TalentFEST 2025 draws nearly 300 job seekers and more than 40 employers to downtown Rochester for a day of careers and community

Rochester, New York – Downtown Rochester was buzzing with energy this past weekend as the fourth annual TalentFEST event welcomed hundreds of career seekers for a unique blend of networking, entertainment, and community spirit. Held on Saturday, September 13, and organized by Greater Rochester Chamber as part of its CampusROC program, the festival once again showcased why the city is becoming a hub for both professional opportunity and inclusive community gatherings.

The event, which first launched in 2021, has steadily grown in scope and ambition. This year’s TalentFEST brought together more than 275 job seekers from a wide mix of backgrounds—ranging from recent college graduates to military veterans, remote professionals, and people seeking career changes. Their collective goal was clear: to explore new possibilities and forge meaningful connections with local employers.

Over 40 employer partners joined the celebration, offering opportunities across industries and roles. From entry-level to senior positions, and from technical fields to creative roles, the event reflected the variety of opportunities available in the region. For many participants, the setting felt much different from a traditional career fair. Instead of booths lined with rigid formality, visitors found themselves immersed in an atmosphere more akin to a block party—complete with live music, outdoor games, raffle prizes worth more than $1,000, and plenty of space to simply strike up a conversation.

That intentional shift in tone has been a hallmark of TalentFEST since its inception. Organizers designed the event to strip away some of the stress and tension usually tied to job searching. By doing so, the festival allows people to connect on a more personal level, where employers and candidates alike can see beyond resumes and job titles.

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Bob Duffy, President & CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber, underscored the importance of this approach. “High-quality talent is the number one key to any organization’s success–and ensuring that homegrown talent stays here is critical to the future success of our Greater Rochester region. Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to play a role in helping keep that talent here. From connecting job-seekers to meaningful careers to showcasing the ways our community is a great place to live, work, and play, we’re developing holistic approaches to address regional talent needs. Thank you to Community Bank and all of our sponsors and partners for supporting this work, and to all of the employers and career seekers who joined us for bringing the energy to Saturday’s festival.”

The 2025 edition also marked a significant milestone in community engagement. Organizers noted that the number of participants from the local community more than doubled compared to the previous year. That growth, they said, is proof that the model of blending professional development with social connection is resonating with both employers and job seekers.

In addition to helping people find career opportunities, TalentFEST serves as part of Greater Rochester Chamber’s larger mission to build a stronger workforce for the region. The organization has been focusing on creating resilient pipelines of talent, supporting inclusive hiring practices, and helping businesses of all sizes adapt to changing workforce needs. Events like this give that mission a visible, energetic platform in the heart of the city.

The festival was made possible through the backing of several key sponsors. Community Bank N.A. served as the presenting sponsor, while St. John Fisher University joined as a supporting sponsor. Partnerships with OneROC and Innovation Square further helped bring the vision to life. The event was also supported in part by the Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation, which provides resources for programs such as CampusROC and its career initiatives.

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For those who attended, the day was more than just a career fair—it was a chance to feel connected to a city committed to its people. Students got to meet employers who could launch their careers, veterans found organizations that value their experience, and career changers discovered fresh avenues for growth. Employers, in turn, were reminded that Rochester is full of motivated, talented individuals ready to step into new roles.

With the success of this year’s gathering, organizers are already looking ahead. Photos and media coverage from the event are available at CampusROC.org/TalentFEST, and those interested in participating in future editions are encouraged to reach out to CampusROC Program Manager Andrea Tuttle at [email protected].

TalentFEST has now cemented its place as more than a one-day career fair—it is a community tradition that blends opportunity with celebration. As Rochester continues to invest in its people, the festival’s growth suggests that the city is not only retaining its talent but also attracting new energy and ideas to fuel its future.