Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) Annual Conference in Anaheim, California, and I can honestly sayit was one of the most educational and inspiring events I’ve attended in years. As someone who has been part of this incredible industry for over five decades, it’s always energizing to connect with fellow professionals, colleagues, suppliers, and friends who share the same commitment to advancing the standards, integrity, and innovation within background screening.
From the moment I arrived, proudly wearing my Toronto Blue Jays jersey in LA, there was a palpable sense of enthusiasm. The PBSA team did a phenomenal job bringing together a diverse lineup of high-caliber speakers and sessions that covered everything from evolving compliance requirements and global screening practices to the role of AI and technology in shaping the future of our work. Each session provided valuable takeaways and fresh insights that reaffirmed how much our industry continues to grow and adapt to the changing world of work.
Learning from the Best
One of the things I appreciate most about the PBSA Conferences overall is the depth of expertise among presenters and attendees alike. The sessions weren’t just informational, they were thought-provoking. It was clear that our industry is not standing still. We’re constantly striving to improve processes, enhance accuracy, and ensure that every background check contributes to safer, smarter hiring decisions.
Topics such as data privacy, international screening complexities and AI sparked meaningful discussions about how we can all work together to build more inclusive and compliant hiring practices. The collaboration between screening providers, technology partners, and end users continues to be a driving force for innovation in this field.
Connecting with Peers and Partners
Beyond the sessions, the networking opportunities were invaluable. There is something very special about being surrounded by people who understand the challenges and rewards of what we do every day. Conversations with long-time colleagues and new connections alike reminded me how far we’ve come as an industry—and how important it is to keep learning from one another.
The exhibit hall buzzed with energy, as it showcased the latest solutions, tools, and trends in AI that are shaping the future of background screening. Whether it was exploring new automation technologies, compliance resources, or international screening capabilities, it was clear that our profession continues to evolve at an impressive pace.
Sharing My New Book: Screening for the One
This year’s conference was particularly special for me because it gave me the opportunity to share my new book, Screening for the One: How to Gain an Edge in Your Hiring. The book explores the evolution of the background screening industry from its early days to the highly sophisticated, technology-driven sector it is today.
I wrote Screening for the One to celebrate how far we’ve come as an industry and to help employers understand how screening can be a true competitive advantage in hiring. The PBSA Conference was the perfect setting to introduce it, as so many of the conversations throughout the event echoed the same themes of progress, accountability, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.
Looking Ahead
After spending several days immersed in learning, connecting, and reflecting, I came away with a renewed sense of pride in being part of this profession. It’s clear that the PBSA community is not only committed to maintaining high standards, but also to shaping the future of responsible, ethical, and innovative hiring practices around the world.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to PBSA, for organizing such a meaningful event, as well as a personal thank you to Michelle Leblond of PBSA for leading us on our early morning walks through Disneyland. Conferences like this remind me why I’ve dedicated my career to this industry because what we do truly matters.
As we look to the future, I’m excited to continue the conversations started in Anaheim and to keep championing the importance of thorough, fair, and forward-thinking background screening.