From NFL veterans and military transitions to artificial intelligence and quantum technology, ClearanceJobs Connect San Antonio is bringing some big conversations to Texas.
Cleared recruiting isn’t your average talent acquisition gig. Between navigating security clearance requirements, shifting government contracts, evolving technologies, and an increasingly competitive talent market, recruiters supporting national security have a unique set of challenges. And sometimes, the best way to tackle those challenges is to get everyone in the same room. On November 5, ClearanceJobs Connect San Antonio will bring together cleared recruiting professionals, industry leaders, and subject matter experts at the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk for a full day of conversations about what’s happening in our industry and where we’re headed next. From finding purpose after military service to navigating AI in recruiting, here’s a look at some of the conversations we’re especially excited about.
The opening keynote, “Merging Vets and Players,” brings together Lisa Parmeter, Executive Director of Merging Vets and Players; former NFL players Cole Wick and Bremond “Bay Bay” McClinton; and Marine Corps veteran Roland Vandenberg. Both professional athletes and military service members know what it’s like to be part of something bigger than themselves. They understand teamwork, discipline, leadership, and what it means to dedicate their careers to a mission.
But what happens when that chapter ends? The conversation will explore the challenges of transitioning into civilian careers, finding a renewed sense of purpose, and translating unique experiences into professional opportunities.
For recruiters, it’s also an important reminder that some of the most valuable candidate qualifications aren’t always found in a job description.
When Recruiting Priorities Change, Recruiters Have to Pivot
If you’ve spent any time recruiting in the defense industry, you know that the only constant is change.
One minute, you’re building a pipeline for a major contract. The next, requirements shift, budgets change, or a position you’ve been working on for weeks gets put on hold.
Sound familiar?
The “Pivots and Priorities: Navigating Changing Priorities as a Recruiter” panel will feature Tony Martinez of The Recruiting Machine, Rey Domingo of The KEY Community, and Samantha Domingo of Lockheed Martin.
The discussion will examine how recruiters can remain adaptable when priorities change, maintain relationships with candidates, and build talent pipelines that can withstand an unpredictable hiring environment.
Because successful cleared recruiting isn’t just about filling today’s requisitions. It’s about maintaining the relationships that will help you fill tomorrow’s.
Quantum, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of Cleared Recruiting
Emerging technology is changing national security, and recruiting isn’t immune.
Three sessions at Connect San Antonio will explore the opportunities and challenges surrounding technologies that are rapidly reshaping our industry.
“Quantum + Clearances,” featuring Kat Wang of SandboxAQ, will explore the intersection of emerging quantum technologies and the cleared workforce.
“Know Your Source: Counterintelligence Lessons for Trusting AI,” led by Michael McLaughlin of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, will examine an increasingly important question: How much should we trust the information generated by artificial intelligence?
And “AI for Recruiters,” featuring ClearanceJobs VP of Marketing Eric Pecinovsky, will bring the conversation directly into the recruiting world.
AI can help recruiters work more efficiently, but national security hiring requires an additional level of consideration around sensitive information, data protection, and trust.
The challenge isn’t simply figuring out how to use AI. It’s understanding when to use it, what information should never be shared with it, and where human judgment remains essential.
Getting More Out of ClearanceJobs
Of course, we couldn’t bring hundreds of cleared recruiting professionals together without sharing a few ways to make their jobs easier. Mark Chase, Head of Product and Engineering at ClearanceJobs, will lead a ClearanceJobs Master Class focused on helping recruiters get more out of the platform. Whether you’re sourcing hard-to-find talent, engaging passive candidates, or trying to build a stronger recruiting pipeline, understanding the tools available to you can make a significant difference.
And sometimes, even experienced recruiters discover a feature or strategy they’ve been overlooking.
Your Mission Might Be Your Best Recruiting Tool
Cleared candidates have options. And while compensation, benefits, and flexibility absolutely matter, they’re not always the only factors driving career decisions. For many professionals working in national security, the mission matters just as much.
The session “Mission Is Your Message: Building an Experience That Wins Cleared Talent,” featuring Damon Phillips of Eliassen Group and Joe Burrow of STS Systems Defense, will explore how organizations can better communicate their mission and create a candidate experience that stands out.
Recruiters often focus on what a position requires: clearance level, technical skills, certifications, years of experience, and location. But what about why someone should want the job? Helping candidates understand the impact of their work, the people they’ll support, and the larger mission they’ll contribute to can be a powerful differentiator.
Conference registration: https://about.clearancejobs.com/employers/events/clearancejobs-connect-san-antonio
Career event details: https://about.clearancejobs.com/candidates/career-events/san-antonio-in-person
