Looking for a new job, planning a career change, or hoping to meet employers and industry leaders face-to-face?
The week of Monday, October 12, through Friday, October 16, 2026, brings career fairs, recruitment sessions, business expos, and major trade shows to cities across the United States.
From job fairs in California, Arizona, and Tennessee to major technology, manufacturing, construction, and business exhibitions in Detroit, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., there are opportunities for job seekers, students, entrepreneurs, and experienced professionals.
JobAdvisor has researched a selection of upcoming events and organized them into two categories:
Job fairs and recruitment events, where attendees can meet employers, discover vacancies, or learn how to apply.
Trade fairs and professional expos, where attendees can network with companies, discover industry trends, and build valuable career connections.
Below you'll find the dates, locations, addresses, and registration websites.
Important: All event times are local unless otherwise indicated. Registration, eligibility, admission charges, and event details may change. Always check the linked organizer website before attending.
Part 1: USA Job Fairs and Hiring Events — October 12–16, 2026
Monday, October 12
1. Entry-Level Virtual Job Fair — Springfield, Missouri
Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
Location: Online — Springfield, Missouri area
Format: Virtual
Best for: Entry-level applicants, recent graduates, and career changers
JobFairX lists an entry-level virtual job fair for Springfield, Missouri. This could be a useful opportunity for people who want to connect with potential employers without traveling to a physical venue.
Registration and event search: JobFairX
Check the event page for the exact session time and registration requirements.
Tuesday, October 13
2. Paychecks for Patriots Job and Resource Fair — Nashville, Tennessee
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. CDT
Venue: Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church
Address: 5891 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
Admission: Open to the public
This Tennessee hiring event connects job seekers with employers offering full-time positions, part-time work, and internships.
Official details: Tennessee Department of Labor — Hiring Events
3. Paychecks for Patriots Job and Resource Fair — Chattanooga, Tennessee
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: Chattanooga State — McCormick Center
Address: 4501 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37406
Admission: Open to the public
Attendees can explore job openings and meet employer representatives. Opportunities may include full-time, part-time, and internship positions.
Official details: Tennessee Hiring Events Calendar
4. Paychecks for Patriots Job and Resource Fair — Knoxville, Tennessee
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: Knoxville American Job Center
Address: 2700 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37921
Admission: Open to the public
Meet employers recruiting for available positions and discover local workforce support services.
Official details: Tennessee Department of Labor
Wednesday, October 14
5. Morristown Job Fair — Morristown, Tennessee
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: Walters State Community College
Address: 500 S. Davy Crockett Parkway, Morristown, TN 37813
Several employers are scheduled to participate, including AutoZone, Old Dominion Freight Line, Colortech, Sam Dong, Hale Construction, and other regional companies.
This is a particularly relevant event for people exploring manufacturing, logistics, construction, and related employment opportunities.
Official details: Tennessee Hiring Events
6. Supreme Court Police Virtual Recruiting Event — Nationwide
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: Noon–1:00 p.m. Eastern
Format: Online
Organizer: Supreme Court Police
Interested in federal law enforcement?
This virtual recruiting event offers information about Supreme Court Police careers, benefits, qualifications, and the application process. Participants can also ask questions of the recruitment team.
Eligibility requirements apply.
Register or join: USAJOBS Official Events Calendar
7. U.S. Department of Transportation Internship Pitch Day — Nationwide
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 1:00–3:30 p.m. (listed as EST by the organizer)
Format: Online
Best for: Students interested in public-sector internships
Representatives from U.S. Department of Transportation agencies will introduce their work and explain internship programs and application procedures.
Register: USAJOBS — DOT Virtual Pitch Day
8. Department of the Interior Federal Application Session — Nationwide
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m. (listed as EST)
Format: Online
Learn how to prepare a federal job application, improve your resume, and navigate USAJOBS. The session includes opportunities to connect with federal recruitment representatives.
Event details: USAJOBS Events
Thursday, October 15
9. Phoenix Job Fair — Phoenix, Arizona
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Arizona local time
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix North
Address: 10220 N. Metro Parkway East, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Format: In person
Admission: Free
Organized by Best Hire Career Fairs, the event allows Phoenix-area job seekers to speak directly with employer representatives.
Bring printed resumes, be ready to discuss your skills, and review the participating employers before attending.
Register: Phoenix Job Fair — October 15
10. San Diego Job Fair — San Diego, California
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. PDT
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego — Mission Valley
Address: 7450 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108
Format: In person
Admission: Free
This hiring event allows Southern California job seekers to introduce themselves to recruiters and learn about potential employment opportunities.
Register: San Diego Job Fair — October 15
11. San Jose Virtual Job Fair — California
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. PDT
Location: Online — San Jose area
Organizer: Best Hire Career Fairs
This online event allows applicants to explore job opportunities in the San Jose employment market without commuting.
Registration: Best Hire Career Fairs Events
12. Pasadena Virtual Job Fair — California
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. PDT
Location: Online — Pasadena area
Organizer: Best Hire Career Fairs
This virtual career fair is intended for people exploring employment opportunities in the Pasadena region.
Registration: Best Hire Career Fairs
13. Jackson Job Fair — Jackson, Tennessee
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. CDT
Venue: American Job Center
Address: 1124 Whitehall Street, Jackson, TN 38301
Employers listed by the state include Westlake, Simon & Schuster Warehouse, Manpower, the U.S. Army, and additional organizations.
Bring identification and copies of your resume.
Official details: Tennessee Hiring Events
14. IRS Career Opportunities for Veterans and Military Spouses — Nationwide
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m. EDT
Format: Online
Organizer: Internal Revenue Service
This virtual information session covers IRS career opportunities, special hiring authorities, eligibility requirements, federal resume preparation, and programs for veterans and military spouses.
A live question-and-answer session is planned.
Registration: USAJOBS — IRS Recruiting Events
15. Joint Base San Antonio Area Veterans Job Fair — Schertz, Texas
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Location: Schertz, Texas
Format: In person
Best for: Veterans, transitioning military members, and military spouses
RecruitMilitary has scheduled a veterans-focused recruiting event in the Joint Base San Antonio area.
The exact venue address and event time should be checked on the organizer's registration listing before traveling.
Register or find event details: RecruitMilitary
16. HLPA Orlando Virtual Job Fair — Florida
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Location: Online — Orlando employment market
Format: Virtual
The Hispanic/Latino Professionals Association lists an Orlando-area virtual job fair on its 2026 schedule.
Event details: HLPA Virtual Job Fair Schedule
Friday, October 16
17. Clovis Community College Fall Job Fair — Fresno, California
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Pacific
Venue: Clovis Community College
Address: 10309 N. Willow Avenue, Fresno, CA 93730
Admission: Free and open to the public
Federal Bureau of Prisons representatives are scheduled to attend and discuss career opportunities.
This event is relevant for students, recent graduates, veterans, military spouses, and other members of the public.
Official details: USAJOBS Events Calendar
Also Running During the Week
18. Federal Bureau of Prisons Recruiting at Mississippi State Fair — Jackson, Mississippi
Dates: October 8–18, 2026, including October 12–16
Listed hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Venue: Mississippi Coliseum
Address: 1207 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS 39202
Federal Bureau of Prisons recruitment staff are scheduled to attend the Mississippi State Fair to explain federal correctional career opportunities and the application process.
Event details: USAJOBS Recruiting Events
Part 2: Major USA Trade Fairs, Expos and Business Conferences — October 12–16, 2026
Trade shows can be valuable for experienced professionals, freelancers, students, entrepreneurs, and people researching a new industry. However, attendees should not assume that exhibitors are conducting job interviews unless the organizer or participating companies explicitly advertise recruitment.
19. AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition — Washington, D.C.
Dates: October 12–14, 2026
Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Address: 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Industry: Defense, aerospace, security, military technology
Admission: General meeting registration is free, subject to the organizer's eligibility requirements.
The Association of the United States Army's annual event brings together defense organizations, military leaders, manufacturers, and technology companies.
Register: AUSA 2026 Official Registration
20. The Battery Show North America — Detroit, Michigan
Dates: October 12–15, 2026
Expo dates: October 13–15
Venue: Huntington Place
Address: 1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226
Industry: Batteries, energy storage, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing
The Battery Show is a major event for professionals in battery engineering, vehicle electrification, industrial equipment, and manufacturing.
October 12 is primarily a workshop day, with the main exhibition beginning October 13.
Register: The Battery Show North America
21. Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo — Detroit, Michigan
Dates: October 12–15, 2026, including October 12 workshops
Venue: Huntington Place
Address: 1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226
Industry: Electric transportation, automotive engineering, battery systems
Co-located with The Battery Show, this expo focuses on engineering, components, manufacturing, and advanced vehicle technologies.
Event information: Battery Show and EV Technology Expo
22. IMEX America — Las Vegas, Nevada
Dates: October 13–15, 2026
Pre-show education: October 12
Venue: Mandalay Bay
Address: 3950 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Industry: Tourism, hospitality, meetings, events, corporate travel
IMEX America brings together meeting planners, event agencies, hotels, destinations, and hospitality suppliers.
It is particularly relevant for event managers, tourism specialists, and hospitality professionals seeking industry contacts.
Register: IMEX America 2026
23. SEMICON West — San Francisco, California
Dates: October 13–15, 2026
Venue: Moscone Center
Address: 747 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Industry: Semiconductor manufacturing, AI hardware, microelectronics
SEMICON West brings semiconductor industry leaders, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and technical experts together.
Engineers and technical professionals interested in semiconductor industry connections may find it valuable.
Register: SEMICON West Registration
24. TechCrunch Disrupt — San Francisco, California
Dates: October 13–15, 2026
Venue: Moscone West
Address: 800 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Industry: Startups, AI, venture capital, software, entrepreneurship
TechCrunch Disrupt is a major conference for founders, investors, technology leaders, and startup teams.
It offers presentations, startup demonstrations, networking opportunities, and an exhibition area.
Tickets: TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
25. Workday Rising — Las Vegas, Nevada
Dates: October 12–15, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Format: In-person and digital
Industry: Human resources, enterprise software, finance, AI
Workday Rising focuses on enterprise technology and the changing world of work, including artificial intelligence, finance systems, and human capital management.
Check the attendee portal for venue, registration, and digital participation details.
Register: Workday Rising 2026
26. Staffing World Convention & Expo — Aurora, Colorado
Dates: October 12–14, 2026
Venue: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Address: 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, CO 80019
Industry: Recruitment, staffing, talent acquisition, HR technology
Staffing World is particularly relevant for professional recruiters, staffing-company owners, HR leaders, and workforce specialists.
Event information: Staffing World 2026 — Aurora
27. Charlotte Build Expo — Charlotte, North Carolina
Dates: October 13–14, 2026
Venue: Charlotte Convention Center
Address: 501 South College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Industry: Construction, building materials, contracting, architecture
Charlotte Build Expo is intended for construction professionals, contractors, suppliers, and building-industry businesses.
Event details: Build Expo USA
28. Southern California Design-2-Part Show — Pasadena, California
Dates: October 14–15, 2026
Venue: Pasadena Convention Center
Address: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Industry: Manufacturing, industrial design, production, engineering
This manufacturing trade show connects buyers and engineers with suppliers of custom components, contract manufacturing, and production services.
Register: Design-2-Part Pasadena Registration
29. Small Business Expo — New York City
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Venue: Javits Convention Center
Address: 429 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10001
Industry: Small business, entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, professional services
Business owners, independent professionals, startups, and people considering self-employment can attend workshops, meet service providers, and make business connections.
Register for free: New York City Small Business Expo
30. Texas Society of Architects Design Expo — San Antonio, Texas
Conference: October 15–17, 2026
Expo: October 15–16, 2026
Venue: Henry B. González Convention Center
Address: 900 East Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Industry: Architecture, building products, commercial design
The event combines architectural education, industry networking, and product demonstrations.
Event details and exhibitor information: Texas Society of Architects Design Expo
31. JIS Fall Jewelry Show — Miami Beach, Florida
Dates: October 16–19, 2026
Venue: Miami Beach Convention Center
Address: 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Industry: Jewelry, gemstones, retail, wholesale trade
Opening on Friday, October 16, JIS Fall is a trade-only event bringing together qualified jewelry retailers, wholesalers, buyers, and suppliers.
Registration: JIS Fall Official Website
Registration qualifications and fees apply.
How to Make the Most of a Job Fair
Whether you're attending your first hiring event or returning to the job market after several years, preparation can improve your chances of making a useful connection.
Before the event
Update your resume with your most relevant skills and accomplishments.
Research employers participating in the fair.
Apply online to interesting positions before attending when possible.
Prepare a short introduction explaining your experience and the type of job you're seeking.
Register early and save your confirmation email or QR code.
During the event
Talk to recruiters about specific vacancies, hiring requirements, and application deadlines.
Ask what skills their teams value and how candidates should follow up after the fair.
For in-person events, take multiple copies of your resume and arrive with enough time to visit several employers.
After the event
Send a professional follow-up message, mentioning the recruiter you met and the position you discussed. If an application is required, complete it through the employer's official careers website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are job fairs free to attend?
Many job fairs, including several of the in-person and government events listed above, are free for job seekers. Trade shows may charge registration or admission fees, particularly for specialized professional conferences.
Can I get hired directly at a job fair?
Some employers conduct interviews or advance applications during hiring events, but an on-the-spot job offer is never guaranteed. Most job seekers should expect to complete an application and potentially participate in additional interviews.
What should I wear?
Business casual or professional clothing appropriate to the industry is usually a good choice. For technical trade shows, comfortable professional attire and suitable walking shoes are helpful.
Can I attend virtual job fairs from another state?
Access depends on the organizer and employer requirements. Some events accept participants from across the United States, while others focus on candidates able to work in a specific regional market.
Do trade shows hire people?
Trade shows are primarily designed for commerce, professional education, and industry networking. They may still provide useful introductions to employers, but participation is not the same as applying for an advertised vacancy.
More Places to Find Job Fairs Across the USA
If none of the events above match your location or industry, these resources may help:
USAJOBS Events — Federal recruitment and career-information events.
Best Hire Career Fairs — In-person and virtual career fairs.
JobFairX — Virtual hiring event listings.
RecruitMilitary — Career events for veterans and military-connected candidates.
HLPA Career Fair Schedule — Virtual professional career fairs.
JobFairSearch — Job fair listings across U.S. markets.
Your Next Career Connection Could Happen This Week
October 12–16, 2026 offers opportunities to explore a new career direction, connect with employers, learn about growing industries, and expand your professional network.
If you are actively looking for employment, prioritize events with employers recruiting for positions matching your experience.
If you're exploring the next step in your career or considering entering a new industry, a professional conference or trade exhibition may be valuable for research and networking.
Don't just browse job advertisements this week. Meet the people behind the opportunities.
For more job-search advice, employment updates, interview preparation tips, and career opportunities, visit JobAdvisor.link.
Editor's note: Event schedules and venue information were researched on October 11, 2026. This article highlights selected publicly listed events and does not claim to cover every fair in the United States. Always confirm availability, access rules, and registration deadlines through the official event organizer before making travel arrangements.