Onsite Career Fair Also Enjoyed Tremendous Success
The aisles at Abilities Expo Los Angeles—the nation’s leading exhibition for the disability community—were packed with a record number of people on March 24-26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Exhibitor participation also increased dramatically by nearly 25% over the 2016 event.
The Expo’s newest feature, the first annual Abilities Job Fair, launched to overwhelming fanfare and success. Jobseekers were welcomed by 28 progressive companies who were looking to fill their ranks with professionals from the disability community in the areas of IT, marketing, management, customer service, sales, engineers, accounting, human resources, technicians, maintenance, data entry, administrative, custodial and more. Early reports from recruiting businesses are extremely favorable with one exhibitor, Home Depot, already publicizing 20 local hires.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was on hand to kick off this groundbreaking career event, emphasizing the importance of tapping into the talented disability community. “We have been focusing on creating opportunity for too many people that too often have been left too far behind,” said Garcetti. “That no longer will be acceptable.”
The career fair was presented in concert with City of Los Angeles Department on Disability, City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board, America’s Job Center, LA County Workforce Development Aging and Community Services and Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department.
For three days, Abilities Expo was buzzing as attendees discovered products and services from more than 200 exhibitors, attended informative ability-focused workshops and engaged in activities such as dancing, service dog and therapy horse demos, adaptive sports and so much more. “I just love the atmosphere,” said attendee Fernando Roldan. “I see so many people from all walks and rolls of life.”
The new Abilities Meet Up Zone was a welcome place for expo-goers to stop in and socialize with other attendees, as well as talk one-on-one with more than 20 disability experts on topics ranging from nutrition to SCI research to home modifications. Abilities Expo Ambassador and Meet Up Zone Coordinator Kristina Rhoades summed it up saying, “Every time I come to these shows, I leave feeling renewed, inspired and motivated. Everyone has such a diverse story, a unique story and a colorful history. We’ve all come from a place of strength and overcoming.”
A long-time attendee of the Los Angeles Abilities Expo, Analee Perez, was impressed with the latest technologies available, particularly Obi, the robotic, self-feeding device. “I think the best thing about Abilities Expo is learning the new things that come out,” she said. “It blows my mind!”
Abilities Expo is the leading U.S. event for people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors and healthcare professionals to improve independence and enhance lives. Since 1979, the Expo has been a forum for the disability community to connect with the latest products and services, learn from informative workshops, network with others and enjoy adaptive, family-friendly activities. Abilities Expo is privately held by Lewis Shomer and David Korse, senior veterans of the trade show industry. The Expos are held in such top North American markets as Los Angeles, New York Metro area, Chicago, Houston, Boston, San Mateo, the DC Metro area and Toronto. Visit www.abiltiies.com.
