Attending HR conferences is a great investment for staying up to date with HR trends, networking with peers and experts, and learning about the latest technologies. As you begin to plan your 2026 calendar and review your conference budget, it can be daunting to decide which ones are right for you.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of HR conferences that have caught our attention for next year. The good news is that many offer virtual options, and some are even available for free. With that in mind, why not select a few that align with your goals and professional interests?
In our chronological list, we break down the price, location, whether it’s in-person or virtual, where it’s located, and why you should attend.
If you’re unsure which conferences will bring the most value, the AIHR HR Career Map can help. It shows common HR career paths and the skills needed at each stage, making it easier to choose events that support your next step.
Contents
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
Cannexus26 | January 26-28
Format: In-person and virtual options
Location: Rogers Centre, Ottawa, Canada
Cost: Register to learn more about ticket prices.
Why attend? Celebrating 20 years of Canada’s largest bilingual career and workforce development conference, Cannexus26 will cover current, crucial HR-related topics like employability, engagement, career development and counseling, and cultural curiosity and responsiveness. There will also be a pre-conference workshop on January 25 that includes a national Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) gathering.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
From Day One: Navigating the AI Revolution | January 27
Format: In-person
Location: The Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA, U.S.
Cost: Tickets cost $427.60 (general admission) or $1,999 (service provider) each.
Why attend? Focusing on the theme Navigating the AI Revolution: How HR Leaders Can Make Technology Empowering, this one-day conference will impart practical, peer-led insights on using AI responsibly to improve work and HR outcomes. The agenda will cover real problems HR is tackling now, like burnout and retention, rising benefits costs, recognition and culture, and leading change without breaking trust.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
February
Talent Acquisition Week | February 2-5
Format: In-person
Location: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, San Diego, CA, U.S.
Cost: Ticket prices start at $1,695 each (third early bird).
Why attend? As a long-standing conference, Talent Acquisition Week is the place to be for TA professionals and HR leaders. Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more. Expect expert insights on relevant topics like employer brand and EVP transformation, modernizing talent attraction and EX, practical AI applications in TA, and tools for real-time talent sourcing.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
World HRD Congress | February 16-18
Format: In-person
Location: Taj Lands End, Mumbai, India
Cost: Email [email protected] or use their online registration form to learn more about registration and fees.
Why attend? This year’s theme focuses on the Future of Work and how HR must pay attention to employee health and wellness, technological changes, and employer branding to future-proof itself. With multiple events to take place over the course of the conference, attendees will be able to learn and hear from more than 60 peers and experts from a wide range of globally renowned organizations.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
People Analytics World Conference | February 25-26
Format: In-person
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Cost: Tickets cost CHF695 each.
Why attend? Organized by an international community of professionals, industry leaders, and technology developers dedicated to people analytics, this year’s event will focus on the theme of Driving Productivity and Workforce Optimization with People Data and AI. Conference objectives include strengthening strategic workforce decision-making, demonstrating AI’s productivity impact, and building a scalable people data foundation.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
March
HRcoreLAB’s 14th Summit| March 11-12
Format: In-person
Location: Porta Fira Hotel, Barcelona, Spain
Cost: Early bird tickets cost €1,072.50 each, and regular tickets cost €1,650 each; all tickets are subject to a 21% VAT.
Why attend? The HRcoreLAB Summit features the best speakers from leading organizations at study presentations, fireside chats, interactive sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. This year’s conference will explore how humans and AI systems can collaborate synergistically, leveraging the strengths of each to achieve better outcomes.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
UNLEASH America | March 17-19
Format: In person
Location: Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, NV, U.S.
Cost: Tickets cost $2,995 each for a general attendee pass.
Why attend? Join other HR professionals from around the world and learn from inspirational keynote speakers who will discuss AI, talent strategy, and the future of work. Day one features three UNLEASH Summits (Talent, CHRO, and AI), and you’ll also be able to explore cutting-edge WorkTech, meet the teams behind the tools, and kickstart your 2026 strategy with solutions that are built to deliver.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
Transform US | March 23-25
Format: In-person
Location: Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, U.S.
Cost: All-access conference passes cost $1,695 each for early bird purchases, and $2,795 each at retail price.
Why attend? This three-day conference promises to unite “the world’s most forward-thinking leaders to reimagine the future of people + work”. It will offer hands-on learning, group discussions, and expert speakers, as well as plenty of networking opportunities with people leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and talent partners from around the world.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
HR Vision London | March 25-26
Format: In-person
Location: Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, London, U.K.
Cost: Tickets cost £1,499 (early bird) or £2,499 each (regular tickets).
Why attend? HR leaders from around the world will gather at HR Vision London to explore how the latest advancements in HR technology can empower people and drive business growth. Attendees can look forward to learning about the latest HR analytics, best HR practices, and leadership insights, as well as networking with peers and industry experts.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
i4cp’s Next Practices Now Conference | March 30-April 2
Format: In-person and virtual options
Location: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, AZ, U.S.
Cost: Member tickets are $4,095 each for in-person and $1,295 for virtual; for non-members, tickets are $4,595 and $1,795 each, respectively.
Why attend? This year’s conference will dissect future-ready organizations, as well as the HR strategies and practices that drive them. It will also cover important current topics like HR’s use of AI and the rise of agentic AI, the future of work & HR organizational models, navigating anti-DEI challenges, and organizational culture change. You’ll also be able to network with top HR executives in a vendor-free environment.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
Become a more well-rounded HR professional with AIHR
HR conferences are one way to learn, but courses and certificate programs can also help you develop skills to future-proof your HR career. With AIHR’s Demo Portal and Resource Library, you can:
✅ Unlock all HR resources, templates, and essential guides by signing up
✅ Gain access to playbooks and tools from the AIHR Resource Library
✅ Preview AIHR’s courses and certificate programs to help you decide which one to take.
April
HR Tech Europe | April 22-23
Format: In-person
Location: RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Cost: Tickets start at €230 each; there are also a number of free tickets for HR leaders (see if you qualify here).
Why attend? HR Tech Europe is the region’s leading HR innovation event. It focuses on medium to large enterprises across industries and is committed to driving HR success through innovative technology. Designed for enterprises across all industries, the event is dedicated to its key mission of driving HR success through cutting-edge technology.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
WorkHuman Live | April 27-30
Format: In-person
Location: Gaylord Palms Orlando, Orlando, FL, U.S.
Cost: Ticket prices start at $1,117 per person for teams of five or more, and $1,595 for single general admission. Small groups of two to four can enjoy a discount.
Why attend? This conference brings together HR leaders, top researchers, and thought leaders for insights into sharpening HR skills in compensation and benefits, performance management, employee engagement, learning and development, people analytics, and DEIB. You’ll have access to workshops for structured, hands-on learning, Skills Labs for fast, practical upskilling, and big picture keynotes and panels.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
HCI Spark HR 2026 | April 28-30
Format: In-person and virtual options
Location: St. Pete Beach, FL, U.S.
Cost: Tickets cost $1,795 each between January 1 and March 15, and $1,995 afterwards.
Why attend? This HR conference covers timely topics like HR leadership and strategy, customer service, retention, the multi-generational workforce, AI in HR, and hybrid work culture. You’ll gain valuable insights into best practices for keeping remote workers engaged and productive, fostering intergenerational collaboration, and using AI and DEIB initiatives to personalize and enhance employee interactions.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
HR Technologies UK | April 29-30
Format: In-person
Location: ExCeL London, London, U.K.
Cost: Register your interest to receive updates on ticket prices.
Why attend? HR Technologies UK gives you the chance to meet the technology providers behind anything from full-service HCM systems to small, specific tools on the exhibition floor. You can also gain fresh insights from industry leaders in keynote speeches and seminars. Additionally, you can attend Learning Technologies, Europe’s leading workplace learning event, which will be co-located with HR Technologies UK.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
May
HR Tech Asia 2026 | May 4-7
Format: In-person
Location: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Singapore
Cost: Tickets start at S$40 for a two-day HR personnel Expo Pass (register by January 31).
Why attend? An established HR conference, HR Tech Asia expects thousands of attendees whose main goal is to learn about the latest HR tech and how it can bring their organizations into the future. This conference offers HR professionals of any caliber the opportunity to refine their skills and learn alongside each other.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
CPHR HR Conference & Expo 2026 (British Columbia & Yukon) | May 5-6
Format: In-person
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cost: Tickets cost $699 each for students or retired members, $1,199 for members, and $1,594 for non-members (register by February 17).
Why attend? This HR conference is focused on topics surrounding harmony, reconciliation, DEIB, reducing divisiveness, building a high-performing culture, and overcoming barriers to innovation in the workplace. You’ll get to network with hundreds of peers and fellow HR professionals, access the session recordings on-demand to earn more CPD hours and visit Canada’s largest HR Expo featuring the latest products and services.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
ATD26 | May 17-20
Format: In-person and virtual options
Location: Los Angeles, CA, U.S.
Cost: Tickets cost $595 (virtual) and $2,095 (in-person) for members, and $795 (virtual) and $2,495 (in-person) for non-members.
Why attend? ATD26 will cover multiple learning tracks, including future readiness, instructional design, talent strategy and management, and leadership and management development. You’ll benefit from the expertise of thousands of HR professionals worldwide, make new connections with industry peers, and hear from industry thought leaders and illustrious keynotes.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
Engage Employee Summit 2026 | May 20-21
Format: In-person
Location: Evolution London, London, U.K.
Cost: Register your interest to receive updates on ticket prices.
Why attend? Now in its 11th year, this HR conference hosts a variety of presentations and roundtable sessions. Its comprehensive agenda is packed with case studies from the world’s largest brands and insights from top experts in employee engagement. This year’s speakers represent globally renowned organizations like Google, Nestlé, Gymshark, ASOS, easyJet, Coca-Cola, Starbucks ,and many more.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
June
HRcoreNORDIC | June 3-4
Format: In-person
Location: Copenhagen Marriott Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark
Cost: Ticket prices range from €597.50 (early bird) to €2,950 (vendor/consultant/freelance) each.
Why attend? This HR conference focuses on using Scandinavian best practices to define the future of work. You can expect in-depth looks into a broad range of HR-related subjects from over 30 expert speakers and more than 200 HR professionals representing over 30 countries. You’ll also have access to than 15 case studies from Scandinavian organizations, and workshops and panel discussions on the most pressing topics.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
HR Vision Amsterdam | June 3-4
Format: In-person
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost: Tickets cost €1,499 (early bird) and €2,499 (regular tickets) each.
Why attend? HR Vision Amsterdam aims to deliver inspiration, and funnel ideas and strategic solutions to those shaping the HR landscape. It consistently provides top-level networking and a year-round platform for sharing new insights on the critical HR challenges. This year’s three conference streams include timely topics like modern leadership and L&D strategies and future TA strategies.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
CIPD Festival of Work | June 10-11
Format: In-person
Location: ExCeL London, London, U.K.
Cost: Register your interest to get updates on ticket prices.
Why attend: The CIPD Festival of Work will help you stay ahead of what’s changing in people management through practical sessions, real case studies, and expert speakers. It also allows you to connect with peers, solution providers, and thought leaders, and take back ideas you can apply immediately to improve hiring, performance, retention, and productivity.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
SHRM Annual Conference and Expo 2026 (SHRM26) | June 16-19
Format: In-person and virtual options
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL, U.S.
Cost: Ticket prices start from $2,195 (virtual) and $2,395 (in-person) for members, and $2,595 (virtual) and $2,795 (in-person) for non-members.
Why attend? SHRM offers four days of interactive sessions, panels, seminars, and networking opportunities. This year, SHRM will feature over 375 sessions to choose from, and match attendees who have similar roles and interests via AI-powered recommendations. You’ll also gain insight into AI breakthroughs, evolving regulations, and real-world strategies for navigating a rapidly changing workforce.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
TALENTpro Expofestival | June 17-18
Format: In-person and virtual options
Location: Zenith, Munich, Germany
Cost: Ticket prices range from $48 to $189.
Why attend? The TALENTpro Expo Festival will feature over 60 professional lectures and best practice examples in the areas of HR innovations, digital recruiting, content marketing, storytelling, applicant personas, and learning technologies, as well as nearly 80 exhibitors. You’ll be able to learn from a variety of peers and experts, including AIHR’s Chief Scientist (HR and OD), Dr Dieter Veldsman.
Visit the conference page for more information and to register.
Learn more about AIHR’s Subject Matter experts
Dr Dieter Veldsman, AIHR’s Chief HR Scientist, is a globally recognized expert in HR and organizational psychology and an established thought leader in strategic HR, OD, and the future of work. He has co-authored various books, including Work for Humans: Building Sustainable Employee Experience Strategies.
Read what our experts are saying on Leading HR.
July
28th Annual SIOPSA Conference | July 20-24
Format: Virtual (July 20-21) and in-person (July 22-24)
Location: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
Cost: TBA
Why attend? The Society for Industrial & Organisational Psychology South Africa (SIOPSA) will hold this year’s annual conference with the theme Human + AI: Designing Positive Organizations through Augmented Intelligence, Inclusion, and Wellbeing. It promises to address the question: How can we design organizations where augmented intelligence supports human wellbeing, inclusion, and purpose? The event will also feature abstracts by AIHR’s Dr Dieter Veldsman and Lead SME Dr Marna van der Merwe.
Visit the conference page for more info and to register.
Learn more about AIHR’s Subject Matter experts
Dr Marna van der Merwe, AIHR’s Research & Insights Lead, is an expert in the future of work, HR impact, strategic talent management, career management, EX, and HR skills. Along with Dr Dieter Veldsman, she co-authored Work for Humans: Building Sustainable Employee Experience Strategies.
Read what our experts are saying on Leading HR.
ICAP 2026 | July 21-25
Format: In-person
Location: Firenza Fiera Congress and Exhibition in Center, Florence, Italy
Cost: Ticket prices range from €100 to €1,000.
Why attend? The 31st International Congress of Applied Psychology (ICAP) promises to offer exciting opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and advance the science and practice of applied psychology. You’ll learn the latest applied psychology research on work, wellbeing, behavior, and decision-making, as well as evidence-based practices you can use to improve people outcomes at work. AIHR’s Dr Dieter Veldsman and Lead SME Dr Marna van der Merwe will be among the event’s esteemed speakers.
Visit the conference page for more info and to register.
August
AHRI National Convention & Exhibition 2026 | August 4-6
Format: In-person
Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
Cost: TBA
Why attend? The AHRI (Australian HR Institute) National Convention & Exhibition is the top annual event for Australia’s HR professionals. It brings together HR practitioners, business leaders, and industry experts to discuss and explore the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in HR. This year’s theme will be I AM HR, Hear Me Roar; you can subscribe to get updates on this and other AHRI events.
Visit the conference page for more info and to register.
HR Florida Conference & Expo 2026| August 30-September 2
Format: In-person and virtual options
Location: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL, U.S.
Cost: Conference pass prices range from $125 to $1,149 each.
Why attend? The HR Florida State Council, a state affiliate of SHRM, will present its 48th annual conference under the theme Making Waves: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things. One of the largest HR conferences in the southern U.S., it’s attracted over 2,000 HR professionals and vendors from all over the world. You can network with industry peers and even have the opportunity to earn maximum credits for both the HRCI and SHRM Competencies Certifications.
Visit the conference page for more info and to register.
September
Future of Work USA | September 15-16
Format: In-person
Location: Dallas, TX, U.S.
Cost: Conference pass prices range from $560 to $1,600 each.
Why attend? Future of Work USA is touted as “America’s leading and most influential gathering for HR, people, employee experience, talent, and L&D leaders shaping the future of work. Attendees can get practical strategies from senior leaders on leading change, improving employee experience, and building future-ready skills and leadership in the age of AI.
Visit the conference page for more info and to register.
October
Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo | October 6-8
Format: In-person
Location: ExCeL London, London, UK
Cost: Tickets cost €3,400 (public sector price), €3,850 (early bird price), and €4,400 (standard price). All ticket prices are subject to VAT.
Why attend? This HR conference is an excellent event for CHROs and HR leadership teams. With great success in recent years, breaking through and helping foster innovation, Gartner aims to help CHROs learn new ways to shape their role and the HR function. This year’s event will also cover priorities like building AI into your HR function and workforce strategy, redefining skills success for TA, and forward planning for external volatility.
Visit the conference page for more info and to register.
UNLEASH World 2026 | October 20-22
Format: In-person
Location: Paris Convention Centre, Paris, France
Cost: Register your interest to receive updates on ticket prices.
Why attend? UNLEASH World is one of the world’s most influential HR conferences. It focuses on how the latest HR technology can revolutionize the world of work and features interactivity, connection, discovery, and entertainment. Additionally, the exhibition is now offering HR, recruitment, and learning professionals the opportunity to attend as exhibition visitors — free of charge.
Visit the conference page for more info and to register.
HR Tech Las Vegas | October 20-22
Format: In-person and virtual options
Location: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, U.S.
Cost: TBA
Why attend? For over 25 years, HR Tech has offered quality education and the chance to grow your network by connecting with thousands of like-minded peers and industry experts. You’ll gain invaluable insights from top industry experts and senior HR executives from leading organizations, and get exclusive looks into market trends and the future of work.
Visit the conference page for more info and to register.
November
HR Vision London | November 17-18
Format: In-person
Location: Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, London, U.K.
Cost: Tickets cost £1,499 (early bird) or £2,499 each (regular tickets).
Why attend? This conference features two days of thought-provoking discussions on the future of work, including the latest trends in HR, talent management, and leadership. You’ll also learn how HR analytics and HR tech are revolutionizing people management practices, and even gain exclusive access to a year-round network of HR professionals to connect with.
Visit the conference page for more info and to register.
December
Employee Well-Being | December 7-9
Format: In person
Location: Signia by Hilton Orlando, Orlando, FL, U.S.
Cost: Register your interest to get updates on ticket prices.
Why attend? At this conference, you can examine the complex causes for the decline in workforce well-being, as well as emotional, physical, and financial solutions that will lead to a happier, more productive workforce. Through keynotes, panels, interactive exercises, networking, and case studies, you’ll learn to make smarter and better investments in well-being strategies, practices, and programs.
Visit the conference page for more info and to register.
Over to you
HR conferences, whether virtual or in-person, are an excellent way to learn about best practices in your area of HR, explore how HR can make a tangible business impact, and connect with other HR professionals to share your experiences and develop new ideas.
Enjoy the HR conferences of 2026!
