Business Expo & Job Fair
Santa Maria Valley Chamber 2026 Business Expo & Job Fair
Join us for the 2026 Business Expo & Job Fair, hosted by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber & Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board! This popular event offers the opportunity for Chamber members to showcase their products and services to other local professionals, gain exposure, find their future workforce, and network with fellow Chamber members and area business owners to build their business!
Join us May 14th from 11am to 2pm at the Santa Maria Fairpark. This event is free and open to the public!

Business Resources
- Booth setup best practices:
- Have clear signage & branding
- Have engaging displays & materials - if you are a job fair participant, let people know you are hiring!
- How to create a welcoming atmosphere
- Welcoming body language & open positioning - we friendly and approachable!
- Avoiding “barriers” like tables between staff and attendees - don't be afraid to stand in front of your table and interact with attendees!
- Interactive elements to engage job seekers
- QR codes for applications
- Giveaways & branded materials
- Bring lots of business cards!
Don't forget to decorate your booth to fit this year's "Business in Bloom" theme. Best Booth will WIN a FREE DOUBLE BOOTH at our 2027 Expo!
- Approach Expo Attendees & Job Candidates in a Non-Intimidating Way
- Be approachable: Stand in front of your booth rather than sitting behind a table. This makes you more accessible and inviting.
- Use open body language: Smile, maintain eye contact, and use an open posture to signal approachability.
- Make the first move: Many job seekers may feel nervous. Greet them warmly and ask an open-ended question like:
- “What kind of opportunities are you looking for?”
- “Have you heard about our company before?”
- Be inclusive: Engage with all job seekers equally, regardless of age, background, or experience level.
- Engage in Meaningful Conversations with Attendees
- Ask thoughtful questions to understand their goals and skills:
- “What interests you most about our company/industry?”
- “What type of work environment do you thrive in?”
- “Tell me about your experience in [related field].”
- Listen actively and show genuine interest—this creates a positive impression even if the candidate isn’t the right fit immediately.
- Tailor your responses to highlight relevant aspects of your company, such as growth opportunities, workplace culture, and company mission.
- Ask thoughtful questions to understand their goals and skills:
- Have "Elevator Pitches" prepared for your Company & Open Positions
- Your Company Pitch (30-60 seconds):
- Who you are and what your company does
- Your mission and company culture
- Why job seekers should consider working for you
- Example:
“We’re [Company Name], a leader in [industry]. Our mission is to [brief mission statement]. We offer a collaborative environment where employees can grow and make an impact. We’re currently hiring for [key positions], and we’d love to chat about how you might be a great fit!”
- Job Openings Pitch (20-30 seconds per position):
- Key responsibilities
- Required qualifications (if any)
- Growth opportunities
- How to apply
- Your Company Pitch (30-60 seconds):
- Be Prepared to Answer Common Job Seeker Questions
- Common questions & best responses:
- “What positions are you hiring for?” → Have a clear list ready and be able to explain the key details.
- “What’s the salary or benefits?” → If you can’t disclose specifics, provide a range or highlight non-monetary benefits like career growth, training, or flexible work options.
- “What’s the hiring process like?” → Be transparent about next steps (e.g., application deadlines, interview timelines).
- “Do I need experience?” → Clarify if experience is required or if training is provided.
- Common questions & best responses:
- Collect & Follow Up on Candidate Information
- Gather job seeker details effectively:
- Have a sign-up sheet or QR code for online applications.
- Collect resumes but also encourage LinkedIn connections for easier follow-up.
- Use a brief candidate intake form to jot down key details about strong applicants.
- Best follow-up practices:
- Send a thank-you email or message within a few days.
- Keep promising candidates updated on hiring timelines.
- Encourage applicants to attend any future hiring events or company open houses.
- Gather job seeker details effectively:
Our partnering organizations have a number of additional resources for businesses looking to hire:
- Workforce Development Board of Santa Barbara County offers a number of programs for businesses looking to hire, provide paid work experience, or upskill employees.
- Career Connect by Jobspeaker is a local jobs board to post any job opening you have available, and provides resources for those looking for employment.