With an exciting week ahead in Colorado Springs, the ClearanceJobs Content Team discusses what recruiters and job seekers can expect from attending our full-day event at the Nooks classified facility on this week’s episode of the Security Clearance Careers Podcast.
ClearanceJobs Connect Colorado Springs
- A full-day, in-person conference tailored specifically for cleared recruiting professionals in the national security and defense sectors.
- Features keynote presentations, hands‑on ClearanceJobs “master class” breakout sessions, and the latest cleared hiring strategies and tools.
- Speakers include industry leaders such as Art Zeile, CEO at DHI Group (Dice.com & ClearanceJobs), Alex Schildt, President of ClearanceJobs, Tommy Weinert, founder of Mount Indie, and Aisha Bowe, former NASA scientist and CEO and founder of STEMBoard.
- Earn 7 SHRM PDCs and 4 NCMS ISP credits for continuing professional education.
- Networking opportunities, live demos, and panel session content on cleared recruiting innovation.
- Get your last-minute ticket here.
INSA “Securing Space: Threats, Strategic Roles & Building Resilience”
Kick off a night of SPACE with Career Conversations – a free, energized networking session with employers in aerospace. The Career Conversations job fair (3–5 PM) bridges both programs, allowing attendees to participate in talent networking before the INSA panel. Register here.
Then, an evening fireside-style panel discussion under Chatham House Rule, closed to the press, open to defense, intelligence, and space professionals on topics like emerging threats to U.S. space assets, roles and collaboration between U.S. Space Force and U.S. Space Command, strategy for space warfighting and domain awareness, and building a resilient, mission-ready space workforce.
Panelists:
- Brig Gen Casey Beard (USSF), Deputy Commander Space Operations Command
- Col Marqus Randall (USSF), Director of Intelligence, HQ Space Operations Command
- Thomas Lockhart, Director for Capability & Resource Integration at U.S. Space Command
- Moderated by Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg, President of INSA / INSA Foundation
All events are held at Nooks, located at the same address in Colorado Springs, 5775 Mark Dabling Blvd, CO Springs.
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM ClearanceJobs Connect (paid) Full-day recruiting conference & master sessions
3:00 – 5:00 PM Career Conversations (free) Networking job fair for cleared professionals
5:00 – 7:30 PM INSA Securing Space Panel + receptions on space threats & roles
Events like these build meaningful engagement within the cleared hiring community, offering insights from both recruitment innovation and space domain strategy. These events are ideal for recruiters, government/contractor space professionals, military intelligence, and those seeking talent or insight in national security.
GREEN AND RED FLAGS AT EVENTS
Recruiters: as you prepare for Connect and Career Conversations, you should stay alert to subtle and overt signs of inappropriate behavior from job seekers. Red flags include overly personal questions, lingering without purpose, and disregarding professional boundaries—such as standing too close or continuing conversations after clear social cues. Flirtatious comments, physical contact beyond a handshake, or sharing overly personal stories are not just unprofessional; they can create an uncomfortable or even unsafe environment. Attempts to bypass the hiring process through charm or pressure tactics, like requesting off-site meetups, are also concerning. Job seekers: don’t be an offender of these!
Other warning signs involve persistent or obsessive behavior, such as showing up at multiple events to find a specific recruiter or reaching out on personal social media channels. Language that is demeaning or gendered—like calling a recruiter “sweetheart” or using patronizing tones—is unacceptable in any professional setting. When these red flags appear, it’s important for hiring teams to document the behavior, set firm boundaries, and, if needed, involve event security or HR to maintain a respectful and safe environment for all participants.
But recruiters aren’t immune to red flags either – so stick to GREEN FLAGS, everyone. Be professional and kind. When conversations are two-way, respectful, and genuinely curious—not transactional or self-promotional—it points to a strong networking culture. Attendees who listen as much as they talk, offer helpful insights or connections, and follow up thoughtfully are often the most valuable contacts. When people are generous with their time and ideas, it’s a strong signal that the event is fostering real relationship-building, not just business card collecting.
