Spring Affirming Career Fair

Where belonging meets opportunity in Wisconsin's most inclusive career networking spaces

The OPEN Foundation Affirming Career Fairs have a different vibe - they're safe spaces where LGBTQIA+ and marginalized professionals can show up authentically, connect with genuinely inclusive employers, and access free resources that empower career growth. In Madison, Wisconsin, we're creating the career development experiences our community deserves: warm welcomes, intentional inclusion, and opportunities that celebrate your authentic self. The Spring 2026 theme: Ready, Set, Glow!

For Job Seekers: Discover employers we deem inclusive and safe. Get your "passport" and we'll uplift you from there.

For Employers: Connect with and inspire exceptional talent in Wisconsin's most engaged LGBTQ+ professional community.

OPEN’s Spring Career Fair is designed to be a gender-affirming and inclusive experience for all attendees.

To support a safe environment, the event will take place in a secure venue, and entry will require an ID.

Name & Badge Info

When you register, you’ll choose how your name appears on your name badge.

This should reflect how you want to be known at the event.

If this doesn’t match your legal name, that’s completely okay.

You may also choose to include your pronouns.

For Entry Only (Private)

We will ask for your first initial and last name as it appears on your ID for entry purposes only.

This information:

Is used only for security verification

Will not be displayed publicly

Does not need to match your badge name

Security will only be checking ID names, not gender markers or photos.

Our Commitment

We know this process may feel sensitive. We’ve taken care to balance safety with privacy and inclusion, and we’re committed to creating a space where everyone feels welcome.