The Central Black Sea Career Fair (OKAF’26), the most comprehensive career event in the Central Black Sea region, will begin on Wednesday, 8 April, hosted by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU). Organized for the first time directly on a university campus, the fair will bring together more than 100 institutions and organizations with students and graduates under the theme “The Age of Productivity of Youth” (GÜÇ).

Organized under the coordination of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and İŞKUR, with the support of Türk Telekom, OKAF’26 will open its doors to visitors on 8–9 April. The large-scale event, supported by nine partner universities in the region; Amasya, Çankırı Karatekin, Çorum Hitit, Kastamonu, Ordu, Samsun, Sinop, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa, and Yozgat Bozok Universities; will be held at the Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sports Sciences Sports Halls and the Atatürk Congress and Culture Center (AKM) on the OMU Kurupelit Campus.

Direct meetings with over 100 organizations

As part of the fair, approximately 45 public institutions will open stands in Hall A of the Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sports Sciences, while more than 50 private sector representatives will be present in Hall B. Over the two days, between 09:00 and 18:00, young participants will have the opportunity to meet company representatives face-to-face for job and internship applications. At AKM, district municipalities of Samsun will present career opportunities within local administrations.

Opening performance by Nahide Saygün Akkal

The official opening ceremony of the fair will take place on Wednesday, 8 April at 10:00 at AKM, with the participation of protocol members and rectors of partner universities. The guest artist of the ceremony will be Nahide Saygün Akkal, a performer from the Ankara State Turkish Folk Music Ensemble of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Distinguished names at career events

The fair goes beyond stand visits, transforming into a comprehensive training environment. Dozens of simultaneous events will be held in AKM’s Blue and Pink halls as well as in the meeting rooms of the Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sports Sciences. Students will prepare for the professional world through interview simulations, workshops, entrepreneurship panels, and inspiring career talks. Outdoor areas will also host technology trucks and simulation vehicles, offering interactive experiences to participants.

Easy access to the fair

Visitors can easily reach the OMU Kurupelit Campus via tram, bus, minibus, or private vehicle. The event schedule and registration details can be followed via the official website (okaf.omu.edu.tr) and the social media accounts @okaf_2026.

Fair concludes with award ceremony on Thursday

The fair will conclude with an award and plaque ceremony to be held at AKM on Thursday, 9 April at 16:00. During the ceremony, competition winners will receive their awards, and plaques will be presented to 31 sponsor companies supporting the organization.