Career Fair

There are a variety of steps inclusive to hosting a career fair at your university, for a regional conference or even at the national level. Here are a few steps to take into consideration:
 * Select a date, time and place for the fair! This is critical to ensure no overlap with other functions in the area, and having the availability to for companies to be able to attend. Within the selection process venue is quite important as the space should accommodate companies attending (some might have special displays) while also not being too large for the determined audience. Another consideration is ensuring enough parking for company representatives as well as attendees.
 * Themes can give focus or direction for numerous of a career fair, does you group want a specific focus area or will this be a general fair with all industries?
 * Money is vital to any groups success: make sure to take into consideration: venue costs, table/chairs rentals, advertising, audiovisual equipment, printing/paper supplies, advertising and refreshments
 * Once venue is decided, it is vital to know the constraints of the room: max capacity, max number of tables, max power capability, etc. Also at this step it can be useful to start creating a day of schedule for setup and equipment arrivals
 * Create and recruit a dedicated ad-hoc committee to planning the logistics, helping with set-up and overall company recruitment.
 * Invite companies and start advertising...tapping into alumni networks, co-ops, internships and also local industry. In addition utilize local career centers and professional societies chapters.
 * Consider writing a press release, advertise in local newspapers or social media sites


 * Printing is critical to any event. Signs to the location, displaying the company name, information desk, and restrooms. Also good to have copies of the room and distribute it to attendees and exhibitors.
 * A checklist can de-stress any event and incorporate key elements. Ensure the room has all elements and supplies are brought correctly, things printed correctly and audiovisual correctly functioning.

A few tips:
 * Providing advance information not only increases attendance but also allows for individuals attending to research companies
 * Don't place tables too close into the room, this is uncomfortable for the attendees as well as the companies representatives.