Blue Carpet Fly-In
Connecting Military Veterans with Regional Employers Ready to Hire
2025 NextOp Veterans Blue Carpet Tour
Apply for the 2026 Blue Carpet Fly-In
The Greater Memphis Chamber, in partnership with NextOp, is now accepting registrations from businesses and veterans for the 2026 Blue Carpet Fly-In, taking place April 28 – May 1, 2026. Memphis and Shelby County are home to thriving industries, veteran-ready employers, and the largest veteran community in Tennessee. Whether you’re a transitioning service member or veteran exploring your next opportunity, or an employer looking to connect with top-tier talent, this immersive experience is designed to support your success.
The Blue Carpet Fly-In is a four-day event presented by the Greater Memphis Chamber and NextOp to help veterans make meaningful connections, discover career pathways, and explore with a vibrant, veteran-ready community.
For Veterans
The Blue Carpet Fly-In is an exclusive, all-expenses-paid experience for transitioning service members and veterans ready to launch their next chapter in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee. Only 25 spots are available.
Veterans will:
- Connect with local leaders, employers, and fellow veterans
- Interview with Memphis-area employers actively hiring
- Explore career pathways across high-demand industries
- Experience a supportive, veteran-ready region with strong networks and quality-of-life amenities
What’s Included?
Your Fly-In package covers everything you need for a seamless, high-impact visit:
- Round-trip airfare
- Local transportation
- Lodging and meals
- A Memphis cultural experience
- Exclusive networking events with local employers
Secure your place & learn more. RSVP Today
For Employers
Participating businesses will have the opportunity to:
- Meet highly skilled transitioning service members and veterans
- Participate in roundtables, networking events, and speed interviews
- Host onsite company tours to showcase roles, culture, and career pathways
- Build strong connections to top talent preparing for their next career move
- Strengthen your organization’s veteran hiring pipeline and community impact
Fill out the Chamber’s Business Interest Form to learn more about engagement and hosting opportunities.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
Why Memphis & Shelby County?
Memphis offers a unique blend of opportunity, affordability, and community—making it an ideal place for Veterans to live, work, and thrive.
- Home to well-recognized industry names like FedEx, International Paper, Buckman, Smith & Nephew, and AutoZone
- Veteran-friendly employers in industries such as logistics, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and more
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The cost of living is 15% lower than the national average with diverse housing options to fit any lifestyle, including urban, suburban, or rural
- Top-rated K-12 schools (including three of the top ten TN school districts), higher education institutions, and trade school programs tailored for career advancement
- Home to cutting-edge healthcare institutions, like St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
- Iconic music history scene with attractions like Beale Street, Graceland, and the Stax Museum to name a few
- Outdoor living with parks, trails, and the mighty Mississippi River
- Home to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
