On March 7, 2026, the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) hosted its annual Career Fair at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, bringing together the next generation of talent and leading companies from across the automotive aftermarket.
The event welcomed 597 total attendees, including 523 students from 36 schools, far exceeding the event goal and reinforcing the growing demand for industry connection points. With 74 industry professionals and 15 recruiting companies onsite, students had direct access to employers, mentors, and technical experts throughout the day.
Following opening remarks, attendees engaged in nearly four hours of active networking, including one-on-one conversations with companies, hands-on activations, and career development opportunities. Popular stations such as Aftermarket 101, SAE 101, resume reviews, and career pathway advising provided practical guidance, while education sessions on Managing Sponsorship and Marketing offered deeper learning opportunities.
A key highlight of the event was the emphasis on connection and problem-solving. Students weren’t just collecting business cards; they were asking questions, exploring career paths, and gaining real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities within the industry. Likewise, participating companies were able to identify emerging talent while sharing their expertise and building relationships with future hires.
Additional experiences, including SEMA Garage tours, vehicle inspections, and student build showcases, brought the industry to life and created natural conversation starters between students and professionals.
The 2026 Career Fair demonstrated the power of creating a space where education, innovation, and collaboration intersect. By fostering meaningful connections and providing access to industry knowledge, ETTN continues to support both workforce development and the long-term growth of the automotive aftermarket.
As participation continues to grow, the Career Fair remains a critical platform for connecting talent with opportunity, as well as for helping solve the workforce challenges facing the industry today.