Major U.S. Job Fairs & Trade Fairs: October 5–11, 2026
The week of October 5–11, 2026 is particularly strong for job seekers, skilled-trades professionals, technology workers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners. There are major recruiting events in cities including Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Tampa, San Antonio, Denver and Las Vegas, while Las Vegas hosts several large national trade shows.
JOB & CAREER FAIRS
1. APTA EXPO Job Fair — Chicago, Illinois
Date: Monday, October 5, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
Industry: Transportation, public transit, engineering, infrastructure, technology
This is one of the strongest specialized career events of the week for people interested in transportation and infrastructure. Recruiters include Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Alstom, WSP, HDR, Parsons, Valley Metro, Wabtec, SYSTRA USA, and other employers. The event also offers resume/interview activities and speed networking. (APTA TRANSform & EXPO)
Address:
McCormick Place Convention Center
2301 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
How to join/apply:
APTA EXPO Job Fair registration and information
Best for: Engineers, transportation professionals, recent graduates, students, infrastructure and technology workers.
2. Central Brooklyn Job & Career Fair — New York
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Industry: Multiple industries
The New York State Department of Labor is participating in this event, with 30+ hiring employers and organizations expected. There are also preparation workshops for job seekers. (bklynlibrary.org)
Address:
Brooklyn Public Library — Central Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Registration: RSVP is requested by October 5.
Central Brooklyn Job & Career Fair — official information/RSVP
Best for: General job seekers, career changers, entry-level applicants, and people looking for local Brooklyn/New York opportunities.
3. Joint Base Lewis-McChord NAF Hiring Fair — Washington
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM Pacific
Industry: Federal employment, military-base services, administration, hospitality and support services
This is an official USAJOBS hiring event. The event is open to the public and base access is not required. Job seekers are advised to bring a resume, identification, transcripts/diploma, and professional references. (gsa.usajobs.gov)
Address:
Eagle's Pride Golf Course
1529 Mounts Road
DuPont, WA 98327
How to apply:
USAJOBS events and current openings
Best for: People seeking federal/NAF employment and jobs connected to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
4. Fall 2026 Career Fair — Pennsylvania College of Technology
Dates: October 6–7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Williamsport, Pennsylvania
This is a particularly substantial college career fair, with 448 employers listed, covering manufacturing, engineering, construction, healthcare, technology, energy, and other sectors. Employers listed include B. Braun Medical, EQT, Great Dane, United Launch Alliance, Whiting-Turner and many others. (Pennsylvania College of Technology)
Address:
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Lewis H. Bardo Gymnasium / Field House
1 College Avenue
Williamsport, PA 17701
Fall 2026 Career Fair — employer and event information
Best for: Engineering, manufacturing, skilled trades, construction, technology and technical careers.
5. USF Job & Internship Fair — Tampa, Florida
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Industry: Multiple industries; open to all majors and industries
The University of South Florida describes this as its Fall 2026 Job & Internship Fair and says it is open to all majors and industries. (careers.usf.edu)
Address:
University of South Florida
4103 USF Cedar Circle
Tampa, FL 33620
USF Career Services and event registration
Best for: Students, recent graduates, and professionals seeking internships or full-time positions.
6. USF Nursing & Healthcare Career Fair — St. Petersburg, Florida
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 1:00–4:00 PM
Industry: Nursing and healthcare
Address:
University of South Florida St. Petersburg
140 7th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
USF Career Services — official event calendar
Best for: Nurses, healthcare students, healthcare professionals, and people pursuing healthcare careers.
7. French-American Futures Expo & Job Fair — Denver, Colorado
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Industry: Business, education, healthcare, technology, sales, and international careers
The event brings together employers, schools, workforce organizations, and business organizations. Attendance is free, and some exhibitors are actively recruiting. (French-American Futures Expo & Job Fair)
Address:
Tivoli Turnhalle
MSU Denver
Denver, CO
French-American Futures Expo & Job Fair — free registration
Best for: Professionals, students, entrepreneurs, French speakers, and people interested in international business.
8. Atlanta Job Fair — Georgia
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Best Hire Career Fairs lists an Atlanta Job Fair for October 7. These events are designed to connect candidates directly with hiring companies. (Eventbrite)
Location:
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown
275 Baker Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Best Hire Career Fairs — registration/calendar
Best for: General job seekers and people looking for private-sector employment.
9. Alamo HIRES Inclusive Job & Resource Fair — San Antonio, Texas
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Industry: Multiple industries
This event is organized by Workforce Solutions Alamo and focuses on connecting job seekers with employers and community resources, with particular emphasis on inclusive employment and people with disabilities. (Workforce Solutions Alamo)
Address:
Workforce Solutions Alamo — Datapoint Career Center
3652 Bluemel Road
San Antonio, TX 78229
Official event registration and information
Best for: Job seekers with disabilities, career changers, and people seeking employer/resource connections.
10. Advanced Manufacturing & Skilled Trades Fair — Northern Virginia
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM
Industry: Manufacturing, engineering, skilled trades
The event connects job seekers with employers offering internships and employment opportunities in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades. (fairfaxcounty.gov)
Address:
Northern Virginia Community College — Woodbridge Campus
WRC Building
2645 College Drive
Woodbridge, VA 22191
Fairfax County official event information
Best for: Welders, machinists, electricians, manufacturing workers, engineers, technicians, and students.
11. Knoxville Job Fair — Tennessee
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 1:00–3:00 PM Eastern
Industry: Multiple industries
Employers listed include Food City, JLG Industries, AutoZone, Knoxville Area Transit, Senior Helpers, University Physicians Associates, Express Employment, and others. (Tennessee Government)
Address:
Knoxville American Job Center
2700 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 100
Knoxville, TN 37920
Tennessee Department of Labor — hiring events
Best for: General job seekers, transportation, healthcare, retail, manufacturing and service workers.
12. Equal Justice Works Career Fair — Virtual
Dates: Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Eastern
Industry: Law/public interest
This is the largest annual public-interest legal career fair in the United States, according to Equal Justice Works. The 2026 event is virtual and uses the Flo Recruit platform, with prescheduled interviews. (equaljusticeworks.org)
Location: Online
Equal Justice Works Career Fair — official schedule and registration information
Best for: Law students, recent law graduates and public-interest legal professionals.
13. The Palm Beaches Job Fair — Florida
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Industry: Tourism and hospitality
Participating employers include hotels and hospitality businesses in the Palm Beach area. (Discover The Palm Beaches)
Address:
Palm Beach State College — Lake Worth Campus
Public Safety Building
4200 S. Congress Avenue
Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461
The Palm Beaches Job Fair — official registration
Best for: Hospitality, hotels, tourism, food service and customer-service workers.
14. W. A. Franke College of Business Career & Internship Fair — Arizona
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Industry: Business, finance, management, and internships
Address:
High Country Conference Center
201 W. Butler Avenue
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Northern Arizona University Career Fair information
Best for: Business students, finance, accounting, management, marketing and internship seekers.
🏢 MAJOR TRADE & BUSINESS FAIRS
15. NECA 2026 Convention & Trade Show — Las Vegas
Dates: October 4–7, 2026
Industry: Electrical contracting, construction, energy and technology
Although it starts on October 4, the show runs through Wednesday, October 7, so it is one of the major business events during this week.
NECA says the event brings together contractors, professionals and innovators and includes 400+ exhibitors, 80+ education sessions and 33 free workshops. (Necanet.org)
Address:
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
3950 Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89119
NECA 2026 Convention — registration and official information
Best for: Electrical contractors, electricians, construction companies, manufacturers, suppliers and technology companies.
16. SAP Connect 2026 — Las Vegas & Virtual
Dates: October 5–7, 2026
Industry: Enterprise software, AI, finance, supply chain, business technology
SAP Connect is a major technology/business event focusing on SAP's enterprise technology, AI, and autonomous business applications. It offers both an in-person Las Vegas event and a virtual component. (SAP)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada / Online
SAP Connect 2026 — official registration
Best for: IT professionals, SAP consultants, developers, business analysts, supply-chain professionals, executives, and enterprise technology companies.
17. Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show
Dates: October 6–9, 2026
Industry: Retail, souvenirs, gifts, tourism, wholesale
This is a major sourcing event with 1,300+ booths, connecting retailers and buyers with manufacturers and suppliers. Registration is complimentary for qualified buyers and industry professionals. (Las Vegas Gift Show 2025)
Address:
Las Vegas Convention Center — South Hall
3150 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 9 AM–5 PM
Friday: 9 AM–2 PM
Register for the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show
Best for: Retailers, wholesalers, importers, souvenir businesses, tourism businesses, and product suppliers.
18. NACS Show 2026 — Las Vegas
Conference: October 6–9
Expo: October 7–9
Industry: Convenience stores, fuel retail, foodservice, technology and retail
NACS is one of the major U.S. events for the convenience-store and fuel-retail industry. The 2026 expo runs October 7–9. (NACSShow)
Address:
Las Vegas Convention Center
3150 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109
NACS Show 2026 — official registration and schedule
Best for: Retailers, franchise owners, convenience stores, foodservice companies, fuel businesses, technology providers and suppliers.
19. World Waterpark Association Annual Symposium & Trade Show — Las Vegas
Dates: October 6–9, 2026
Trade show: October 7–8
Industry: Waterparks, resorts, recreation, hospitality and attractions
The trade show provides access to approximately 100,000 square feet of waterpark products and services and brings together operators, designers, suppliers, and other industry professionals. (WWA Show)
Address:
Paris Hotel & Resort / Paris Las Vegas
3655 S. Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Best for: Waterpark owners, hospitality professionals, resort operators, designers, suppliers and recreation businesses.
20. International Gem & Jewelry Show — Dallas/Grapevine
Dates: October 9–11, 2026
Industry: Jewelry, gemstones, retail
The Dallas-area International Gem & Jewelry Show takes place at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. (InterGem Jewelry Shows)
Address:
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center — Hall F
1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, TX 76051
Tickets: Online tickets are listed at $6; tickets are valid for all three days.
International Gem & Jewelry Show — Dallas/Grapevine registration
Best for: Jewelry retailers, designers, gemstone buyers, wholesalers and consumers interested in jewelry.
21. Premiere Columbus — Columbus, Ohio
Dates: October 11–12, 2026
Industry: Beauty, hair, cosmetics and salon business
Only Sunday, October 11, falls inside your requested week, but the show continues on October 12. Premiere describes the event as a professional beauty-industry show with education and an exhibition floor. (Premiere Columbus)
Address:
Greater Columbus Convention Center — North Building, Hall C
400 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Premiere Columbus — official registration
Best for: Hairstylists, barbers, cosmetologists, salon owners, beauty professionals, and beauty-product businesses.
⭐ Best opportunities this week
If your primary goal is finding a job, I would prioritize:
Pennsylvania College of Technology Career Fair — 448 employers listed.
APTA EXPO Job Fair, Chicago — excellent transportation/infrastructure employers.
Central Brooklyn Job & Career Fair — 30+ employers.
USF Job & Internship Fair, Tampa — broad range of industries.
Knoxville Job Fair — multiple confirmed employers.
Alamo HIRES, San Antonio — employers plus workforce resources.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord NAF Hiring Fair — official federal hiring opportunity.
Advanced Manufacturing & Skilled Trades Fair, Virginia — particularly good for technical/trades workers.
If your goal is business, sales, importing, wholesale or finding customers/suppliers, the strongest opportunities are:
NACS Show — Las Vegas
Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show
SAP Connect — Las Vegas
NECA Convention — Las Vegas
World Waterpark Association Show — Las Vegas
International Gem & Jewelry Show — Grapevine
Premiere Columbus — Columbus
Important note about “all” fairs
There are hundreds of smaller career fairs, university fairs, and industry trade shows in the U.S. during this period, so a literal list of every event would be impractical. The list above focuses on major, publicly verifiable events and the most useful recruiting/business opportunities I could confirm for October 5–11, 2026. Trade-show directories alone list hundreds of U.S. fairs during October. (Fair Assistant)
For job seekers, it is also worth checking the official USAJOBS events calendar, which is continuously updated with federal hiring events. (gsa.usajobs.gov)
If you're applying from outside the United States, pay particular attention to each employer's work-authorization requirements: attending a job fair does not by itself provide U.S. work authorization or a visa.