FIND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
ENGINEERING EXPO
The Engineering Expo is the premier TCE hiring event. Engineering students are invited to meet with representatives from more than 200 companies to learn about open internships, co-ops, and jobs. The Expo is followed by an invitation-only Interview Day, allowing students to meet individually with employers about specific positions.
Engineering Expo
Monday, February 22nd
1–5 p.m.
Knoxville Convention Center
Interview Day
Tuesday, February 23rd
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Knoxville Convention Center
245
companies represented
2500
students attended
Helpful Information
Toggle the details below to learn how to prepare for and navigate the Engineering Expo and Interview Day as a student.
Location and Parking
The Engineering Expo is held off-campus at the Knoxville Convention Center, which is a 10-minute walk from the Zeanah Engineering Complex. Transportation options also include the free KAT bus (routes 11, 12, 15, 17, and 42).
There is no on-site parking for students. If transportation accommodations are needed, students can contact EPP and the staff will work with them to support these requests.
Engineering Expo Tips
Follow the guidelines below to make the most of your experience.
Before the Expo
- Download the Career Fair Plus App (iOS and Android).
Attend one of EPP’s Level Up events to work with both employers and EPP staff to best prepare you for the Expo - Research companies. Use the app to learn about the companies attending the Expo.
- Attend one of EPP’s Level Up events. Work with both employers and EPP staff to get prepared.
- Prepare with EPP ambassadors. Visit EPP (ZEC 161) from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon–Fri, for resume reviews, elevator pitch practice, mock interviews, networking tips, and all the other ways our ambassadors can support your career.
- Review our career toolkit. Read through our list of tips and resources to prepare for speaking to professional representatives.
- Prepare your professional portfolio. Print 10–15 copies of your resume. If you get your resume reviewed by an EPP ambassador, you will receive 15 printed copies for free.
- Submit resumes virtually. Drop your resume to employers through the Career Fair Plus app. It’s still best practice to visit with the company in-person at the Expo.
The Day of the Expo
- Give yourself plenty of time. Leave early! Whether you’re walking or riding the KAT bus, make sure you have enough time to talk to the companies you’re interested in.
- Take a break in our wellness room. EPP has a dedicated space for students. Stop by if things get overwhelming or for additional prep with ambassadors. We also have lint rollers, mints, and mirrors to make sure you’re good to go before hitting the floor. The wellness room is located right next to student check-in, overlooking the main floor so that you can get a feel for the layout of the space.
- Dress appropriately. View this list of resources, including Smokey’s Closet, to find professional clothing options.
- Collect business cards and keep track of contacts. Connect on LinkedIn when appropriate.
Interview Day
Tuesday, February 23, 8–5 p.m., Knoxville Convention Center
Some companies will invite students to interview on-site the day after the Engineering Expo. Interviews will typically be scheduled during the Expo, but they may be communicated later in the evening, so it’s especially important to check your email post-Expo.
Not all companies participate on-site. Some will interview remotely or in-person later.
Interview Tips
- Put the interview on your calendar. Plan to check in 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time at the same place you checked in for the Expo. You will receive instructions after checking in with staff.
- Communicate. Speak with your professor if the interview occurs during class time.
- Be prepared. Bring copies of your resume with you.
- Research. Do additional research on the companies that are interviewing you.
- Ask questions. Prepare a few questions to ask the employer.
- Dress professionally. Put together your business professional outfit the night before to alleviate stress.
- Follow up. Send a professional email to all interviewers thanking them for their time.
For more tips on the hiring process, view our in-depth career toolkit.
Toggle the details below to learn how to prepare for the Engineering Expo and Interview Day as an employer.
Schedule
Spring 2027 Engineering Expo
Monday, February 22 | 12:30–5 p.m.
The Engineering Expo is an open forum for company representatives to meet students interested in co-ops and internships. Students will visit booths for information about organizations and how open roles align with their interests and goals.
Interview Day
Tuesday, February 23 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Interview Day is typically structured for 30-minute intervals, which allows you to maximize the number of students you can speak with during the day. You can adjust your schedule to fit your needs. Please conclude each interview 5–10 minutes before the stated end time to allow students to be on time for their next interviews.
All interviews must conclude by 5 p.m. Separate registration is required.
Registration
Registration for the Spring 2027 Expo is open. Access your Handshake account to register.
All registration types include one table and two chairs in a 10 ft ×10 ft space, which can be used for both the Engineering Expo and Interview Day. Electricity for your booth space is available directly from the Knoxville Convention Center for $75, paid on the day of the event.
The registration rates for the Engineering Expo are as follows.
| Cost | Registration Options |
|---|---|
| $525 | Government/Non-Profit Rate for Engineering Expo Only |
| $600 | Government/Non-Profit Rate for Expo and Interview Day |
| $775 | Corporate Rate for Engineering Expo Only |
| $925 | Corporate Rate for Expo and Interview Day |
Important Expo Information
- Login to Handshake to register and pay.
- Find a place to stay in Knoxville and check out some of our downtown restaurants.
- Freight—Review day-of drop-off point mapping or ship your materials using the Knoxville Convention Center’s shipping form. Ambassadors will be in place to guide you on event day.
- Note: The Knoxville Convention Center does not handle any vendor/exhibitor freight. You must contact the in-house decorator, ACES, for pricing on drayage. Contact info: Wesley Mullins 865-740-3710 or [email protected].
- Order electricity for your booth in advance or at the designated booth on Expo day.
- Standard Wi-Fi is provided at no cost (and separated from the student network).
- Note: Order private internet services by contacting the Knoxville Convention Center’s IT Department which can be reached at 865-251-6017 or by email [email protected].
- Primary vendor parking details will be at the Blackstock and Poplar lots. An update will be sent closer to the event.
- Upon arrival, visit the check-in table and be escorted to your booth area, which includes one 6 ft by 3 ft table and two chairs. We recommend limiting the number of attending recruiters to a maximum of four per booth.
Cancellations
We recognize that circumstances may change. Cancellations made prior to 10 business days before the Expo will be fully refunded. Cancellations between 5–10 business days will be refunded at 50%. No refunds are provided within 5 business days of the Expo. As an alternative to a refund, credit toward a future event may be given and can be reviewed with the EPP director on a case-by-case basis.
Contact
Feel free to contact us, 865-974-5323 or email [email protected].
hear from students
Testimonials
“My internships gave me real-world work experience to apply the things I have learned in class, helped me figure out what field I want to work in, allowed me to connect with students from across the nation, and helped me pay for college!”
Brooke Lezotte
Industrial and Systems Engineering
“Throughout my college career, I had the opportunity to intern at multiple manufacturing companies. These experiences allowed me to bridge the gap between engineering coursework and the professional workforce, applying classroom knowledge to real-world projects while developing the critical skills employers look for most.”
Josiah Tucker
Mechanical Engineering