Allied Health | Virtual |
| NBMBAA Conference | September 2026 | Rotating (annual) | Business, Finance, Tech | In-Person |
| SHPE National Convention | October/November 2026 | Rotating (annual) | Engineering, STEM | In-Person |
| NSBE Convention | March 2026 | Rotating (annual) | Engineering, STEM | In-Person |
| Superior Career Fairs | Year-round | Midwest + East Coast | All industries | In-Person |
| USAJobs Events | Year-round | Nationwide + Virtual | Federal Government | In-Person + Virtual |
| Expo Experts | Year-round | CO, AL, TX, D.C. + Virtual | Engineering, Tech, Defense | In-Person + Virtual |
| WomenHack | Year-round | Major tech hubs + Virtual | Technology (women-focused) | In-Person + Virtual |
| TeacherJobFairs.org | Year-round (monthly) | Virtual (nationwide) | K-12 Education, SPED, Bilingual | Virtual |
| RE+ Clean Energy | Regional + National | Las Vegas, Philadelphia, more | Solar, Wind, Battery, Clean Energy | In-Person |
| ALPFA Convention | Summer/Fall 2026 | Rotating (annual) | Business, Finance, Tech | In-Person |
| Out & Equal Summit | October 2026 | Seattle, WA | All industries (LGBTQ+) | In-Person |
| Construction Ready | February 2026 | Georgia | Construction, Skilled Trades | In-Person |
Dates and details verified as of February 2026. Always check official event websites for the latest updates - schedules shift throughout the year.
How to Use This Guide
I've organized this directory by category instead of just listing events chronologically. Here's why: if you're a nurse, you don't care about the MBA career fair. If you're a veteran, you want to know which fairs specifically cater to military transitions. Scrolling through a giant list sorted by date is a terrible experience. 😬
Here's how it's organized:
- National organizers run recurring fairs in dozens of cities all year. These are your best bet for general job searching.
- Industry-specific fairs target healthcare, tech, engineering, finance, government, legal, hospitality, clean energy, and construction roles.
- Diversity fairs connect underrepresented groups with employers committed to inclusive hiring (LGBTQ+, AANHPI, Hispanic/Latino, Black professionals, people with disabilities, and more).
- Military/veteran fairs help transitioning service members and military spouses find civilian careers.
- College fairs are aimed at students and recent graduates.
- Education fairs target teachers, professors, and education professionals specifically.
- Skilled trades fairs cover construction, manufacturing, and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Virtual fairs let you attend from anywhere - no travel required.
Each organizer card includes their schedule, cities, industries, format, cost, and a direct link to their website. Let's dive in.
Major National Career Fair Organizers
These are the heavy hitters. They run hundreds of events across the country every year, covering all industries. If you're not sure where to start, pick the organizer closest to your city and sign up.
JobFairX
JobFairX is one of the largest career fair platforms in the U.S. They run thousands of events per year - both virtual and in-person - across every major metro. What makes them stand out is the sheer volume: you can find a JobFairX event in almost any city, almost any week. They also run industry-specific fairs (healthcare, tech, diversity) so you're not competing with every profession in the room. Their virtual fairs are well-organized and easy to navigate.
Format: Virtual + In-Person
Best For: Job seekers in any industry who want frequent access to employers. Recruiters who need broad geographic reach.
Best Hire Career Fairs
Best Hire is one of the most active career fair organizers in the country. They host both in-person and virtual job fairs in 30+ cities, with events nearly every week. Their in-person events typically run 11am-2pm at hotels and convention centers. What I like about Best Hire is their consistency - same format, same professionalism, predictable schedule. You can plan your year around their calendar. They cover everything from entry-level to management positions.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Job seekers who want a steady cadence of fairs to attend throughout the year. Recruiters who need multi-city presence.
Choice Career Fairs
Choice has been running career fairs since 2000 - over two decades of connecting job seekers with hiring employers. They produce 130+ events annually across the U.S. Their events feature Fortune 500 companies alongside local businesses, so you get a good mix of employers. Past exhibitors include Amazon, Boeing, Home Depot, Progressive Insurance, and the U.S. Army. Their format is straightforward: show up, meet hiring managers face-to-face, and interview on the spot.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Job seekers who prefer face-to-face interaction with decision-makers. Recruiters seeking local qualified candidates.
National Career Fairs
National Career Fairs operates a network of hiring events across major U.S. cities. Their events typically draw 20-50 exhibiting companies and attract hundreds of job seekers. They're especially popular with mid-career professionals looking for their next opportunity. The events are usually held at hotels and conference centers in central locations, making them accessible.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Mid-career professionals. Companies looking to recruit across multiple cities.
Superior Career Fairs
Superior Career Fairs focuses on the Midwest and East Coast, running "All Professions Career Fairs" in cities that don't always get attention from the bigger organizers. If you're in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, or Wisconsin, these fairs are particularly worth your time. Events typically happen at community centers and convention spaces.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Job seekers in Midwest and East Coast cities. Employers recruiting in mid-market metros.
United Career Fairs
United Career Fairs runs professional hiring events focused on connecting qualified candidates with employers. Their events tend to be more intimate than the massive job fair organizers, which can actually be an advantage - you get more face time with recruiters. They recommend pre-registration for best results.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Professionals seeking focused, high-quality interactions with hiring managers.
Amazon Local Hiring Events
Amazon runs local hiring events almost daily across the country, often at their fulfillment centers and delivery stations. These aren't traditional career fairs - they're hiring events where you can get hired on the spot for warehouse, delivery, and operations roles. Amazon also hosts annual Career Day events (virtual + in-person) for corporate and tech roles with resume coaching, interview prep, and one-on-one sessions with recruiters. Their hiring events move fast: show up, interview, get an offer.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Job seekers looking for immediate employment. Anyone interested in Amazon's warehousing, logistics, or corporate roles.
TalentAlly Regional Virtual Career Fairs
Beyond their themed diversity fairs, TalentAlly runs regional virtual career fairs focused on specific geographic markets. Their DC/MD/VA events are particularly popular given the concentration of government, defense, and tech employers in that corridor. They also run California, Texas, and nationwide events. The regional focus means employers at each fair are actually hiring for positions in your area.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Job seekers in specific regions who want employers with local openings. Companies recruiting in targeted metros.
City Career Fair (Community Employment Day)
City Career Fair hosts Community Employment Day events that provide recruiters access to a diverse pool of qualified professionals. Their events emphasize inclusive hiring and community-focused employment. They operate across major metropolitan areas and partner with local organizations to drive attendance from underrepresented communities.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Diverse job seekers. Employers committed to inclusive hiring practices.
Technology & Engineering Career Fairs
Tech and engineering fairs attract some of the best employers in the country. If you're a software developer, data scientist, engineer, or IT professional, these events put you in front of companies actively hiring for technical roles. If you're also interested in tech industry conferences (for networking, not just job hunting), check out our guide to every tech conference in 2026.
CareerEco STEM Virtual Career & Grad Fair
CareerEco runs some of the most well-organized virtual career fairs in the country. Their STEM fair connects job seekers across all STEM disciplines with employers and graduate programs. It's a solid option if you want to explore opportunities without traveling. The platform lets you chat with recruiters in real-time, submit resumes, and even schedule follow-up interviews.
Format: Virtual
Best For: STEM professionals and students. Companies recruiting technical talent nationwide.
TalentAlly Tech & Engineering Virtual Career Fairs
TalentAlly (formerly known as DiversityJobs) hosts targeted virtual career fairs for engineering and technology professionals. Their events often focus on specific regions - like the DC/MD/VA tech corridor - which means you're connecting with employers who are actually hiring in your area. They also run diversity-focused tech events.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Tech and engineering professionals looking for regional opportunities. Employers seeking diverse technical talent.
Dice Virtual Tech Career Events
Dice is the go-to job board for tech professionals, and they occasionally run virtual hiring events that put you directly in front of tech recruiters. These events tend to attract serious employers - think enterprise tech companies, startups, and consulting firms actively hiring for technical roles. Worth monitoring their events page throughout the year.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals.
IEEE Career Fairs
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) runs career fairs alongside their technical conferences. These are highly specialized - you won't find generic retail positions here. If you're an engineer in electrical, computer, communications, or related fields, IEEE career fairs connect you with top employers in your discipline. The networking quality is exceptional because everyone in the room shares your technical background.
Format: In-Person (at conferences)
Best For: Electrical and computer engineers. Companies recruiting specialized technical talent.
WomenHack Tech Career Fairs
WomenHack hosts the largest network of women-in-tech job fairs globally. Each event features rapid interviews (think speed dating, but for careers), keynote speakers, and networking. The format is unique: you're matched with hiring companies for short, structured conversations. This isn't a booth-wandering experience - it's efficient and focused. If you're a woman in tech looking for your next role, WomenHack events are some of the best out there.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Women in tech roles (engineering, data, product, design). Companies building diverse tech teams.
Expo Experts Engineering, Technology & Security Clearance Fairs
Expo Experts runs targeted career fairs for engineering, technology, and security clearance professionals. Their events are focused - you won't find retail or food service positions here. They host both in-person fairs in major defense/tech hubs (Colorado Springs, Huntsville, D.C.) and virtual events covering specific regions or specialties. Their Aviation, Aerospace, and Defense virtual fair is particularly strong.
Format: In-Person + Virtual (Hybrid)
Best For: Engineers, tech professionals, and security-cleared workers. Defense contractors and tech employers.
TalentAlly Aviation, Aerospace & Defense Virtual Career Fair
TalentAlly's Aviation, Aerospace, and Defense career fair connects candidates with employers in one of the country's most in-demand sectors. Whether you're an aeronautical engineer, supply chain specialist, or program manager, this fair brings together defense primes and mid-tier contractors recruiting for cleared and uncleared positions. The virtual format makes it accessible to candidates in any state.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Aerospace engineers, defense professionals, aviation specialists. Contractors and primes recruiting technical talent.
OWASP Cybersecurity Virtual Career Fair
OWASP (Open Worldwide Application Security Project) hosts a virtual career fair targeting cybersecurity professionals. The event brings together Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and cybersecurity firms. If you're in infosec - whether you're a penetration tester, security analyst, or CISO - OWASP's career fair puts you in front of employers who understand your skill set. The community-driven nature means it's well-curated and genuinely helpful.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Cybersecurity and infosec professionals at all levels. Companies hiring for security roles.
Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) 2026
The Grace Hopper Celebration is the world's largest gathering of women technologists. With 30,000+ expected attendees, the career fair component alone is massive - featuring booths from virtually every major tech company (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Apple, and hundreds more). It's not just a career fair; it's a conference with technical sessions, keynotes, and networking events. The job fair hall is one of the most efficient places in the world to meet tech recruiters face-to-face. If you're a woman in tech (or anyone interested in companies that prioritize women in tech), GHC is the event of the year.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Women in tech at all career stages. Every major tech company recruiting diverse technical talent.
Women in Technology (WIT) Job Fair
Women in Technology hosts semi-annual job fairs in the D.C./Virginia tech corridor. These events unite technology and cybersecurity professionals with employers in one of the country's largest tech markets. While the organization focuses on women in tech, the job fairs are open to all candidates. The D.C.-area location means you'll find government contractors, cybersecurity firms, and tech companies recruiting for cleared and uncleared roles.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Women in tech, especially in the D.C./VA market. Government contractors and cybersecurity firms.
Healthcare Career Fairs
Healthcare remains one of the hottest job markets in 2026. With nursing shortages, expanding hospital systems, and growing demand for allied health professionals, healthcare career fairs are packed with employers ready to hire on the spot. Some will even do same-day interviews and conditional offers.
HealtheCareers Virtual Career Fairs
HealtheCareers is one of the largest healthcare-specific job platforms, and their virtual career fairs are the real deal. They partner with major healthcare conferences (like SCCM) to run targeted hiring events. You'll find hospitals, health systems, private practices, and healthcare companies actively recruiting. Their platform makes it easy to submit credentials and schedule on-the-spot video interviews.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Nurses, physicians, allied health professionals, healthcare administrators.
HealthcareX Job Fairs
HealthcareX runs monthly national virtual job fairs focused exclusively on healthcare roles. They also host specialty events for specific nursing roles (ICU nurses, travel nurses) and in-person events in cities like Chicago and Miami. If you're a nurse or healthcare professional, their monthly cadence means there's always an event coming up soon.
Format: Virtual + In-Person
Best For: Nurses across all specialties, especially travel nurses. Healthcare facilities with urgent staffing needs.
Happy in Healthcare - Virtual Career Days
Happy in Healthcare runs state-specific virtual career days that connect healthcare job seekers with local employers. These are particularly valuable because they're geographically focused - you're meeting employers who are hiring in your state, not nationwide recruiters who may not have openings near you. They partner with state workforce commissions and healthcare associations.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Healthcare professionals looking for local opportunities. Rural healthcare employers struggling to find candidates.
CareerEco Master's Level Social Work Job Fair
CareerEco's Social Work job fair targets MSW candidates and licensed social workers looking for clinical, community, and administrative roles. Employers include hospitals, mental health agencies, nonprofits, school districts, and government agencies. If you're in social work, these targeted fairs are far more productive than attending a general career fair where no one is hiring for your specialty.
Format: Virtual
Best For: MSW candidates, licensed social workers, and mental health professionals. Organizations hiring social services staff.
AACP Spring Virtual Pharmacy School Fair
The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy hosts this virtual fair as part of their national Pharmacy Is Right for Me campaign. It's designed for people considering pharmacy as a career - connecting prospective students with pharmacy school programs nationwide. If you're exploring healthcare careers or considering a PharmD, this is a great starting point.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Prospective pharmacy students, career changers considering pharmacy. Pharmacy schools recruiting applicants.
Government & Public Sector Career Fairs
Federal, state, and local government agencies host their own hiring events throughout the year. These are especially important in 2026, as many agencies are actively rebuilding workforce capacity. If you're interested in public service, these events give you direct access to hiring managers - not just HR generalists.
USAJobs Hiring Events
USAJobs.gov maintains a live calendar of federal hiring events. You'll find everything from "Day in the Life" webinars for specific roles (patent examiners, IRS counsel) to full-blown career fairs at federal facilities. These events often include on-site interviews and same-day conditional job offers. Sample 2026 events include BYU-Idaho STEM Career Fair (Feb 26), Federal Correctional Complex career fairs, and numerous virtual info sessions from agencies like the VA and Department of Commerce.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Anyone considering federal employment. Veterans with hiring preference. Students interested in government internships.
ClearanceJobs Career Events
If you hold (or have held) a security clearance, ClearanceJobs runs the best career events for you. They host both in-person events near major defense/intel hubs (Fort Meade, Reston) and virtual fairs for cleared professionals nationwide. Their "Intel Summit" events are particularly targeted. Employers at these fairs include defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and cybersecurity firms that specifically need cleared talent.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Security-cleared professionals. Defense contractors and government agencies with clearance-required positions.
Career Expo for Current & Former Feds
The Partnership for Public Service organizes career expos specifically for current and former federal employees looking to continue public service careers. These events connect experienced government professionals with state, local, and nonprofit employers. Especially relevant in 2026 as many federal workers are exploring new opportunities in the public sector.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Current and former federal employees. State and local government agencies seeking experienced public servants.
Hiring Our Heroes Mid-to-Senior Level Tech & Cybersecurity Fair
Hiring Our Heroes runs targeted virtual career fairs specifically for mid-to-senior level tech and cybersecurity talent in the military community. If you're a veteran with IT/cyber experience - whether from military service or post-military career - this event connects you with employers who value that background. Companies like KBR, Booz Allen, and other defense tech firms actively recruit here.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Experienced tech and cybersecurity veterans. Defense tech employers seeking senior-level talent.
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Create Your Free Card →Finance & Business Career Fairs
Whether you're an MBA candidate, a CPA looking for a new firm, or a financial planner building your career, these events connect you with top employers in business and finance.
CFP Board Spring Virtual Career Fair
The CFP Board's virtual career fair is the premier event for financial planning professionals. It connects top employers in financial planning with qualified candidates, including CFP professionals and those pursuing CFP certification. If you're in wealth management or financial advisory, this is a high-quality, highly targeted event.
Format: Virtual
Best For: CFP professionals, financial planners, wealth management career seekers.
CareerEco Accounting & Business Virtual Career Fair
CareerEco's Accounting & Business virtual fair connects job seekers with employers and grad school programs in accounting, finance, consulting, and general business. It's a great event for both early-career professionals and experienced accountants looking for new opportunities. The virtual format makes it easy to attend between work commitments.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Accounting and finance professionals, MBA candidates, business students.
University MBA Career Fairs (Spring 2026)
Nearly every business school hosts spring career fairs. Some of the biggest include NYU Stern (Financial Services & Consulting Career Fair, March 12), Rice University, Mississippi State, and Temple University. While these are primarily for enrolled students, many schools also welcome alumni. Check with your alma mater's career services office for 2026 dates. These fairs attract top employers like McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, and Amazon.
Format: In-Person
Best For: MBA students and business school alumni. Companies recruiting top business talent.
TalentAlly Financial Inclusion Month Career Fair
TalentAlly's Financial Inclusion Month career fair targets diverse professionals in financial services. Employers include banks, insurance companies, fintech startups, accounting firms, and financial planning firms. This is part of TalentAlly's year-round series of themed diversity career fairs, each focused on connecting underrepresented talent with inclusive employers in specific sectors.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Diverse finance professionals. Financial services companies building inclusive teams.
Prospanica Conference & Career Expo
Prospanica (formerly NSHMBA) is the Association of Hispanic MBAs and Business Professionals. Their annual conference features a major career expo with Fortune 500 companies actively recruiting Hispanic business talent. The conference includes leadership development workshops, networking events, and professional panels. If you're a Hispanic professional in business or finance, this is one of the most valuable career events of the year.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Hispanic MBAs and business professionals. Companies building diverse business and finance teams.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Career Fairs
DEI career fairs connect underrepresented groups with employers who are genuinely committed to inclusive hiring. These events often feature mentoring sessions, resume workshops, and networking opportunities beyond just the job fair itself.
Diversity Career Group
Diversity Career Group runs professional diversity career fairs that give job seekers the opportunity to interact, interview, and connect with recruiters and hiring managers from companies committed to diverse hiring. Their events are well-organized and attract quality employers. They operate in 20+ cities, making them one of the most accessible diversity-focused career fair organizers in the country.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Diverse professionals across all experience levels. Companies building diverse talent pipelines.
People of Color Career Fair
The People of Color Career Fair is one of the most impactful diversity hiring events in the country. Their flagship events typically attract 1,000+ professionals, 50+ employer partners, and 10+ professional organizations. What sets them apart: they offer free professional headshots (a $300 value), interview coaching, and resume review alongside the career fair itself. It's not just about handing out resumes - it's about preparing you to succeed.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Professionals of color seeking employers committed to diversity. Companies wanting to demonstrate genuine DEI commitment.
NBMBAA Annual Conference & Career Fair
The National Black MBA Association's annual conference is one of the most prestigious diversity career events in the country. It draws thousands of professionals and features a massive career fair with Fortune 500 companies actively recruiting. Beyond the career fair, the conference includes leadership workshops, executive networking events, and awards ceremonies. Companies like Google, JPMorgan, Deloitte, and Amazon are regular exhibitors.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Black professionals in business, especially MBA holders. Companies recruiting diverse leadership talent.
SHPE National Convention
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers hosts one of the largest STEM career fairs in the country as part of their annual convention. Thousands of engineering students and professionals attend, and major employers like NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Google send recruiting teams. If you're a Hispanic/Latino STEM professional, SHPE's convention is arguably the single best career event you can attend all year.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Hispanic/Latino STEM professionals and students. Companies recruiting diverse engineering talent.
NSBE Annual Convention & Career Fair
The National Society of Black Engineers convention features one of the largest career fairs targeting Black engineers and STEM professionals. With 15,000+ attendees, it's a powerhouse event. The career fair features hundreds of employers - from defense contractors to tech giants to energy companies. NSBE also includes a graduate school fair, technical competitions, and professional development workshops.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Black engineers and STEM professionals. Companies committed to diversifying their engineering teams.
CareerEco Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Career Fair
CareerEco runs dedicated Diversity & Inclusion virtual career fairs open to job seekers across all majors, degrees, and experience levels. These events feature employers actively seeking diverse candidates for full-time, internship, and co-op positions. The virtual format removes geographic barriers, so you can connect with employers nationwide from your living room.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Diverse job seekers at all career stages. Employers building inclusive hiring programs.
CareerEco Native American & Indigenous Workforce Fair
A targeted virtual career fair for Native American and Indigenous professionals. These events connect job seekers with employers who value and actively recruit Indigenous talent. Important for representation in industries where Native American professionals are historically underrepresented.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Native American and Indigenous job seekers. Companies committed to Indigenous hiring.
ALPFA National Convention & Career Fair
ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) hosts the premier multi-day gathering for Latino professionals, students, and corporate partners. The convention features a massive career fair with Fortune 500 recruiters, professional development workshops, and networking events. With 100,000+ members nationwide, ALPFA connects Latino talent with employers who genuinely prioritize diversity in their hiring.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Latino professionals and students in business, finance, and tech. Companies recruiting diverse professional talent.
Out & Equal Workplace Summit
The Out & Equal Workplace Summit is the world's largest gathering of LGBTQ+ and allied professionals committed to building workplaces of belonging. While it's primarily a professional development conference, it includes significant career networking opportunities. Major employers like Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, and dozens of Fortune 500 companies send representatives. If you're an LGBTQ+ professional seeking employers who walk the talk on inclusion, this is the event.
Format: In-Person
Best For: LGBTQ+ professionals seeking inclusive employers. Companies demonstrating genuine commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair
Lavender Law is the largest LGBTQ+ legal conference in the country. It includes a career fair where law firms, corporate legal departments, public interest organizations, and government agencies recruit LGBTQ+ legal talent. The conference also features CLE programming, networking events, and professional development workshops. If you're an LGBTQ+ law student or attorney, this is the definitive career event in your field.
Format: In-Person
Best For: LGBTQ+ law students and attorneys. Law firms and legal departments committed to diversity.
TalentAlly Asian & Pacific American Virtual Career Fair
TalentAlly's Asian & Pacific American career fair brings together employers committed to AANHPI representation with qualified job seekers. The virtual format makes it accessible nationwide. This is part of TalentAlly's broader diversity career fair series, which also includes fairs for Black professionals, Hispanic professionals, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Asian and Pacific American job seekers. Companies building AANHPI talent pipelines.
TalentAlly Black History Month Career Fair
Part of TalentAlly's themed diversity career fair series, this virtual event celebrates Black History Month by connecting Black professionals and job seekers with employers committed to diverse hiring. The event is open to all candidates, but specifically focuses on creating connections with companies that prioritize representation in their workforce.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Black professionals seeking employers committed to diversity. Companies demonstrating genuine Black representation efforts.
TalentAlly Pride Month Career Fair
TalentAlly's Pride Month career fair connects LGBTQ+ professionals with inclusive employers. This is one of several themed events TalentAlly runs throughout the year - they also host Hispanic Heritage Month, Veterans, Financial Inclusion, and Asian & Pacific American fairs. Each themed fair attracts employers who are genuinely invested in those communities.
Format: Virtual
Best For: LGBTQ+ job seekers. Companies committed to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
DisabilityIN Annual Conference & Career Fair
DisabilityIN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion. Their annual conference features a career fair specifically for job seekers with disabilities, connecting them with companies that have committed to accessible and inclusive hiring practices. Employers include many Fortune 500 companies that actively recruit talent with disabilities. The conference also includes professional development, mentoring, and leadership programming.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Professionals with disabilities. Companies committed to disability inclusion and accessible hiring.
Abilities Expo
Abilities Expo is the largest event in the country for people with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who serve them. While it's not exclusively a career fair, it includes employment resources, career workshops, and connections with disability-friendly employers. In 2026, they're also launching the Abilities International Accessibility Conference (March 26-27) co-located with their consumer events. If you're a job seeker with a disability, these expos connect you with organizations that are genuinely committed to accessibility.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Job seekers with disabilities exploring career resources. Assistive technology professionals.
Military & Veteran Career Fairs
If you're a veteran, transitioning service member, or military spouse, these events are built specifically for you. The employers who exhibit at military career fairs understand how to translate military experience into civilian roles - you won't have to explain what an MOS is.
RecruitMilitary Career Fairs (DAV | RecruitMilitary)
RecruitMilitary is the largest veteran career fair organizer in the country. They've generated over 187,000 expected job offers for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. In 2026, they're hosting 95 events - the most comprehensive schedule I've seen. Their in-person events typically draw 50+ exhibiting companies, and their on-base events at places like Fort Bragg and Camp Pendleton bring employers directly to transitioning service members. They also run Military Spouse Virtual Career Fairs and regional virtual events.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses. Companies with veteran hiring programs.
Hiring Our Heroes (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)
Hiring Our Heroes is a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that connects military community members with American businesses. Their career summits are more than just job fairs - they include professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and customized employment support. Events are held on military installations across the country, making them incredibly accessible for active-duty service members preparing for transition.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Active-duty service members preparing to transition, veterans, military spouses. Companies wanting to engage directly on military installations.
Hire Heroes USA Virtual Career Fairs
Hire Heroes USA is a nonprofit that provides free career coaching and job placement services to veterans. Their virtual career fairs are targeted to specific regions and industries, aligned with regional hiring trends. What sets them apart is the support system - they don't just give you access to a career fair; they'll help you prepare your resume, practice interviews, and follow up after the event. If you're a veteran who wants personalized support alongside the career fair experience, Hire Heroes is exceptional.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Veterans who want career coaching alongside job fair access. Companies seeking mission-driven veteran hiring partnerships.
TalentAlly Celebrate Veterans Career Fair
TalentAlly's Celebrate Veterans career fair is timed around Veterans Day and connects veteran job seekers with employers who actively recruit military talent. The virtual format means veterans anywhere in the country can participate. This is part of TalentAlly's broader series of themed career fairs that also includes cleared candidate fairs and regional events.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Veterans and military spouses. Companies with veteran hiring initiatives.
TalentAlly Cleared Candidates Career Fairs
TalentAlly runs dedicated career fairs for candidates with active security clearances. These events are 100% virtual and connect cleared professionals with defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and government organizations. If you hold a clearance, these targeted events save you time by ensuring every employer at the fair has positions requiring clearance.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Security-cleared professionals. Defense and intelligence employers with clearance-required positions.
Recruiting at Career Fairs? 📋
Deploy digital business cards for your entire recruiting team in minutes. Candidates scan a QR code or tap an NFC card and instantly save your team's contact info, open positions, and application links. Track which candidates engaged post-fair. No app required.
Explore Wave for Teams →College & University Career Fairs
If you're a student or recent graduate, your school's career fair is one of the most efficient ways to land interviews. Employers come to campus specifically to hire people like you. Don't skip these - they're free, convenient, and the companies are already pre-screened by your career services office.
Handshake Virtual Career Fairs
Handshake has become the dominant career platform for college students. Universities across the country use Handshake to host their virtual career fairs, and many employers post jobs exclusively on the platform. If you're a student, you probably already have a Handshake account through your school. Use it. The virtual fairs let you connect with employers from any participating university, not just your own.
Format: Virtual
Best For: College students and recent graduates. Employers recruiting entry-level talent at scale.
Major University Career Fairs (Spring 2026)
Here are confirmed spring 2026 career fair dates at major universities. Most are open to all enrolled students and sometimes alumni:
- UT Austin - College of Liberal Arts Spring Career Fair: Feb 25, 2026
- UC Denver - Spring Internship & Job Fair: Feb 18, 2026
- UC Riverside - Engineering & Technology Career Fair: Jan 28; Education/Gov/Nonprofit Fair: Feb 20, 2026
- SDSU - STEM Career and Internship Fair: Feb 5, 2026
- SJSU - Business, Financial Services & Logistics Fair: Feb 11; STEM Undergrad Fair: Feb 12, 2026
- USC - Spring Career Fair: Spring 2026 (dates TBA)
- NYU - Financial Services & Consulting Career Fair: Mar 10; Business, Management & Strategy Fair: Mar 12, 2026
- Mizzou - Health and Wellness Career Fair: Mar 3, 2026
- Mississippi State - College of Business MBA Career Fair: Mar 17, 2026
How to find your school's career fair: Check your university's career services website, log into Handshake, or search "[your school name] spring 2026 career fair" on Google.
CareerEco Healthcare & Nursing Virtual Career Fair
CareerEco runs targeted healthcare and nursing virtual career fairs that connect healthcare professionals with employers nationwide. Their events often focus on specific disciplines - nursing, public health, or healthcare administration. For healthcare professionals in rural areas or those considering relocation, the virtual format is particularly valuable since you can explore opportunities across the entire country without travel.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Nurses, healthcare administrators, and public health professionals. Health systems recruiting nationally.
Eventbrite Career Fairs & Job Fairs (All Cities)
Eventbrite is where many career fair organizers - especially smaller and regional ones - list their events. If you search "career fair" or "job fair" + your city on Eventbrite, you'll find events that don't show up on the major career fair platforms. This includes city-sponsored events, industry meetup-style fairs, startup hiring days, and niche events that fly under the radar. Bookmark the search and check it weekly.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Finding local career fairs not listed on major platforms. Discovering niche and community-organized events.
MPACE Multi-University Career Fairs
MPACE (Mountain Pacific Association of Colleges and Employers) coordinates career fairs across member universities in the Western U.S. Their events connect students from multiple schools with regional employers. Similar consortiums exist for other regions (EACE for the East Coast, SWACE for the Southwest). These consortium events are great because they aggregate students from multiple campuses, giving employers a bigger talent pool and students access to more companies.
Format: Virtual + In-Person
Best For: College students at member universities. Companies recruiting across multiple campuses efficiently.
Virtual Career Fairs
Virtual career fairs have become a permanent fixture of the hiring landscape. They're not just a pandemic leftover - they genuinely work for both sides. Job seekers get access to employers nationwide without travel costs. Recruiters get a wider talent pool. Here are the major virtual fair platforms and organizers.
CareerEco Virtual Fair Platform
CareerEco is probably the most comprehensive virtual career fair platform in the U.S. They run specialty fairs for almost every industry and demographic: STEM, healthcare, diversity, Native American workforce, accounting, education, and more. Their platform is user-friendly - you can chat with recruiters in real-time, submit resumes, and schedule follow-up conversations. I recommend signing up for their alerts so you don't miss events relevant to your field.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Anyone who can't attend in-person events or wants nationwide access to employers.
Brazen Virtual Hiring Events
Brazen powers virtual hiring events for many of the biggest employers in the country. Rather than being a third-party career fair organizer, Brazen provides the platform that companies use to host their own events. This means you'll find Brazen-powered events from individual employers - think Amazon hiring events, hospital system recruitment fairs, or government agency open houses. Search for specific employers on Brazen to find their upcoming events.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Job seekers targeting specific employers. Companies wanting to run branded virtual hiring events.
CareerEco Government & Public Service Virtual Career Fair
CareerEco runs virtual career fairs focused on government and public service careers. These events connect job seekers with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as nonprofits and policy organizations. The virtual format is especially convenient for government job seekers who may be currently employed and can't take time off for in-person events.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Professionals interested in government and public service careers. Government agencies and nonprofits seeking talent.
reStart Hiring Events
reStart hosts convenient virtual hiring events designed to move your career forward. Their events are straightforward - you connect with employers who are actively hiring, chat with recruiters, and submit your information. They focus on making the process as frictionless as possible.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Job seekers who prefer virtual convenience. Career changers exploring new directions.
JobFairX National Virtual Job Fairs
Beyond their in-person events, JobFairX runs a massive virtual event calendar. Their virtual fairs are organized by city (so employers are relevant to your area), by industry (healthcare, tech), and by demographic (diversity, veterans). The frequency is hard to beat - there's almost always a virtual event happening within the next few days.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Job seekers who want the most options and the highest frequency of events.
Education & Teaching Career Fairs
Teaching remains one of the most in-demand professions in 2026, with teacher shortages across nearly every state. Education career fairs connect teachers, administrators, and support staff with school districts, charter schools, and education nonprofits actively hiring.
TeacherJobFairs.org National Education Job Fairs
TeacherJobFairs.org runs the most comprehensive calendar of virtual teacher hiring events in the country. They organize fairs by specialty - general education, early childhood, bilingual/ESL, and special education - so you're connecting with school districts that specifically need your expertise. The virtual format is especially valuable for teachers considering relocation, since you can explore districts across multiple states in a single event.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Teachers across all subjects and specialties. School districts with hard-to-fill positions.
National Teachers of Color Job Fair
This targeted virtual fair connects teachers of color with school districts committed to building diverse teaching staffs. Research consistently shows that students benefit from having teachers who reflect their communities, and many districts are actively prioritizing diverse recruitment. If you're a teacher of color, this event puts you in front of districts that value what you bring beyond just your teaching credentials.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Teachers of color seeking districts committed to diversity. Districts building diverse teaching teams.
Florida Department of Education Teacher Job Fairs
The Florida Department of Education maintains a calendar of teacher recruitment events across the state. Individual districts host their own fairs - Broward County, Palm Beach, DeSoto, and others. Florida is one of the states with the most aggressive teacher recruitment due to ongoing shortages. Most other states maintain similar calendars through their Departments of Education - check your state's DOE website for local events.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Teachers considering Florida positions. Any teacher - check your own state's DOE for similar listings.
CareerEco Education Virtual Career Fairs
CareerEco runs virtual career fairs specifically for education professionals, including higher education faculty positions, K-12 teaching, educational technology, and administration roles. These fairs connect teachers and administrators with school districts, universities, and education organizations nationwide. The virtual format is particularly useful for education professionals who can't take time off during the school day to attend in-person events.
Format: Virtual
Best For: Teachers, professors, and education administrators. School districts and universities recruiting educators.
Skilled Trades & Construction Career Fairs
Skilled trades are experiencing massive demand in 2026 - electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, and construction workers are needed everywhere. These career fairs and expos specifically target the trades, often including hands-on demonstrations and apprenticeship information.
Construction Ready CareerExpo
Construction Ready's CareerExpo is the largest skilled trades career fair in the Southern U.S. It connects job seekers with construction companies, contractors, and trade organizations offering immediate employment and apprenticeship opportunities. If you're interested in a career in construction - from electrician to project management - this event has employers ready to hire on the spot.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Anyone interested in construction and skilled trades careers. Construction companies with immediate hiring needs.
Building & Construction Trades Career Expo (Project First Rate)
Project First Rate hosts the 15th Annual Building & Construction Trades Career Expo in Rockford, IL. This free event introduces job seekers to union apprenticeship programs in the building trades. You'll meet representatives from electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and other trade unions, learn about apprenticeship paths, and get hands-on experience with tools and equipment. Union apprenticeships are one of the best "earn while you learn" pathways in America - no student debt required.
Format: In-Person
Best For: High school students, career changers, and anyone interested in skilled trades apprenticeships.
Building Advantage Annual Career Fair
Building Advantage's annual career fair gives students the opportunity to explore different union construction trades. Attendees can meet with representatives from various trade unions, learn about apprenticeship programs, and understand the career paths available in construction. The events often include hands-on demonstrations where you can try out different trades before committing to an apprenticeship.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Students and young adults exploring trade careers. Union apprenticeship programs seeking recruits.
Manufacturing Day (MFG Day)
Manufacturing Day is the industry's biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation to explore careers in modern manufacturing. Thousands of manufacturers across the country open their doors for tours, career fairs, and demonstrations. It's not a single event - it's a national movement. Individual companies and industry groups host their own MFG Day events, many of which include on-site hiring and apprenticeship recruitment. Search the MFG Day event finder for events near you.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Anyone curious about manufacturing careers. Manufacturers wanting to recruit local talent and build community relationships.
Clean Energy & Sustainability Career Fairs
The clean energy sector is booming in 2026. Solar, wind, battery storage, and energy efficiency companies are hiring at unprecedented rates. If you're looking to work in an industry that's growing and meaningful, these career fairs connect you with employers leading the energy transition.
RE+ Clean Energy Job Fairs
RE+ (formerly Solar Power International + Energy Storage International) hosts the largest clean energy events in North America, and their job fairs are the premier career events for the renewable energy sector. The national RE+ event in Las Vegas attracts thousands of companies in solar, wind, storage, and energy efficiency. Their regional events (Mid-Atlantic, Florida, Southeast) offer more localized opportunities. If you want to work in clean energy, this is where the employers are.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Clean energy professionals and career changers entering renewables. Solar, wind, and storage companies hiring at scale.
MIT Energy & Climate Career Fair
MIT's Energy and Climate Career Fair is a unique recruiting opportunity where students interact with energy, climate, and sustainability employers. While primarily aimed at MIT students, the caliber of employers attending is exceptional - think national labs, clean energy startups, major utilities, and climate tech companies. If you're a student at a nearby university, it's worth checking whether the event is open to non-MIT attendees.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Students and graduates in energy, climate, and environmental fields. Clean energy and climate tech employers.
Slipstream Clean Energy Career Fairs
Slipstream hosts clean energy career fairs in the Midwest, connecting job seekers with employers in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability. These regional fairs are particularly valuable because they focus on employers that are actually hiring in your area - not just big-name companies that may or may not have local openings. If you're in the Midwest and interested in the clean energy transition, these events are worth attending.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Midwest professionals interested in clean energy careers. Regional clean energy employers.
Legal Career Fairs
The legal profession has its own circuit of career fairs, many organized by bar associations and law school consortiums. These events connect law students, recent graduates, and experienced attorneys with law firms, corporate legal departments, public defenders, and government agencies.
Cook County Bar Association (CCBA) Law Student Job Fair
The CCBA Law Student Job Fair is the oldest and most established minority bar association job fair in the country - now in its 43rd year. It connects law students from diverse backgrounds with law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and public interest organizations. The event includes interviews, mentoring sessions, and networking. If you're a law student in the Midwest, this is a must-attend.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Law students (especially diverse candidates) seeking legal employment. Law firms and legal employers committed to diversity.
Midwest Public Interest Law Career Conference (MPILCC)
MPILCC is the Midwest's largest public interest law career conference. It brings together employers from public interest organizations, government agencies, and legal aid societies with JD students interested in public service careers. If you're a law student who wants to serve communities rather than pursue corporate practice, this is where you'll find your people.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Law students interested in public interest careers. Public interest and government legal employers.
NAAAP Leadership Convention & Career Resources
The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) hosts an annual leadership convention that includes career fair components, networking events, and professional development workshops. With chapters across the country, NAAAP also runs local career events throughout the year. Their job board connects Asian American professionals with employers committed to AANHPI representation.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Asian American professionals. Companies building AANHPI talent pipelines and leadership diversity.
Hospitality & Tourism Career Fairs
Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and travel companies are hiring aggressively in 2026. These career fairs connect hospitality professionals with employers offering everything from entry-level positions to management roles at major brands.
Marriott International College Career Fairs
Marriott International - the world's largest hotel company - sends recruiting teams to college campuses across the country for spring career fairs. They recruit for management training programs, internships, and direct-hire positions across their 30+ brands (Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, Sheraton, etc.). Their Hospitality Career Fair visits at university hospitality programs are particularly well-attended. If you're studying hospitality management, seek out Marriott's campus events.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Hospitality management students. Students interested in hotel and resort careers.
Hospitality Industry Career Fairs (2026)
Major hospitality employers host their own career fairs throughout the year, often powered by platforms like Brazen. Disney, Hilton, Hyatt, MGM Resorts, and Carnival Cruise Lines all run proprietary recruiting events. Many resort destinations (Las Vegas, Orlando, Myrtle Beach) host industry-wide hospitality career fairs organized by local hotel associations or convention and visitors bureaus. Search Eventbrite or your local hospitality association for events near you.
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Best For: Hospitality professionals at all levels. Hotel companies, restaurants, and resorts with high-volume hiring needs.
Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo (Job Fair Component)
The Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo is the world's leading retail-focused supply chain event. While primarily a trade show, it includes career networking opportunities for supply chain and logistics professionals. Major retailers and logistics companies attend as exhibitors. If you're in supply chain, logistics, or retail operations, the networking at this event can open doors.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Supply chain and logistics professionals. Retail operations and distribution professionals.
County & City Government Career Fairs (Local)
Don't overlook local government career fairs. Many counties and cities host their own hiring events to fill positions in public safety, parks, water/sewer, public health, planning, IT, and administration. These events often fly under the radar but offer excellent benefits, job security, and pension plans. Search your county or city government website for upcoming hiring events, or check Eventbrite for local government career fairs in your area.
Format: In-Person
Best For: Anyone interested in stable government employment with benefits. Career changers exploring public sector options.
Career Fairs by State (Top States)
Here's a quick breakdown of which states have the most career fair activity in 2026, and how to find events near you.
Texas
Texas dominates the career fair calendar. Between Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and the military bases (Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, JBSA), you'll find events nearly every week. Best Hire, Choice, RecruitMilitary, and Diversity Career Group all have heavy Texas schedules.
California
Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, and Pasadena all have recurring career fairs from multiple organizers. UC schools and CSU schools host major on-campus fairs in January-March.
Florida
Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach all have regular career fair activity. Florida's military bases (NAS Jacksonville, MacDill AFB) also host veteran-specific events.
New York
New York City, Brooklyn, and Long Island have recurring fairs from Best Hire, Choice, and others. NYU and Columbia host some of the most prestigious university career fairs in the country.
Georgia
Atlanta is a major career fair hub. RecruitMilitary hosts multiple events there (including on-base fairs at Fort Benning and Fort Gordon), and all the major national organizers have Atlanta on their calendars.
How to Find Career Fairs in Your State
- Search JobFairX by city - they have the most comprehensive database
- Check your state's Department of Labor website for workforce events
- Search Eventbrite for "[your city] career fair 2026"
- Contact your local workforce development center
- Follow Best Hire Career Fairs for their monthly updates
Tips for Job Seekers at Career Fairs
I've been on both sides of the career fair table. Here's what actually works - and what's a waste of your time.
Before the Fair
- Research the employers. Most career fairs publish their exhibitor list ahead of time. Identify your top 5-10 targets and learn what they're hiring for. Walking up to a booth and asking "so what do you do?" is a missed opportunity.
- Prepare your 30-second pitch. "Hi, I'm [name]. I'm a [role/background] with experience in [relevant skill]. I'm interested in [specific thing about their company]." Practice it until it feels natural, not rehearsed.
- Create a digital business card. This is 2026. Handing a recruiter a paper resume is expected, but handing them a digital business card that includes your LinkedIn, portfolio, and resume link is what makes you memorable. It's free, takes 60 seconds to set up, and no app is required for the recruiter to receive it. You share via QR code right from your phone. I've seen candidates stand out simply because they did this instead of just handing over paper.
- Dress one level above the job. Business casual is the safe minimum. Business professional is always appropriate. When in doubt, overdress.
- Bring printed resumes anyway. Even though I just told you to go digital, bring 20-30 printed copies. Some recruiters still want paper. Cover your bases.
During the Fair
- Hit your priority booths first. Popular employers get swamped by mid-morning. Get there early and visit your top targets before the lines build up.
- Ask good questions. "What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?" is 100x better than "are you hiring?" They're at a career fair. Of course they're hiring.
- Take notes. After each conversation, jot down the recruiter's name and what you talked about. You'll need this for follow-up.
- Don't skip the "boring" booths. The company you've never heard of might be the one with the best opportunity. Some of my best hires came from candidates who wandered by our booth out of curiosity.
- Share your digital card. When a recruiter asks for your contact info, pull up your QR code. They scan it, instantly get your name, email, phone, LinkedIn, and portfolio. It takes 3 seconds and you look tech-savvy. Learn more about sharing your digital business card at events.
After the Fair
- Follow up within 24-48 hours. This is where 90% of job seekers fail. Send a personalized email or LinkedIn message to every recruiter you spoke with. Reference your specific conversation. "I enjoyed our conversation about [topic] at [event name]" goes a long way.
- Apply online. Even if you had a great conversation at the booth, you usually still need to formally apply through the company's website. The career fair gets you noticed; the application gets you in the system.
- If you used a digital business card, check your analytics. You'll see who opened your card, when, and how often. That data tells you who's genuinely interested - prioritize those follow-ups.
Tips for Recruiters & HR Teams at Career Fairs
If you're on the other side of the table, here's how to maximize your ROI from career fair events.
Before the Fair
- Define your target profiles. What specific roles are you filling? What experience levels? What skills are non-negotiable? Your booth staff needs to know exactly what they're looking for so they can prioritize conversations.
- Deploy digital business cards for your team. Instead of handing candidates your personal card (or worse, running out of paper cards by noon), equip your recruiting team with digital business cards. You can deploy cards for your whole team in minutes using bulk Excel import. Every card can include your company's open positions, application links, and your team's contact info. When a candidate scans your QR code, they instantly have everything they need to apply.
- Prepare a one-pager. Have a clear handout with your top 5-10 open roles, salary ranges (if you can share them), and a QR code linking to your careers page.
- Pre-promote on LinkedIn. Post that you'll be at the fair, tag the event organizer, and mention what roles you're hiring for. The best candidates research exhibitors in advance.
During the Fair
- Don't just collect resumes. Talk to people. Ask about their goals, not just their experience. The candidates who don't have a perfect resume but articulate their value clearly are often your best hires.
- Use a rating system. After each conversation, quickly rate candidates (A/B/C) in your phone's notes or a shared spreadsheet. By the end of the fair, you'll know exactly who to follow up with first.
- Track who scans your team's digital cards. If you're using a platform like Wave Connect, you'll get analytics on which candidates engaged with your team's cards after the event. That data is gold for prioritizing follow-ups.
After the Fair
- Follow up within 48 hours. The candidates you liked are also talking to your competitors. Speed wins. Send personalized messages to your A-list candidates the next business day.
- Update your ATS. Log all career fair contacts in your applicant tracking system. Include which event you met them at and your rating. This data helps you measure ROI and decide which fairs to attend next year.
- Keep digital cards updated. After the fair, update your team's cards with any new open positions. Candidates who saved your card will see the latest info every time they revisit it - no reprinting required.
Your Resume Isn't Enough Anymore 📱
In 2026, the candidates who stand out at career fairs are the ones who share a digital business card alongside their resume. Your LinkedIn, portfolio, video intro, and contact info - all in one scan. No app required. Free forever.
Create Your Free Card →Frequently Asked Questions
Are career fairs still worth it in 2026?
Yes - career fairs remain one of the fastest ways to meet hiring managers face-to-face. Many employers conduct on-the-spot interviews and some make same-day offers, especially in healthcare and government.
What should I bring to a career fair?
Bring 20-30 copies of your resume, a digital business card on your phone, a notebook for notes, and a professional outfit. A portable phone charger is also smart if you're sharing your digital card via QR code all day. For employers exhibiting at career fairs, see my complete guide on capturing and organizing candidate leads at events.
How do I find career fairs near me?
Search JobFairX by city for the most comprehensive calendar. Also check your state's Department of Labor website and search Eventbrite for local events.
What's the difference between a job fair and a career expo?
They're essentially the same thing - events where employers and job seekers meet in person or virtually. "Career expo" sometimes implies a larger event with workshops and panels alongside the hiring fair.
Do virtual career fairs actually work?
Yes, virtual career fairs are effective for both job seekers and employers. They eliminate travel costs, give you access to employers nationwide, and let you attend from anywhere with an internet connection.
How should I follow up after a career fair?
Send a personalized email or LinkedIn message to each recruiter within 24-48 hours, referencing your specific conversation. Then formally apply through the company's website if you haven't already.
What industries have the most career fairs?
Healthcare, technology, government, and military/veteran career fairs are the most common in 2026. All-industry general career fairs (like Best Hire and Choice) also run hundreds of events across every sector.
Can I attend career fairs if I'm currently employed?
Absolutely - many career fairs welcome employed professionals looking for new opportunities. Virtual career fairs are especially convenient for employed job seekers since you can attend during lunch or after work.
Are career fairs free for job seekers?
Almost always yes - the vast majority of career fairs are free for job seekers. Employers pay to exhibit, which covers the event costs. Some specialty conferences may require registration fees.
How many career fairs should I attend per year?
If you're actively job searching, aim for 1-2 per month until you find the right opportunity. Focus on industry-specific fairs over general ones for the best results.
Stand Out at Your Next Career Fair
Whether you're a job seeker or a recruiter, a digital business card makes every interaction more memorable. Share your contact info, LinkedIn, portfolio, and more - instantly via QR code or NFC tap. No app required. Free forever.
Create Your Free Digital Business CardAbout the Author: George El-Hage is the Founder of Wave Connect, a browser-based digital business card platform serving 150,000+ professionals worldwide. With 6+ years helping organizations transition from paper to digital networking, George has deep expertise in what makes digital business cards successful for individuals and teams. Wave Connect is SOC 2 Type II compliant and integrates with leading CRM platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive.