HireRight at the PBSA Annual Conference: “Spectrum of Possibility” in Boston
The HireRight team recently attended the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) annual conference, "Spectrum of Possibility," in Boston. This industry-leading event gathered global professionals to discuss key issues in background screening, with HireRight team members actively participating.
The HireRight team recently attended the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) annual conference, “Spectrum of Possibility,” held in Boston, Massachusetts. This industry-leading event brought together professionals from across the globe to discuss critical issues shaping the future of background screening. HireRight was well represented, with several colleagues attending and actively contributing to the event.
Our delegation included Kathleen Nottingham, a member of the PBSA’s Board of Directors; Jamie Pelchat, Chair of the PBSA’s US Council; Nicole Campion, Chair of the PBSA’s Industry Practices Committee; and myself, Alonzo Martinez, Chair of the PBSA’s Advocacy Advisory Group. Also joining us were Lauren Cavaliero, Shawna Foster, Meredith Knoche, Tim Murphy, Ryan Rose, Hillary Smart, Caroline Smith, Stephanie Morgan, and Lori Webb.
In addition to attending, several team members took on key roles during the conference’s educational sessions. Stephanie Morgan and Jamie Pelchat participated in a notable panel, “Practical Tips For Navigating the CFPB’s Human Trafficking Rule.” This session addressed the 2022 amendment to Regulation V by the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, exploring the lack of clear guidance for handling documentation submitted by trafficking victims. Their discussion provided practical strategies and real-life examples for navigating these new regulatory obligations.
I also had the privilege of speaking on the panel “US Government Relations Update,” which offered an in-depth analysis of the current US legislative landscape. My presentation focused on AI and automated decision-making, highlighting the industry’s proactive efforts to shape future AI legislation and regulatory frameworks.
During the conference, the HireRight team also met with representatives from Uber. Their session offered a valuable behind-the-scenes perspective on what end users expect from their background screeners, covering critical issues such as contracting, compliance, and transparency. These insights provided valuable takeaways for enhancing communication and collaboration with end users.
Reflecting on the conference, Jamie Pelchat shared, “Background screening is constantly evolving. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to network with screening professionals and suppliers from across the globe, get the very latest on legislation, regulations, and litigation impacting the industry, gain insight into new technology, and, the icing on the cake, to be able to interact with my HireRight colleagues in person.”
Nicole Campion added, “At this year’s PBSA Annual Conference in Boston, I really enjoyed catching up with colleagues and friends and meeting new people from all aspects of our industry. One of the nice things about these conferences is the ability to connect with other HireRight employees and people from other background screening companies, vendors, law firms, and sometimes even customers. This variety of attendees, along with the many different speakers and educational sessions, makes the conference a great opportunity to share experiences and learn more about what is happening across our industry from different perspectives.”
Throughout the conference, the HireRight team deepened its connections within the industry, gained valuable insights into emerging trends, and engaged with prospective vendors. The days were packed with learning and networking opportunities, extending into the evenings with group dinners and outings alongside industry professionals. Notably, HireRight’s strong presence at the conference demonstrated our leadership and commitment to shaping the future of background screening. Our team members not only attended but also played integral roles within the Association, further solidifying our influence in the industry.
The PBSA Annual Conference continues to be an invaluable platform for professional development and collaboration, and HireRight’s active participation ensures that we remain at the forefront of industry developments.
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Alonzo Martinez
Alonzo Martinez is Associate General Counsel at HireRight, where he supports the company’s compliance, legal research, and thought leadership initiatives in the background screening industry. As a senior contributor at Forbes, Alonzo writes on employment legislation, criminal history reform, pay equity, AI discrimination laws, and the impact of legalized cannabis on employers. Recognized as an industry influencer, he shares insights through his weekly video updates, media appearances, podcasts, and HireRight's compliance webinar series. Alonzo's commitment to advancing industry knowledge ensures HireRight remains at the forefront of creating actionable compliance content.