Last week, we hosted our first (surely, not our last) talent fair to connect students from local colleges and universities with some of our disruptive startup companies seeking top talent. 🌟 @districtnhv was buzzing with more than 300 people, made up of students, hiring companies and ecosystem members, all eager to learn more about Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem, make new connections, and take advantage of the career development activities offered throughout the afternoon.

Even with all of these remarkable photos, it’s hard to truly do the event justice. Here’s a quick recap of what the electric day included:

🤝 Networking and ePoster presentations from more than 20 Connecticut companies looking to hire young talent

📈 The Road to Growth panel discussion featuring Katherine Saunders from FlyteHealth, Reid Waldman from Veradermics, and Laxmi Wordham from Bright Feeds

📸 Professional headshots for attendees taken by Mimi Zhou from @zmimiphotography

💡 The Power of First Impressions and Intro to Venture Capital 101 workshops

🚲 Live, Work and Play: Connecticut Giveaway challenge, including the chance to complete tasks in exchange for stamps to become eligible to win giveaway prizes from local brands like @aveloair, @escapismct, @coveredbridgeebike, @thebitescompany, @rosiesroyal, @athleticbrewing and more

😄 Keynote address from the esteemed @lauriesantosofficial about the science of happiness, tips to improve your well-being, ​and how to live in the present moment even when it seems impossible

🥤 Brain juice and brain food powered by local vendors like @drinkpedals, @newenglandcoffeeguy and @char.cuteboard

🐶 Furry friends to cheer on attendees and showcase the universities in attendance, including @handsomedanyale, @otus_bluecrew and @lucas_the_stag ...