Atlanta Workforce Expo Draws Crowds Amid Layoffs

Two-day event connects job seekers with employers as corporate cuts mount in the city

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Hundreds of Atlantans lined up at the Georgia World Congress Center on Thursday as Showcase Atlanta opened a two-day Workforce Expo, offering residents a shot at both seasonal and longer-term jobs. With a recent wave of corporate cuts rattling workers across industries, the stakes felt high for many attendees who were eager to connect with recruiters in person.

Why it matters

The job fair comes as Atlanta has seen a spike in layoffs, with over 108,000 planned job cuts announced nationally in January, the highest January total since 2009. The expo aims to help connect displaced workers with new opportunities, especially as the city prepares to host major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The details

The Showcase Atlanta Workforce Expo runs March 5–6 in the Thomas Murphy Ballroom at the Georgia World Congress Center and features employers in hospitality, transportation, retail and event operations. Organizers say job seekers can tap on-site resume help, connect with training partners and meet hiring managers in person. The event also includes LinkedIn consultations and professional headshots.

  • The two-day Showcase Atlanta Workforce Expo opened on March 5, 2026.
  • Nationally, employers announced 108,435 planned job cuts in January 2026, the highest January total since 2009.

The players

Showcase Atlanta

The organizer of the two-day Workforce Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center, connecting Atlanta job seekers with employers.

Kaerria Trimble

A former insurance adjuster who attended the job expo, frustrated by only receiving automated replies to her many online job applications.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited about the job expo because I can meet with actual people in person.”

— Kaerria Trimble, Former insurance adjuster (CBS Atlanta)

What’s next

Organizers urged job seekers to bring multiple résumés and use the expo's on-site resume reviews and training referrals. The two-day event aims to translate the rush of conversations into real job offers across Metro Atlanta.

The takeaway

The Showcase Atlanta Workforce Expo provides a crucial in-person connection for job seekers in a climate of mounting layoffs, offering a chance to stand out from the flood of online applications and potentially find new opportunities as the city prepares to host major events.