Events

On the GCAMP Calendar of Events you will find:

  • Career/Job Fairs – These are hiring events, often held in anticipation of an upcoming high school or community college graduation, meant to help graduating students find jobs.   Manufacturers - find your next employees here!
  • Career Expos - (also sometimes called Showcases or Trades Fairs) These events are slightly different from job fairs.   They are geared towards younger students to encourage them to pursue a career in industry.   The students at these events are not seeking jobs yet, but they are looking for information about possibly pursuing careers in industry.   Manufacturers are invited to these events to introduce the next generation to the field of manufacturing. 
  • Mock Interviews -These events are for students to learn interviewing skills.  Industry professionals are needed to help conduct the mock interviews, and employers sometimes find potential real-life hires at mock interviews.
  • Advisory Meetings – These meetings allow industry experts an opportunity to give their input on how educators can refine their programs for current trends and technology.  These are great events to connect industry with education.
  • Competition Judge Requests – Student skills competitions are great ways for members of industry to meet skilled students and educators.  Plus, they are often a fun way for those in industry to volunteer their time and give back to the community. 
  • Awards & Scholarships - Awards refer to contests or competitions for people, frequently students, in manufacturing.  Scholarships on our page are for students to help fund their education beyond high school.   See the scholarship descriptions for more details. 

Do you have an upcoming event that you would like us to add to the GCAMP Events calendar?  Tell us about it! 

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events at the moment, but check back soon.

Past Events

Elgin Community College

ECC Manufacturing and Technology Center Grand Opening and Open House

Elgin Community College (ECC) is developing a new, 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC) designed to advance workforce development and meet the needs of local employers. This cutting-edge facility will expand ECC’s academic programs in manufacturing, engineering, and technology while addressing the region’s growing demand for skilled workers.Please join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter for ECC and our commitment to providing cutting-edge education and training for the workforce of tomorrow.

September 24th, 2026 04:00 PM

Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123

NIU

Fall 2026 College of Engineering/Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair

The NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair is open to all engineering and engineering technology majors. Candidates will be seeking co-ops, internships, and part-time and full-time professional positions.The CEET Job and Internship Fair attracts over 300 students from the College's 6 different tracks: Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering. The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair is free for students to attend.Employer Registration deadline: Saturday, September 19, 2026Registration Rates for EmployersIncluded in registration fee: Two recruiters, one, 6-foot (uncovered) table, two chairs, parking for two vehicles (the College of Engineering is not responsible for tickets incurred for campus parking violations), continental breakfast and lunch for two recruiters.Standard Registration Package: $395Government and Nonprofit Package:  $195Fall & Spring CEET Career Fair Registration Package: $700- Register for both the Fall CEET Career Fair (Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026) and Spring CEET Career Fair (Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027) at a discounted rate. The standard package is included for both event days. Electricity is available. You will need to bring your own extension cord.Tables are uncovered. You will need to bring your own table covering.Employer Additional Purchase Items: Additional table: $395Additional recruiters over two: $30 each (order for additional lunches must be placed no later than two weeks before the fair)Payment: Credit card only at time of registration: MasterCard, Visa, and American Express accepted. If payment by check is required, please contact Gary Smith at GSmith8@niu.edu.Cancelations: No refunds will be provided.Questions?  Contact Gary Smith at GSmith8@niu.edu or 815-742-7557

September 22nd, 2026 10:30 AM - September 22nd, 2026 03:00 PM

NIU Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, IL 60115

Miles for Manufacturing 9.16.26 event

Miles for Manufacturing 5K

Miles for Manufacturing (M4M) 5K Run/Walk brings the Greater Chicago manufacturing community together to support the next generation of talent. The next M4M will occur during IMTS 2026. Registration is open to run or walk, or you can show your support through sponsorship or a donation. Join the movement to strengthen our talent pipelines, one mile at a time.Early bird registration: $40 for the 5K, $30 for 1-MileWhy Participate?Sponsors: Put your brand in front of thousands of IMTS attendees while directly fueling our industry's talent pipeline. Every dollar drives visibility for your company and opportunity for students. Ready to sponsor? Contact Cat Ross at cross@amtonline.org.Runners & Walkers: Connect with industry colleagues, get moving before a busy show day, and leave your mark by helping fund STEM programs across nationwide.

September 16th, 2026 07:00 AM - September 16th, 2026 12:00 PM

DuSable Harbor in Chicago, IL

Smartforce Student Summit 2026 logo

Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2026

The Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2026 brings the latest manufacturing technologies to life through hands-on, engaging learning experiences designed for educators and students. The Summit showcases the industry’s vision for the manufacturing technology classroom of the future: where innovation, digital tools, ad real-world applications come together.Now in its 28th year, the Summit inspires students to pursue STEM education pathways leading to manufacturing careers, while provide educators with growth opportunities and giving industry a meaningful way to support education systems. Open to students and educators at all levels: K-12 and homeschool programs, community and technical colleges, universities, and adult education.The Summit is free to attend and includes access to all four IMTS 2026 exhibit halls, spanning more than one million square feet of technology shaping the future of manufacturing in America.

September 14th, 2026 09:00 AM - September 19th, 2026 01:00 PM

McCormick Place – North Building, Hall C

Jacobs High School Volunteer Fair 2026

Jacobs High School Volunteer & Employment Fair

Jacobs High School is excited to invite local employers and community organizations to participate in this event, which will provide juniors and seniors with an opportunity to connect directly with community partners offering part-time employment, volunteer opportunities, community service, career exploration, and other real-world experiences.This event will be the first industry, employer, and community partner event of the school year supporting the College and Career Readiness Department. It is designed to help students build connections, explore future opportunities, and continue working toward becoming college and career ready.We hope your organization will consider joining us and hosting a table for this opportunity to engage with Jacobs High School students.

August 11th, 2026 10:45 AM - August 11th, 2026 01:45 PM

Jacobs High School- Field House. 2601 Bunker Hill Dr. Algonquin