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A quick Google search turns up more than 100 listed events across the HR industry and its various niches in 2026.
Realistically, you don't have the time, budget, or shoe leather to attend all of them, so you will need to be particular about which ones which provide the most value and ROI to get sign-off. Don't worry, we've walked full the length of the counter for you, to help with your selection.
These are the most essential HR events that you should plan for in 2026. Extra points if you get approval for that mountain retreat....
HR Events 2026
HR Vision New York
Jan 14-15, New York, NY.
What is the future of work? HR Vision New York delves into how Technology is transforming HR and people management, while putting people at the center of it all. Explore the latest trends and best HR practices, digitalization, talent management, leadership, HR analytics, and HR Tech.
Talent Acquisition Week
Feb 2-5, San Diego, CA.
The go-to gathering for TA and HR leaders. Everything from recruitment marketing and candidate engagement to global hiring trends and AI-powered tools. Includes the Social Recruiting Strategies Conference, Employer Brand Strategies Conference, and Talent Sourcing Strategies Summit.
CHRO Summit
Mar 4-6, Orlando, FL.
Hosted by the newly-christened CHRO Association (formerly The HR Policy Association), the CHRO Summit brings together an exclusive network of CHROs and senior HR executives for three days of high-level dialogue, peer exchange, and insights from thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts.
The AI + HI Project
Mar 9-10, San Francisco, CA.
An SHRM event with hands-on tech demos and innovation labs, that explore real-world tools and implementable frameworks. Assess HR-ready AI tools, and learn how they can work effectively to help future-proof your organization.
Unleash America
Mar 17-19, Las Vegas, NV.
Three days of industry experts forecasting and shaping the future of work through keynote speeches, case studies, summits, and closed door conversations for senior leaders.
Transform
Mar 23-25, Las Vegas, NV.
350 speakers, three stages, and four breakout rooms staging more than a 100 sessions covering this year’s theme - The Human + AI Equation: Forging the Next Era of Work.
HR Grapevine Live
Mar 26, London, UK.
The way we work, where we work, and how we work is continuing to change. Make sure you are ready for whatever the future holds by joining HR Grapevine for insights across panel lead sessions, solution-first roundtables, numerous chances to network with other senior HR leaders, and an inspiring keynote speech. Hosted at the modern and luxurious Mermaid at Puddle Dock, London.
HR Grapevine Live 2026
HR Grapevine Live 2026 brings together HR leaders at a moment when economic uncertainty, regulatory change, AI transformation, and persistent talent pressures are making people leadership more complex than ever. In response, this strategic summit creates a focused space where you can step back from day-to-day pressures, learn from real organisational experience, and connect with peers facing the same challenges.
Through expert insight, practical case studies, and curated roundtables, the day is designed to help you make clearer decisions, strengthen your leadership agenda, and leave with a trusted network that extends far beyond the day.
i4cp Next Practices Now Conference
Mar 30 - Apr 2, Scottsdale, AZ.
More of what’s coming next from CEOs, CHROs, and other human capital executives who are operating on the cutting edge, plus researchers from leading universities who are studying what's next, and other HR industry innovators. Also available online.
SHRM Talent
Apr 19-22, Dallas, TX.
Learn how to infuse skills development into your talent management strategy, from sourcing and hiring to engagement and retention.
Rethink HR Tech
Apr 16-17, Chicago, IL.
Key topics for this year’s Rethink include employee benefits trends, using AI to elevate talent acquisition strategies, pre-employment testing, people analytics, and more.
CIPD Festival of Work
Mid-June, London, UK.
An annual CIPD celebration for everyone invested in the value people bring to their work. Leaders come together to solve their own business challenges. People managers explore how to bring out the best intheir teams. For people professionals in all roles.
Future of Work USA
Sep 15-16, Dallas, TX.
Brings together senior leaders from across industries to share ideas, strategies and solutions for the changing world of work.With three dedicated tracks: Change & Transformation, People & Experience, and Learning & Leadership, hear from executives and experts on how to lead organisations through change, improve employee engagement, and build stronger workplaces for the future.
RecFest US
Sep 23-24, Nashville, TN.
The US version of the successful UK outdoor HR event. Keynote speakers and experts, conference content, product demos, tech showcases and networking (so much networking) delivered in a “festival atmosphere” (there’s booze).
LinkedIn Talent Connect
Sep 29-30, New York, NY.
Brings together talent, learning, development, and recruitment professionals to explore innovative solutions and insights that shape the future of work. Features two distinct elements - the Talent Connect Summit, an immersive and invitation-only gathering of HR leaders focused on addressing the pressing challenges in the industry, and the Talent Connect Show, a virtual experience that connects the global talent community online.
Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo
Oct 26-28, Orlando, FL.
More than 6,000 HR execs, over 60 Gartner experts and other commentators, covering priorities like building AI into your HR function and workforce strategy, redefining skills success for talent acquisition and forward planning for external volatility.
Strategic HR
Nov 1-3 Mount Washington, NH.
A mountain retreat for senior HR leaders who operate at the intersection of people strategy and business strategy. Sweaters and marshmallows optional, but recommended.
