Future

Ready

Conference

About the Conference

Today's Students are Tomorrow's Workforce!

The event runs March 11 & 12, 2026, from 10am to 1pm each day at Inova Conference Center in Fairfax, with a different group of students attending on each date! More than 1,600 high school students from eight school divisions in the northern Virginia region will attend this year’s Future Ready Conference!

Participating school divisions include: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Prince William.

This dynamic two-day regional event connects students with over 125+ local industry professionals from high-demand career fields. Organized by career clusters, the conference allows students to explore related occupations, see how different career paths connect, and discover the skills and education needed for success.

Future Ready Conference Countdown

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Registration

 Students from participating divisions (Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church City, Loudoun, Manassas City, Manassas Park, and Prince William) are invited to register! Schools must be signed up in advance in order for their students to be able to register. Please note your date of attendance is determined by the school you attend.  

Register Now

Join us March 11 or 12 at the Inova Conference Center

Participating Divisions

Throughout the event, students will:

Explore Career Paths

Discover opportunities across a variety of industries and understand what it takes to succeed in each field.

Ask Questions

Gain real-world insights about job responsibilities, essential skills, and education pathways.

Network with Professionsals

Build early connections that can guide future career journeys.

Participate in Mock Interviews

Practice fast-paced, five-minute interviews designed to strengthen communication skills, receive feedback, and boost confidence.

These authentic interactions help students build confidence, expand their networks, and envision future pathways.

Event Hosts

125+ Industry Representatives & Employers

Career Fair

The Career Fair session offers high school students the opportunity to connect directly with industry professionals at exhibitor tables. Each table is hosted by professionals from various fields, providing students with insights into a wide range of industries and career paths. Students are encouraged to engage in conversations, ask questions, and learn about the skills, education, and experiences needed to succeed in each profession. This Career Fair is designed to inspire and inform students, equipping them with the knowledge and connections to take their next steps with confidence. 

Student Registration Form

Networking Mini Sessions

In the Networking Mini Sessions, students can dive into themed breakout rooms designed around different Career Clusters, where they can engage directly with industry professionals. Each room provides a relaxed, conversational setting for students to explore various career paths, gain insights, and ask questions.

These breakout rooms focus on the following talking points to help students get the most out of their experience:

  • Career Paths and Growth Opportunities: Learn about different roles, career trajectories, and what it takes to succeed in various fields.
  • Skills and Education Needed: Discover essential skills, certifications, and educational requirements needed for career advancement.
  • Daily Responsibilities: Get a realistic view of daily tasks and challenges professionals face in their jobs.
  • Industry Trends and Innovations: Stay updated on the latest trends, emerging technologies, and industry changes.
  • Workplace Culture: Understand the work environments and cultures of different industries to help gauge personal fit.
  • Networking and Internships: Gain advice on building a network, finding internships, and other ways to get a foot in the door.

The Networking Mini Sessions are an opportunity for students to make valuable connections, ask questions, and explore potential career paths, giving them a head start on their professional journeys.

Industry Participants

Click through the tabs below to see a list of all the businesses and organizations that participated in the 2025 Future Ready Conference or to determine who has signed up to participate March 2026. Select that tab for the date your school is attending to learn who you can connect with this spring. You can also filter each tab to identify businesses that align with your preferred Career Clusters or offer specific opportunities for students. Click HERE for a short video on how to navigate the chart below or review these SLIDES!

Industry Rep Sign-up

If you’re a business/org representative who would like to register to attend the March 2026 Future Ready Conference, click the button below!

Click Here

Future Ready Conference

This Northern Virginia event connects high school students with local industry professionals from high-demand career fields in a relaxed and engaging career fair setting.

Contact

Matt Bechtel

i2i@vaedstrategies.org

Navigation

Student Registration

Rep Sign-up