Employer Guide to Registration & Participation Logistics for the In-Person Fall Career Fair

This page provides an overview of registration tiers, what is included with registration, and general travel logistics tips for attending the event.

Registration tiers

Below are the prices and tiers for registering for the in-person fair. In order to register for the in-person fair, employers must choose a tier from below to purchase. Representatives for all registration levels will be provided with breakfast and lunch the day of the fair, as well as lunch on interview day.

For-profit organizations rate:
GOLD

$10,000
For-profit organizations rate:
SILVER
$6,000
For-profit organizations rate:
BRONZE
$2,000
Govt./Nonprofit/
Startup rate1
$1,000
Startup Village1
$500
Booths

Additional booths can be purchased as an Add-on in Handshake
32′ x 40′ booth
4 tables
8 chairs
Company sign
Electric
Tablecloths
Wi-fi
24′ x 30′ booth
3 tables
6 chairs
Company sign
Electric
Tablecloths
Wi-fi
8′ x 10′ booth
1 table
2 chairs
Company sign
Electric
Tablecloths
Wi-fi
8′ x 10′ booth
1 table
2 chairs
Company sign
Electric
Tablecloths
Wi-fi

6ft table
2 chairs
Company sign
Tablecloths
Wi-fi
Company Reps2129332
Publicity– Social media campaign
– Blog post
Social media campaign
Branding– Logo on FCF website
– Logo on Promotional
– Posters and Flyers
Logo on FCF websiteLogo on FCF websiteLogo on FCF websiteLogo on FCF website
AV Equipment1 55″ 4K LED monitor1 55″ 4K LED monitor
Virtual Fair Enrollment Waiver✔ 
Infinite Hall Digital Display✔ ✔ 
Food Truck Co-Sponsorship✔ 

Package Handling
full details are available below
12 packages @ 50-100 lbs.
2 packages @ 100 lbs. or more
8 packages @ 50-100 lbs.4 packages @ 50 lbs. or less1 package @ 50 lbs. or less
Interview Booths34 booths3 booths1 booth1 booth*$200 add on
1 Eligibility for this rate is limited to government entities, nonprofit organizations, or qualifying startups, as applicable. See the “Terms for Govt./Nonprofit/Startup Rate” section for full requirements.
2 Refers to total number of representatives that can be registered, but maximum of 3 representatives at each booth at any time during the fair, and 2 for the Startup Village.
3 Refers to booths provided for Interview Day on Saturday, September 26. Additional interview booths can be purchased through Add-ons.

Terms for Govt./Nonprofit/Startup rate

Exclusively tailored and available to eligible government entities, nonprofit organizations, and startups, these rates are intended to present qualified organizations an opportunity to engage with MIT candidates at a reduced cost.

To ensure appropriate use of this rate, only government entities (.gov), nonprofit organizations (.org), and startups that meet the defined eligibility criteria should register under this category.

Startup eligibility

To qualify as a startup for FCF 2026, a company must be independently owned, founded in or after 2021, and have fewer than 20 full-time employees. Eligible companies are early-stage organizations developing or scaling a new product or service, with annual revenue below $5 million. Companies may be bootstrapped or venture-backed at the pre-seed, seed, or Series A stage (in limited cases, Series B). Publicly traded companies, subsidiaries, and majority-owned affiliates of larger organizations are not eligible.

In order to enhance the diversity of participating organizations and ensure accessibility to nonprofits, there are limited booths available for qualified organizations. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to the criteria. 

(NEW!) Startup Village

New this year, the Startup Village provides a dedicated space exclusively for emerging companies to connect with MIT candidates. The section includes a limited number of tables, offered at a reduced rate, across multiple industries.

Participating startups receive the same access to MIT students and resume books as all employers, along with optional add-ons and a discounted booth for $200, for the next-day interviews. Each table accommodates up to two representatives.

All organizations applying for the Govt./Nonprofit/Startup rate will undergo a review process, and you will be notified of your status within 5-7 business days from the time of submission.

The FCF planning committee reserves the right to deny approval of a discounted rate. Reasons for non-approval may include but are not limited to: not being a qualifying organization based on the criteria above, or the registering organization having the known or probable ability to afford payment of the full registration rate.

If you do not fulfill the eligibility criteria outlined above yet feel you might qualify for a discounted rate, or are unable to pay any registration fee to participate, you may email cfairs@mit.edu to discuss your organization’s specific situation, but fee waivers will only be given in unusual circumstances.

Refund Policy

Cancellation deadline: September 4th

The cancellation date for a full refund, less a 5% processing fee charged by our payment vendor, for the in-person fair is September 4, 2026. If you were to cancel after this date, you will not receive a refund, and will be expected to pay the full cost of attending the Fair at the registration level.

Late cancellation requests past September 4th, or registrations after, will not be eligible for refunds.

What is included with registration?

Booths

Each FCF booth accommodates three [3] company representatives and includes:  

  • 10’ wide x 8’ deep booth 
  • 6’ draped table 
  • 2 chairs 
  • Wastebasket 
  • Employer sign 

Layout

This year’s In-Person fair will be organized by industry. Employers will be located by industry cluster. The following are the industry cluster options.

  • Aerospace, Defense, Transportation
  • Chemical Manufacturing, Materials, Supply Chain
  • Computer Science
  • Data Analytics, Consulting, Finance, Investment and Trading
  • Design, Engineering, and Research
  • Energy and Environment
  • Government, Non-profit and Social Impact
  • Hardware, Robotics, and Software
  • Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Sciences
  • Media, Marketing, Humanities, & Creative Careers

Please visit the day of logistics page for more details about the layout of the fair, including the booth map.

Publicity

Employers registering at Gold will receive a curated social media campaign designed to highlight your organization across Instagram and LinkedIn. The campaign will consist of carefully selected images and quotes sourced directly from your company. By leveraging your unique content, we aim to showcase your company’s culture, values, and offerings to MIT candidates, generating increased visibility and engagement.

Employers registering at Gold will also have the exclusive opportunity to publish a blog post on the official Fall Career Fair website. Taking advantage of a user-friendly template, this benefit allows your organization to share valuable insights, industry knowledge, or compelling stories related to your company or the field you operate it. With a maximum word count of 400 words, you can craft a concise and impactful message that resonates with MIT candidates.  

Employers registering at Silver will receive a specialized social media shoutout across the Fall Career Fair official social media channels, which may include Instagram and/or LinkedIn.  

Please note that all relevant materials have a preferred submission date of Monday, August 3.  

Branding

Your company logo will be prominently displayed on the Fall Career Fair website, which serves as an information hub for students seeking details about the Fair. Eligible companies will also have their logo featured on promotional materials associated with the FCF which may include flyers, posters, and emails. The specific branding package for your company will depend on the registration tier you choose to participate in (see chart above).  

Virtual Fair Enrollment Waiver

In-Person Fall Career Fair Gold automatically receive a fee waiver for Gold registration to the Virtual Fall Career Fair via Handshake, at no additional cost. Please note that while your company automatically receives the fee waiver, registration to the Virtual Fall Career Fair is still required.  

Infinite Hall Display

The Infinite Display digital signage promotes and publicizes your company using digital displays around campus. Gold and Silver registrations will have their company logo displayed in the All Campus Zone, which includes 36 screens, for 5 days total. Your logo will be displayed for 15 seconds at a time, with a total viewing time of approximately 1 hour per day. 

Food Truck Co-Sponsorship

Gold registrations get automatic co-sponsorship of a food truck at the MIT Fall Career Fair. Positioned in the high-traffic plaza outside the Fair, company logos will be on the food truck menu and all related promotional materials.

Interviews the Day after the Fair

A separate interview day will be hosted on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10am – 4pm. The interviews are hosted in the Johnson Athletic Center at 120 Vassar St, in the same booths used for the Fall Career Fair. Two chairs for interviewers and one chair for the interviewee are provided at each interview booth. Employers will be able to invite students they meet on the day of the in-person fair to participate in individual interviews on 9/26. Employers are responsible for organizing the interview schedule sign-ups and notifications to students about their interview slots.

Fair registrations at any level have the option to purchase additional interview booths in the Johnson Athletic Center through Handshake at the time of registration. If you have already registered, please email cfairs@mit.edu to edit your registration and request additional interview booths.

Expectations of Employers Hosting Interviews on Sept. 26, 2026

  • Organize your interview schedule at the fair either by a paper sign-up sheet at your booth, or by inviting students to an online interview sign-up process of your choosing. It is at the employer’s discretion as to how long you would like to have each of your interview slots, though CAPD recommends a duration of 30 minutes. Your interview schedule should include the candidate’s name, email address, and time slot.
  • Communicate directly with candidates to confirm their interview slot.
  • Provide a print copy of your interview schedule to the check-in table at the Johnson Athletic Center on the morning of the interviews. Candidates arriving will find their name on your schedule, check themselves in, and wait for you to come get them in the lobby/check-in area.
  • Come to the lobby/check-in area to get your candidate when it is their turn to interview.
  • Be mindful of time. If you run late in one interview it will affect the rest of your interview schedule.
  • Schedule your last interview no later than 3pm. Johnson Athletic Center closes at 4pm and facilities begins to dismantle the interview spaces at that time.

Travel logistics

Parking

Please visit the Department of Facilities Commuter Connections page to learn about local parking options in Cambridge by campus. Parking can be challenging as this is a city campus, therefore we recommend using the MBTA or car service to get to campus. Limited parking is available for visitors with a valid state-issued disability placard or license plate.

Hotel Accommodations

Hotel room blocks, including a discount, have been made for a limited number of rooms at Le Meridien located at 20 Sidney Street. Employers approved to attend the Fall Career Fair will receive logistics information. The logistics information will include hotel room rates and details on how to book a room. Employers will be responsible for reaching out to the hotel directly to reserve their hotel rooms.

Package Handling

Sending packages for the Fair:
Any packages shipped to our vendor will be delivered directly to your booths. Details for each registration’s limitations are listed below:

 Gold Silver   Bronze   Govt./Nonprofit/Startup
# of Packages 14 1  
Weight 12 packages at 50 – 100 lbs.  
2 packages at 100+ lbs. 
50 – 100 lbs. Less than 50 lbs. Less than 50 lbs. 

Companies who wish to send additional packages to their booths may purchase this service as an add-on item. Companies are responsible for shipping costs. 

Outbound Shipping after the Fair:
Shipping instructions will be shared by Capital Conventions the week of September 7th, if not sooner. A booth will also be present at the end of the fair for organizations to prepare their packages to be shipped.