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Job seekers: entry is FREE!

FACEBOOK BANNER (15)

Friday, April 17

10:30AM-2:00PM

Blue Ridge Community Church

2361 New London Rd, Forest, VA 24551

For the past 13 years, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce has striven to create a healthy workforce for the Bedford area through organizing large public job fairs, and in the age of digital recruitment, bridging the gap between employers and job seekers is more important than ever.

Registration Opens 1/5!

Chamber Members: $125

Future Members: $150

Bundle both the Spring Job Fair & Fall Job Fair for 10% off!

Learn about the Fall Job Fair.

Job Seeker FAQ

What's the point of attending a job fair?

1. You get to truly know the businesses behind the job postings. Face-to-face conversations allow you to learn about a company’s values, leadership, workplace culture, benefits, and open roles -- straight from the people who work there.

2. You instantly stand out from online applicants. Attending a job fair shows initiative and effort. Employers notice candidates who take the time to show up, introduce themselves, and express genuine interest in their organization.

3. Employers see the real you. Online applications turn people into PDFs. Job fairs allow employers to experience your personality, professionalism, communication skills, and work ethic -- qualities that can’t be fully captured on a resume.

4. You can ask meaningful questions in a natural setting. Job fairs make it easy to ask about growth opportunities, training, scheduling, benefits, and day-to-day expectations without the pressure of a formal interview.

5. You explore multiple industries in one place. Whether you’re actively job searching or just exploring options, job fairs expose you to career paths and roles you may not have previously considered.

6. You can practice your professional pitch with confidence. Job fairs are a low-pressure way to refine how you introduce yourself, talk about your experience, and build confidence speaking with employers.

7. You walk away with clear next steps. Instead of submitting an application into the void, you often leave knowing who to contact, how to apply, and what employers are really looking for.

8. You may access opportunities that aren’t publicly posted. Some employers attend job fairs to fill roles quickly or gauge interest before posting positions, giving attendees a valuable inside track.

9. You expand your professional network. Even if you’re not job hunting right now, connections made at job fairs can lead to future opportunities, referrals, or helpful career advice.

10. You demonstrate motivation just by showing up. Employers remember candidates who take initiative, engage in conversation, and follow up -- and that effort can make a lasting impression.

Who should attend this job fair?
People of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience are welcome to join us. Whether you're looking to start your career, switch jobs, or have been out of the workforce for some time, job fairs offer opportunities for everyone.
What kind of businesses will be there?
There will be a wide variety of businesses (and nonprofits, government, etc.) in attendance. Make sure to check out the list of exhibitors as we get closer to the job fair. In previous years, we've featured everything from blue collar employers to healthcare to professional industries. Banking, manufacturing, nursing, teaching, construction, government, recreation, printing, sales, media, hospitality, driving, public safety, behavioral health, utilities, engineering -- the list goes on.
Where are participating businesses located?
Most exhibitors are located in Bedford, Lynchburg, Roanoke, and surrounding areas, such as Amherst County, Franklin County, and Campbell County. Some businesses come from place further away, such as Newport News and Charlottesville.
How should I prepare?
Bring copies of your resume with you. We also recommend bringing a folder for handouts, practicing your elevator pitch, and dressing business casual. If you're looking for specific opportunities, make sure to review the list of exhibitors in advance!
What if I have my kids that day?
No worries! Bring your kiddos with you. We'll have professionally staffed childcare available on-site. Your kids can color and do brain teasers while you talk to employers.
Need transportation?
Download the ConnectingVA app to find rideshare opportunities.

Employer FAQ

What's the point of attending a job fair?

1. You get to meet candidates face-to-face instead of relying solely on resumes and applications. Job fairs allow you to evaluate communication skills, professionalism, personality, and enthusiasm in real time -- things that don’t always come through on paper.

2. You can promote your company culture and tell your story. Job fairs give you the opportunity to share who you are as an employer, what makes your workplace unique, and why people enjoy working for your organization, helping you attract candidates who are the right cultural fit.

3. You build a talent pipeline -- even beyond immediate openings. Not every conversation will result in an immediate hire, but job fairs help you connect with future candidates you can follow up with when positions open.

4. You strengthen your employer brand in the community. Showing up signals that your business is growing, engaged, and invested in the local workforce, which boosts visibility and reputation among job seekers and peers alike.

5. You save time in the hiring process. Having multiple conversations in one place can fast-track screening, reduce time-to-hire, and help you identify strong candidates more efficiently than sifting through online applications.

6. You can assess interest in your open roles on the spot. Job fairs give you immediate feedback on which positions attract the most attention and where candidates have questions or concerns, helping you refine job postings and messaging.

7. You create personal connections that lead to better hires. When candidates associate a face, a conversation, and a positive interaction with your business, they’re more likely to follow up, apply, and accept an offer.

8. You get to make B2B connections with other regional businesses and professionals in attendance.

Who should exhibit in this job fair?
Organizations of all industries, sizes, and locations are encouraged to participate. You simply have to be actively hiring and looking to recruit residents in the area of Bedford, VA.
What to expect and how to prepare?

Expect to speak to a high volume of job seekers and professionals (~300 job seekers and ~30 businesses attended 2025 Fall Job Fair). Bring plenty of business cards and information for job seekers and employers alike. Exhibitors are welcome to take resumes, applications, and even hire on the spot.

One 6ft table and 2 chairs will be already set up at your booth location. More chairs will be available on-site. Make sure to bring a table cloth and anything else you may need for your booth.

Electricity is available, but you must notify the Chamber in advance for it to be guaranteed at your booth location. We also recommend bringing extension cords.

2 lunches will be provided for each exhibitor. More information about lunch will be provided closer to the event.

WiFi will be available.

Exhibitor contact information will be provided to all job seekers for follow-up. If the person who registers your business for the job fair is not the proper contact for job seekers, make sure to notify the Chamber.

Set-up and breakdown?

Set up will begin at 9:00AM the day-of the job fair. Exhibitors should be set-up and read to go by 10:00AM. Exhibitors are able to pull up right to main doors to unload materials. Volunteers will also be available to help with carrying materials. Ample parking is available on-site.

Exhibitors should not begin breaking down their booths until 2PM. If you break down early, you might miss an amazing connection!

The booth layout, venue map, and other final event information will be provided the week-of the job fair.

How are BACC job fairs marketed?

The Bedford Area Chamber invests in a plethora of multimedia marketing to promote the Fall Job Fair, including radio, television, newspapers, and more.

Exhibitors have the opportunity to provide the Bedford Area Chamber with content to promote their specific career opportunities on social media prior to the event. Exhibitors are also welcome to directly post in the Fall Job Fair Facebook event page.

The BACC will also share a spreadsheet of exhibitor contacts for job seekers to follow-up with. Contact information for the individual who registered the participating business will be used unless otherwise specified. Exhibitors are encouraged to keep track of job seeker information and increase the benefit you receive from the Fall Job Fair by following up with attendees.

Check Out Our Exhibitors!

At our 2025 Job Fairs, we had 30+ businesses participate per event. Stay tuned as businesses begin to register for the Spring Job Fair. You'll be able to click on each business name to review their website and hiring information.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Foster Garrett at marketing@baccva.org or 540-586-9401.