Hosting a Career Fair: do you ask candidates to put in apps prior to the event?

Hey all,

I’m a recruiter and working with my team to host a career fair. The other recruiters want candidates to apply for roles prior to coming to the career fair.

I don’t know why that seems backwards to me but something seems “turn off” ish to ask a candidate to apply for positions prior to the career fair.

What do you all do or know best practices?

Thanks!