Free event offers both full and part time jobs from entry-level to upper management
 

Raleigh, N.C. (Feb. 21, 2019) – The second annual Wake County Hospitality Job Fair will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center from 10am-3pm on Tuesday, March 5. The event is a partnership between Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh) and Capital Area Workforce Development, North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Raleigh Convention Center. The job fair will feature nearly 57 hospitality industry employers looking to fill more than 1,000 full and part-time positions at all levels.

The tourism industry is as large as it’s ever been here in Wake County with more than 16 million visitors choosing to visit Wake County each year and collectively spending $2.5 billion annually while here. Wake County is home to more than 1,300 restaurants and 145+ accommodations, with another five hotels currently under construction and 30 hotel projects in the final planning stages.

The hospitality and tourism industry employs more than 68,000 people in Wake County which accounts for roughly 10% of the local workforce. Further, the industry has been adding 800 new jobs per year since 2009 and is expected to grow by 9% over the next five years.

“Job demand within the hospitality and tourism industry has grown to a pace that’s hard to keep up with in-terms of finding quality talent locally,” said Dennis Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh). “It’s a positive challenge to have and thus our goal with this collaborative initiative is to address the workforce shortage our restaurants, hotels, attractions and service providers are experiencing while sustaining and fostering the growth expected.”

In addition to several new employers present this year, the event will also now feature formal Interview Pods, dedicated spaces for employers to conduct more thorough interviews right on the spot during the event.

“Restaurants and hotels are eager to attract, develop, and retain a career-oriented professional workforce. Many opportunities exist within the hospitality and tourism sector, and there is room for everyone regardless of educational and training background,” said Lynn Minges, President & CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association. “And for those who are looking to supplement their income, the tourism and hospitality sector offers flexible work options.”

“A job in the hospitality sector can be exciting and rewarding particularly if you have a passion for people. Not only are jobs plentiful here in Wake, but internationally as well. So, it’s great to be able to host an event that can open big doors for job seekers,” added Pat Sturdivant, Executive Director at Capital Area Workforce Development.

Attendance to the job fair is free for job seekers. Vouchers will be provided for free parking at the Raleigh Convention Center Underground Parking Deck. To access, use the entrance on W. Lenoir Street between Fayetteville and S. Salisbury streets. Free transportation is also being provided by GoTriangle and GoRaleigh. Job seekers traveling to the job fair will be able to pull-up on their mobile device and/or print off a free transit pass by visiting GoRaleigh.org/workforce.

More information on attending the job fair and a complete list of employers seeking to fill positions, can be found at WakeCountyHospitalityJobFair.com.

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About the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh)

The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh), as the official destination marketing organization of Raleigh and Wake County, accelerates sustainable economic growth and development by increasing visitor and convention business. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes more than 16 million visitors annually whose spending tops $2.5 billion. The hospitality and tourism industry employs more than 68,000 people in Wake County which accounts for roughly 10% of the local workforce. VisitRaleigh.com.
 

About the Capital Area Workforce Development

CAWD is a public-private partnership and 501(c)3 funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. Through collaborations with business, government, education and others, the organization has developed state and nationally-recognized workforce programs, connected businesses to workforce resources and the education system, and helped thousands to gain employment. For more information visit capitalareancworks.com.
 

About the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

Established in 1947, the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) works to advance and protect North Carolina’s $22 billion restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry. The association provides access to the resources and support restaurant and lodging professionals need to lead thriving businesses, while serving as conscientious, contributing members of an unparalleled industry. To learn more information about NCRLA or its membership opportunities and cost-saving benefits, please visit ncrla.org.
 

About the Raleigh Convention Center

A three-time winner of ConventionSouth's Readers' Choice Award, the Raleigh Convention Center is a bustling hub for the culture, commerce and technologies that make the Triangle one of the country's most admired regions. The modern, 500,000 sq ft, LEED Silver-certified facility includes a soaring street level lobby, an elegant, easily partitioned ballroom, a 150,000 sq ft exhibit hall and a 4,100 sq ft mezzanine as well as cutting edge tech amenities and award-winning culinary delights. Convention center staff also operates the nearby Red Hat Amphitheater and Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, which can also be part of an event experience. For more information visit raleighconvention.com.
 

Media Contacts

Scott Peacock, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
Director of Public Relations
(919) 645-2676
speacock@visitraleigh.com 

Brenda Wilkerson, Capital Area Workforce Development
Communications Manager
(919) 856-5390
brenda.wilkerson@wakegov.com

Margo Metzger, North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association
Communications Director
(919) 747-2205
mmetzger@ncrla.org