Job Fairs

[CJ]

I'll start by saying I'm currently employed.
There's a job fair in the not too distant future and I want to go because there are some companies I would really like to talk to (maybe not about my immediate future, but somewhere down the road). However, there's a good chance my current employer would be at the fair. Does it look bad for an employee to be tooling around the fair with the recruiter on hand?

What's your take?

[11-Evil]

Take a friend with you - perfect excuse, you were there for THEM.

[The Mockingbird]

Wear a disguise.

Whenever I go to job fairs, I always look like a cute kitten.

http://blogs.cisco.com/news/cute-kitten.jpg

Bonus: employers love cuddly animals.

[adam & doctor drew]

I don't see a problem with it.
it's a free country.

and chances are good that your current employer is accepting tapes and resumes of people who would potentially replace you.

[MyracleMan]

This happened to me last year: took three days vacation, went to the job fair, and ran smack into the GM, CFO, and Chief Engineer. Last two were markedly uncomfortable and somewhat surprised to see me. The first had a pleasant conversation with me, and I went on my way.

Got back to work, and she told me the CFO and Chief Engineer were uncomfortable and thought it was awkward. She told me she can't fault anyone for keeping their options open and that she didn't think it was wierd at all... she even asked if I had any leads.

Taking time off again this year, and sure I'll run into them again. Expecting the same results this year.

[ewink]

I'll start by saying I'm currently employed.
There's a job fair in the not too distant future and I want to go because there are some companies I would really like to talk to (maybe not about my immediate future, but somewhere down the road). However, there's a good chance my current employer would be at the fair. Does it look bad for an employee to be tooling around the fair with the recruiter on hand?

What's your take?
Tell them you were there spreading bad information about the others at the fair. Maybe you can get paid for it? :)