Third Annual Career Exploration Fair Set for March 31 in Blackwell

The Blackwell Industrial Authority and Blackwell Economic Development Authority’s (BIA & BEDA)  third annual Career Exploration Fair will return to the Blackwell Event Center on March 31, 2026, bringing together students, educators and industry professionals from across the region for a hands-on look at local career opportunities.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Blackwell Event Center, 800 S. Main Street. Doors will open to vendors at 7 a.m., and boxed lunches will be provided to vendors from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Designed to expose students to a wide range of career paths, the Career Exploration Fair will host nearly 800 students from participating regional high schools throughout the day. Unlike a traditional career fair, the event emphasizes interactive, visual and exploratory experiences that allow students to engage directly with professionals and tools from various industries.

The BIA & BEDA says the fair focuses on helping students understand what different careers look and feel like through hands-on demonstrations, equipment displays and real-world interaction.

Vendor registration is currently open and will remain available through March 20. Formal invitations will be sent to returning vendors next week, but new businesses and organizations are also encouraged to participate.

“All vendors are encouraged to bring something interactive — whether that’s a demonstration, equipment, visuals or other hands-on elements — to help students step into their world for a moment,” said a statement from the BIA & BEDA

Businesses and organizations interested in participating can register online using the provided link or by scanning the QR code on promotional materials. Additional information is available by calling 580-363-2934.

The 2026 Career Exploration Fair is sponsored by Blackwell Public Schools, the City of Blackwell, the Blackwell Chamber of Commerce and Pioneer Technology Center.