By Justin Starkey, VMP Performance
The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Career Fair is quickly becoming a cornerstone event for connecting the automotive aftermarket industry with its future workforce. Scheduled for Saturday, September 26 from 1–4 p.m. at the SEMA Garage in Plymouth, Michigan, this event is designed to introduce students to the wide range of career opportunities available across the industry.
In 2025, the event welcomed more than 120 students representing 25 schools—an encouraging sign that interest in the aftermarket is growing. But there’s more work to be done. Many students are still unaware of the diverse, high-impact career paths available in this space, from engineering and product development to software, manufacturing and beyond. The ETTN Career Fair aims to change that by creating direct connections between students and companies shaping the future of mobility.
For participating companies, the value goes beyond recruiting. This is an opportunity to showcase your brand, share your story and demonstrate how innovation drives the aftermarket forward. Meeting students face-to-face allows companies to engage with emerging talent early, build relationships and help guide the next generation toward meaningful careers in the industry.
As ETTN continues to grow this event, increasing company participation is key to reflecting the full scope and diversity of the aftermarket. Registration is now open, and companies are encouraged to secure their spot early. Early registration ensures your company is featured on the event website, helping students identify and prepare to connect with you in advance.
By coming together, the industry can play an active role in shaping its future one conversation at a time.