Agenda

Welcome to the 2027 HR Screening, Safety, & Strategy conference, an immersive experience designed to provide invaluable insights into the most pressing topics in the industry today. Tailor your day according to your interests and professional needs!


Event Schedule:
    » 8 AM - 9:30 AM - Registration & Networking
    » 9:30 AM - 5 PM - 24 Educational Sessions
    » 5 PM - 8 PM - Networking & Entertainment

Note: Sessions and topics subject to change and cancellation without prior notice.

AGENDA


time iconJanuary 14, 2027 09:30 am
Room TBD

Description: As employers work around new laws, adapt to emerging workforce trends, and adopt fresh hiring practices, this session takes a timely look at the modern background screening environment and explores what these changes could mean for HR teams across different roles and jurisdictions.


Key Learnings: 

1. Review recent legislative and regulatory developments influencing employment screening.

2. Explore trends involving fair chance hiring, criminal history, multistate requirements, and other areas gaining employer attention.

3. Identify considerations for reviewing screening policies and practices as the hiring environment changes.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Pam Devata
Partner Seyfarth Shaw LLP

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 10:45 am
Room TBD

Description: When background screening results influence an employment decision, the details of the adverse action process matter. This session takes a practical look at the key steps, timing, communications, and common challenges employers should understand to support a consistent and compliant approach.


Key Learnings: 

1. Understand the key steps and timing considerations involved in the pre-adverse and adverse action process.

2. Identify common mistakes and overlooked details that can create compliance risk for employers.

3. Explore practical approaches for improving consistency, documentation, and communication throughout the adverse action process.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Eden Hutchinson
Compliance Investigation Manager DISA Global Solutions

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 12:30 pm
Room TBD

Description: Whether you're new to background screening or simply need a refresher, you need a solid understanding of the FCRA to manage an effective screening program. This session revisits the fundamentals, clarifies employer responsibilities, and reviews the real-world decisions that HR teams make throughout the hiring process.


Key Learnings: 

1. Refresh your understanding of core FCRA terminology, requirements, and employer responsibilities.

2. Understand the major steps and required communications throughout the employment screening process.

3. Explore practical considerations for applying FCRA requirements consistently within your organization's screening program.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Pam Devata
Partner Seyfarth Shaw LLP

speaker headshot

Samin Hessami
Senior Counsel Seyfarth Shaw LLP

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 01:45 pm
Room TBD

Description: Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations think about hiring and employment screening, bringing both new possibilities and new questions. This session explores how AI is being used today, the legal, ethical, and operational considerations surrounding its use, and what HR leaders should be thinking about as the technology and regulatory environment continue to develop.


Key Learnings: 

1. Explore how AI is being used across employment screening and where it may create opportunities for greater efficiency, consistency, and insight.

2. Understand key considerations surrounding AI, including data quality, bias, transparency, privacy, and the evolving legal and regulatory environment.

3. Examine what HR leaders should consider when evaluating AI-enabled screening tools and preparing for the continued evolution of AI in hiring.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Chad Ascar
Director of Compliance Integration DISA Global Solutions

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 03:00 pm

Description: 

Background screening is changing quickly, and HR leaders are navigating new regulations, workforce expectations, technologies, and business demands along the way. This interactive roundtable brings together industry perspectives for a candid discussion about the challenges organizations are facing today, how they’re responding, and the priorities likely to shape employment screening in the years ahead.


Key Learnings: 

1. Explore the most pressing challenges HR and screening professionals are facing today, from changing regulations to evolving workforce expectations.

2. Hear different perspectives on how organizations are responding to screening challenges, balancing compliance, consistency, and business needs.

3. Identify the trends and priorities likely to shape the next chapter of employment screening and the issues organizations should keep on their radar.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Morgan Reynolds
Vice President, Risk/Legal Counsel DISA Global Solutions

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 04:15 pm
Room TBD

Description: The legal responsibilities of safety professionals now extend well beyond OSHA compliance. This session examines five emerging employment law developments (workplace violence prevention, accommodation obligations, retaliation, off-duty conduct, and evolving federal enforcement priorities) that are creating new risks for employers. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to reduce liability while fostering a safer, more compliant workplace.


Key Learnings: 

1. Identify the five employment law trends creating the greatest legal and operational risks for workplace safety professionals.

2. Evaluate how evolving laws governing workplace violence, accommodations, retaliation, and employee conduct affect safety policies and day-to-day decision making.

3. Implement practical compliance strategies to strengthen safety programs, improve documentation, reduce litigation risk, and promote a legally compliant workplace culture.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Joe Beachboard
Chief Concierge Attorney Beachboard Consulting Group

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 09:30 am
Room TBD

Description: The drug landscape continues to evolve and test current workplace safety and drug testing programs. This session explores emerging substances, recent data and trends, and how insights from industry research and law enforcement help identify developments that may impact employers.


Key Learnings: 

1. Examine emerging drug trends, including synthetic cannabinoids, kratom, fentanyl, and evolving opioid use.

2. Explore how industry data and cross-sector partnerships help identify new patterns.

3. Discuss considerations for workplace drug testing and safety programs as trends evolve.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

David J. Kuntz PhD, F-ABFT
Executive Director - Toxicology Analytical CRL/FormFox

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 10:45 am
Room TBD

Description: A strong workplace safety program starts with a thoughtful approach to drug testing. This session explores today's testing considerations, including current drug trends, testing methodologies, policy decisions, and the factors organizations evaluate when designing effective workplace programs..


Key Learnings: 

1. Review current positivity trends and emerging workplace risk indicators.

2. Examine testing strategies, including panel selection, methodologies, and timing across common testing scenarios.

3. Explore policy considerations related to multi-state requirements, marijuana, DOT and non-DOT programs, and communication practices.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Brady Quarles
Vice President of Industrial Sales DISA Global Solutions

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 12:30 pm
Room TBD

Description: Marijuana policy continues to evolve at the federal and state levels, which has created new issues that employers need to think about. This session examines recent policy developments, including rescheduling discussions and the potential impact of legislative and regulatory changes on workplace drug testing programs.


Key Learnings: 

1. Review recent federal and state marijuana policy developments.

2. Explore how policy changes may influence workplace drug testing considerations.

3. Discuss strategies for monitoring change while supporting compliant workplace programs.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Faye Caldwell
Managing Partner Caldwell Everson PLLC

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 01:45 pm
Room TBD

Description: More than 40 million workplace substance abuse tests are conducted each year, and approximately 12% of those tests are conducted in accordance with federal/Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. It's clear that workplace drug & alcohol screening compliance goes far beyond federal/DOT regulations; join us as we dive into state-specific rules for non-regulated (non-DOT) workplace drug testing. We will provide an understanding of the 'nature' of states where drug testing rules are mandatory or voluntary, along with the complexities and oddities of drug testing laws. As the legal landscape for employers evolves, we will cover how drug testing requirements, methodologies, and trending program strategies are being swiftly implemented in response. 


Key Learnings: 

1. Overview of workplace drug testing state Laws.

2. The importance of policies, procedures, and job descriptions.

3. Latest testing strategies, methodologies, and employer actions.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

William J. Judge, JD, LL.M.
Co-founder, Senior Research Attorney Drug Screening Compliance Institute (DSCI)

speaker headshot

Nick Hartman
Co-founder & Managing Partner Drug Screening Compliance Institute (DSCI)

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 03:00 pm
Room TBD

Description: Hair and urine testing each provide a different view of potential substance use, which means an employer's choice of methodology is an important part of their workplace drug testing strategy. This session takes a deeper look at industry research, positivity data, detection windows, and practical applications to explore how the two methodologies can work independently or together in safety-sensitive environments.


Key Learnings: 

1. Understand how hair and urine testing differ in detection windows, use cases, and substances identified.

2. Review industry data and research comparing testing outcomes and positivity trends.

3. Examine where a dual-method approach may help address detection gaps and how employers can evaluate whether it fits their program.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Shannon Shoemaker
Chief Revenue Officer Psychemedics Corporation

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 04:15 pm
Room TBD

Description: The drug testing landscape continues to shift as regulations, workplace expectations, and industry practices evolve. This session provides an overview of current developments, highlights key topics shaping the industry, and explores what employers should be monitoring in the months ahead.


Key Learnings: 

1. Review recent developments influencing workplace drug testing.

2. Examine regulatory, operational, and industry trends shaping employer programs.

3. Explore considerations for maintaining effective and compliant testing strategies.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Jo McGuire
Executive Director National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 09:30 am
Room TBD

Description: This session provides a comprehensive overview of FMCSA driver qualification requirements and best practices for maintaining compliance. Designed for safety managers, compliance professionals, and fleet operators responsible for hiring and managing commercial drivers, the presentation covers essential regulatory standards, including Driver Qualification (DQ) file requirements, Commercial Driver License standards, medical certification, motor vehicle record (MVR) monitoring, and safety performance history. It also highlights common compliance gaps, common violations, disqualifying factors, and audit expectations, while offering practical strategies to ensure drivers remain qualified throughout their employment lifecycle. Attendees will gain actionable insights for building, maintaining, and auditing a fully compliant and defensible driver qualification program.


Key Learnings: 

1. Driver Qualification is a Regulatory Foundation: Meeting FMCSA requirements (Parts 391 and 383) is essential for safety, legal compliance, and operational integrity. It also helps in litigation.

2. Documentation and Monitoring Are Critical: Maintaining complete DQ files, conducting annual MVR reviews, and tracking medical certifications are essential to staying audit-ready.

3. Proactive Management Prevents Risk: Ongoing oversight (including Clearinghouse checks, requalification processes, review of violation trends, and internal audits) helps identify issues early and avoid costly violations.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Juan J. Moya
Director of Motor Carrier and Pipeline Services Current Consulting Group LLC

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 10:45 am
Room TBD

Description: Changes in transportation policy often have direct implications for the people and programs responsible for keeping fleets safe and compliant. The American Trucking Associations will provide a timely look at federal regulatory priorities, driver qualification requirements, drug and alcohol testing, safety technologies, and what these developments mean for motor carriers.


Key Learnings: 

1. Review federal policy and regulatory issues shaping trucking safety and compliance.

2. Explore current developments involving driver qualifications, drug and alcohol testing, and safety technologies.

3. Connect regulatory developments to practical considerations for screening, training, qualification management, and workplace policies.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Brenna Lyles
Vice President of Safety Policy American Trucking Associations

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 12:30 pm
Room TBD

Description: The trucking industry is evolving faster than ever, driven by emerging technologies, changing workforce dynamics, and shifting market trends. In this session, we'll explore the importance of continuous learning and curiosity as tools for personal and professional growth. Attendees will gain insights into key industry developments, discover how technology is transforming operations, and learn how culture influences success across organizations. Whether you're new to trucking or a seasoned professional, this session will help you stay informed, adaptable, and prepared for the road ahead.


Key Learnings: 

1. Recognize the Trends Shaping Trucking's Future

2. Embrace Technology as a Competitive Advantage

3. Understand the Importance of Culture and Continuous Learning


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Christy Choice
Professional Services Consultant Tenstreet LLC

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 01:45 pm
Room TBD

Description: 

What are transportation leaders seeing on the ground, and how are they responding? This roundtable brings together industry voices to discuss the challenges, priorities, and changing demands shaping DOT-regulated transportation programs, with perspectives on compliance, safety, workforce needs, and the issues that may influence what comes next.


Key Learnings: 

1. Explore the issues and challenges currently shaping DOT-regulated transportation programs.

2. Hear perspectives on how industry peers are approaching compliance, safety, workforce, and operational priorities.

3. Discuss developing trends and considerations transportation leaders should keep on their radar.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Chris Eichenberg
VP of Transportation Sales DISA Global Solutions

speaker headshot

Steven Spencer
SVP of Corporate Strategy DISA Global Solutions

speaker headshot

Juan J. Moya
Director of Motor Carrier and Pipeline Services Current Consulting Group LLC

speaker headshot

Brenna Lyles
Vice President of Safety Policy American Trucking Associations

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 03:00 pm
Room TBD

Description: 

Finding and keeping quality drivers remains one of the most critical challenges in transportation, and if your recruiting and retention strategy looks the same as it did five years ago, you’re already behind.


In this session, we'll unpack the latest data and trends shaping today's driver market, including recruiting performance benchmarks, qualified driver lead source trends, driver sentiment research, and retention insights from carriers across the industry. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what's changing in the market and how leading carriers are adapting their recruiting and retention strategies to stay competitive.


We'll also explore how carriers are leveraging artificial intelligence, automation, and modern recruitment marketing strategies to work smarter, from improving candidate engagement and response times to optimizing advertising performance, enhancing the driver experience, and identifying opportunities to improve retention. Through real-world examples and case studies, attendees will see how technology is helping recruiting and retention teams do more with less while delivering measurable results.


Whether you're focused on filling seats, reducing turnover, or preparing for the future of driver workforce management, you'll leave with actionable insights, practical takeaways, and data-driven strategies you can immediately apply to recruit smarter and retain better.


Key Learnings: 

1. Understand the latest data, benchmarks, and trends shaping today's truck driver recruiting and retention landscape.

2. Analyze driver sentiment and retention trends to better understand the factors influencing driver attraction, engagement, and turnover.

3. Explore how carriers are leveraging AI, including custom AI agents, AI search visibility tools, automation, and recruitment marketing technology, to attract qualified drivers, improve candidate engagement, optimize recruiting performance, and strengthen retention outcomes.


Location: Coming Soon


speaker headshot

Marilyn Surber
Executive Advisor, Growth & Strategic Partnerships

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 04:15 pm
Room TBD

Description: Today's carriers face a complex mix of operational, financial, and security challenges. Drawing from industry research and market insights, this session highlights key trends shaping the transportation landscape and what they mean for business leaders.


Key Learnings: 

1. Review transportation research and emerging industry benchmarks.

2. Explore trends affecting operational costs, cargo security, and insurance.

3. Discuss how data supports informed decision making across transportation organizations.

speaker headshot

Dr. Alex Leslie
Senior Research Associate American Transportation Research Institute

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 09:30 am
Room TBD

Description: Mission-critical industries (e.g., oil & gas, utilities, power generation, and data centers) are competing for a limited skilled workforce. As contractor and vendor networks grow, inconsistent compliance processes create unnecessary costs, project delays, and safety risks. This session shares industry best practices for building a streamlined compliance program that strengthens workforce readiness, reduces administrative burden, and helps critical projects stay on schedule.


Key Learnings: 

1. Identify where compliance gaps create operational, financial, and safety risks.

2. Learn how standardized validation processes reduce duplicate testing, paperwork, and onboarding delays.

3. Build a scalable compliance framework that supports workforce growth without compromising safety.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Tim Jenney
President Team Companies

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 10:45 am
Room TBD

Description: 

Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in HR systems and decision-making processes. This session helps HR professionals move beyond AI buzzwords to understand how AI is currently used across the employee lifecycle and what it means for compliance, ethics, and workforce strategy.


Participants will explore practical HR use cases for AI, examine associated risks such as bias and data privacy, and learn how to evaluate AI tools responsibly. The session emphasizes a human-centered approach, ensuring AI enhances (not replaces) sound HR judgment and leadership.


Key Learnings: 

1. Define artificial intelligence as it applies to common HR functions and tools.

2. Recognize potential risks of AI in HR, including bias, data privacy, and compliance concerns.

3. Apply a human-centered framework to determine appropriate AI use in HR decision-making.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Ciera Parks
CEO CWC HR Solutions & Training

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 12:30 pm
Room TBD

Description: 

Most HR professionals didn’t get into HR because they love the minutiae of federal and state employment law regulations.


Yet many teams are making high-stakes decisions every day that impact how compliant (and at-risk) their company is.


Learning how to view HR issues through a lawyerly lens is a powerful skill to add to your tool belt. Join SixFifty legal experts for an engaging session on how to do just that—no law degree required!

Key Learnings: 

1. Learn how to spot common compliance danger zones before they become fines and lawsuits

2. Understand what's required to make confident, defensible HR decisions as it relates to employment law

3. Get best practices for doing efficient legal research without getting lost in jargon


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Ryan Parker
Chief Legal Officer SixFifty Technologies, LLC

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 01:45 pm
Room TBD

Description: This engaging session is focused on empowering professionals to effectively lead change even when they are not the ultimate decision-makers. The session emphasizes the importance of influence over authority, highlighting strategies to build trust, credibility, and collaboration across the organization. Participants will learn how to align HR initiatives with business priorities, communicate solutions in terms of operational impact, and leverage data and employee insights to strengthen recommendations. By positioning themselves as strategic partners and effective communicators, HR professionals can guide leadership through change, foster alignment, and support successful implementation of organizational initiatives.


Key Learnings: 

1. Identify practical techniques to influence organizational change without formal decision-making authority.

2. Develop strategies to build trust, credibility, and collaboration with key stakeholders.

3. Apply methods for aligning HR recommendations with business priorities and operational outcomes.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Mallory Herrin
CEO & Principal HR Consultant HerrinHR

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 03:00 pm
Room TBD

Description: Occupational health programs play an important role in supporting workplace safety, compliance, and employee well-being across safety-sensitive industries. This session explores how requirements differ across DOT-regulated, industrial, and healthcare environments, and the considerations shaping occupational health programs today.


Key Learnings: 

1. Compare occupational health requirements across DOT, industrial, and healthcare settings.

2. Understand the factors influencing occupational health program design.

3. Explore the role of occupational health in supporting safe and productive workplaces.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Kim Olszewski
Former President, AAOHN & Director Medical Services DISA Global Solutions

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 04:15 pm
Room TBD

Description: From hiring through ongoing workforce management, organizations face a wide range of screening, safety, and compliance needs. This session provides an overview of DISA's integrated solutions and explores how they work together to support organizations across the workforce lifecycle.


Key Learnings: 

1. Gain an overview of DISA's workforce screening, compliance, and occupational health solutions.

2. Explore how integrated services support organizations throughout the employee lifecycle.

3. Understand how a connected approach helps simplify workforce management.


Location: Coming Soon

speaker headshot

Colin Woods
Chief Strategy Officer DISA Global Solutions

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 01:20 pm

David Mitzner Room

Between scheduled sessions, join us in the David Mitzner Room for a dedicated networking window specifically for Compliance Leaders. This time is set aside to step away from the main program, connect with peers, and have focused conversations with professionals who share similar roles, challenges, and priorities.


Come exchange insights, compare approaches, and build relationships with others navigating the same work. Whether you are looking to pressure-test ideas, learn how peers handle emerging issues, or expand your professional network, this time is intentionally structured to support meaningful connections without competing session content.

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 03:50 pm
David Mitzner Room

David Mitzner Room

Between scheduled sessions, join us in the David Mitzner Room for a dedicated networking window for HR Leadership (Directors, VPs, CHROs). This time is set aside to step away from the main program, connect with peers, and have focused conversations with professionals who share similar roles, challenges, and priorities.


Come exchange insights, compare approaches, and build relationships with others navigating the same work. Whether you are looking to pressure-test ideas, learn how peers handle emerging issues, or expand your professional network, this time is intentionally structured to support meaningful connections without competing session content.

time iconJanuary 14, 2027 02:35 pm
David Mitzner Room

David Mitzner Room

Between scheduled sessions, join us in the David Mitzner Room for a dedicated networking window specifically for Recruiters, Onboarding, and Talent Leaders. This time is set aside to step away from the main program, connect with peers, and have focused conversations with professionals who share similar roles, challenges, and priorities.


Come exchange insights, compare approaches, and build relationships with others navigating the same work. Whether you are looking to pressure-test ideas, learn how peers handle emerging issues, or expand your professional network, this time is intentionally structured to support meaningful connections without competing session content.