The ClearanceJobs community returned to Northern Virginia this fall for our fifth ClearanceJobs Connect — a milestone moment that reflects just how far this event has come since its earliest days. What began as a regional gathering has evolved into a nationally recognized series, bringing together leaders across government, industry, and academia to discuss the future of national security talent.
Our highlight video captures the energy in the room: the hallway conversations, the thought-provoking panels, the packed networking sessions, and the unmistakable momentum of a community committed to strengthening the cleared workforce. Reston has become the flagship of our Connect series, and this year’s event demonstrated why — it’s where mission, innovation, and opportunity converge.
Building on Momentum: Four Cities, Second Year Running
2026 marks the second consecutive year that ClearanceJobs Connect will expand across four cities — San Diego (March 24 and 26), Colorado Springs (July 30), Reston (October 15 and 16) and San Antonio (November).
Each location brings a different piece of the national security ecosystem into focus, and our four-city model reflects our mission: meeting the cleared community where they live, work, and build the future.
Call for Speakers: Shape the Conversation in 2026
We’re now accepting speaker proposals for all four Connect events in 2026. We want:
- Leaders in cleared recruiting and workforce development
- National security innovators
- Technical experts in AI, cybersecurity, space, defense, and emerging technologies
- Government and military voices
- Researchers, academics, and practitioners shaping what’s next
If you have a perspective that can elevate the conversation, we want to hear it. Submit your proposal here.
Whether you represent industry, government, a university, or a mission-focused organization, ClearanceJobs Connect is your platform to engage with thousands of cleared professionals across the country.
Join Us for Another Year of Connection and Impact
Thank you to everyone who helped make our fifth ClearanceJobs Connect in Reston, VA, unforgettable — the speakers, partners, attendees, and the vibrant community that continues to grow each year. We hope you enjoy the highlight video, relive some of your favorite moments, and consider joining us onstage or in the audience in 2026.
The mission continues. The community is expanding. And we can’t wait to see you at a Connect event next year.
