Blue Carpet Fly-In
Connecting Military Veterans with Regional Employers Ready to Hire
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.
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
