Airport Small Business Summit and Job Fair

8:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Small Business Summit

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Job Fair

For event updates, important information, and attendee communication throughout the day, download our Airport Small Business Summit and Job Fair !

From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the Small Business Summit will feature workshops and presentations designed to prepare small business owners for contracting opportunities in the aviation industry

Workshops include:

• Navigating the DBE and ACDBE Programs Post-recertification (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM ): The Chicago Department of Procurement Services will provide updates on Illinois’ DBE and ACDBE certification process and answer questions on how businesses can participate in the programs moving forward.
• Concessions 101 + Networking (10:15 AM – 12:00 PM): Get ready for all the exciting concessions opportunities coming to Chicago’s airports in 2026! The CDA Concessions team will present an overview of the concessions programs at O’Hare and Midway International Airports, and review what makes a great concessions proposal.
• Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) RFP Overview + Networking (10:15 AM – 12:00 PM): Learn about the CDA’s upcoming ORAT RFP. Understand how the City's Mentor/Protege Program can help emerging firms gain experience under established prime consultants. The session will include time for networking between prospective prime and sub-respondents.

From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Job Fair will connect attendees directly with businesses and organizations hiring on-the-spot, alongside skill-building sessions focused on helping candidates secure their next role.

Sessions include:

• Aviation Career Pathway Program (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM): Explore careers in aviation through this accelerated 90-minute Aviation Career Pathway Program. Participants who complete the session will receive a certificate of completion.
• Five Tips to Land Your Next Career (multiple sessions): Build confidence for your next opportunity in this 30-minute motivational session led by CDA staff.
• Interview Skills 101 (multiple sessions): Prepare for success in this 30-minute workshop focused on interview fundamentals, effective communication, and professional presentation.
• Resume Writing Workshop (multiple sessions): Strengthen your resume in this interactive 30-minute workshop focused on building a clear, polished, and competitive application document.

On the Exhibit Hall floor from noon to 4 p.m., small businesses and job seekers will have the opportunity to engage directly with exhibitors.

Info: Explore careers in aviation through this accelerated 90-minute Aviation Career Pathway Program. Participants who complete the session will receive a certificate of completion.

Info: Build confidence for your next opportunity in this 30-minute motivational session led by CDA staff.

Info: Prepare for success in this 30-minute workshop focused on interview fundamentals, effective communication, and professional presentation.

Info: Strengthen your resume in this interactive 30-minute workshop focused on building a clear, polished, and competitive application document.

Info: Build confidence for your next opportunity in this 30-minute motivational session led by CDA staff.

Info: Prepare for success in this 30-minute workshop focused on interview fundamentals, effective communication, and professional presentation.

Info: Strengthen your resume in this interactive 30-minute workshop focused on building a clear, polished, and competitive application document.

Info: The Chicago Department of Procurement Services will provide updates on Illinois’ DBE and ACDBE certification process and answer questions on how businesses can participate in the programs moving forward.

Info: Get ready for all the exciting concessions opportunities coming to Chicago’s airports in 2026! The CDA Concessions team will present an overview of the concessions programs at O’Hare and Midway International Airports, and review what makes a great concessions proposal. Use the opportunity to mingle with fellow concessionaires.

Info: Learn about the CDA’s upcoming ORAT RFP. Understand how the City's Mentor/Protege Program can help emerging firms gain experience under established prime consultants. The session will include time for networking between prospective prime and sub-respondents.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

UIC Forum, 1213 South Halsted Street, Chicago, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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