Engage. Educate. Inspire.
The Career ChoICE Youth Expo offers employers an opportunity to influence your future workforce. By hosting an interactive exhibit, your business can help students understand your industry while increasing your company’s visibility and community engagement.
The 2026 Career ChoICE Youth Expo will be held October 7 and 8 at the Old Dominion Agricultural Complex (Chatham).
The registration deadline for exhibiting organizations is September 23.
Why Participate
- Interact with thousands of curious, motivated middle and high school students
- Highlight career paths in your industry—from entry-level to advanced
- Increase student and community awareness of employment opportunities HERE in Southern Virginia
- Strengthen partnerships with local schools and community leaders
- Opportunity to engage with and inspire future employees
- Direct involvement in building the regional talent pipeline
- A platform to showcase the quality and variety of local career paths
- Access to students who are actively exploring future career opportunities
What We Provide
- Tables & chairs, power access, and equipment coordination (as needed)
- Continental breakfast and lunch
- Booth setup support
Examples of booths that have been used and work well:
- The Virginia Department of Transportation operated heavy machinery through its simulator
- Danville Utilities practiced replacing blown fuses on power poles with students
- Healthcare providers offered mannequins for students to learn hands-only CPR
- Law enforcement agencies showcased specialized equipment
- IALR gave students the chance to test out virtual reality welding simulators and see 3D printers and parts that were produced with a CNC machine
Types of Organizations that participate
- Universities, colleges and training providers
- Nonprofits
- Manufacturers
- Local government
- Healthcare
- Law enforcement
- Small, medium and large businesses
- Financial institutions
