Top HR conferences for 2026

HR conferences in 2026 promise to tackle some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Among other things, attendees can expect to hear about recent policy developments, compliance challenges and, of course, artificial intelligence.

Many events offer standard conference sessions, and some also feature case studies, expositions and networking opportunities. There are a wide variety of industry-specific events planned as well for fields like education, manufacturing and construction.

Top HR conferences in 2026

Talent Acquisition Week

Feb. 2-5
San Diego, California

This conference promises to help talent acquisition professionals implement AI tools while also putting the heart and humanity back into talent attraction with strategies for candidate experience and inclusive hiring.

People in Healthcare Summit

Feb. 25-26
Phoenix, Arizona

This summit will bring HR and healthcare leaders together for two days of networking and learning on topics ranging from the workforce shortage to integrating new technologies.

Unleash America Conference & Expo

March 17-19
Las Vegas, Nevada

Billing itself the “International Festival of HR,” Unleash America will cover AI, skills, well-being and leadership.

NELI Employment Law Briefing

March 22-25
Naples, Florida

This is an advanced-level program for attorneys and human resource professionals that will analyze legal developments and their practical application and implications in the workplace.

Transform

March 23-25
Las Vegas, Nevada

Transform says it sits at the intersection of technology and the diverse community shaping the future of the workplace. The event features three days of progressive programming, curated connections and innovative technology.

CUPA-HR Spring Conference

March 29-31
Louisville, Kentucky

Last year's edition of this three-day conference for college and university HR professionals featured programming on topics such as artificial intelligence and encouraging empathetic leadership in college- and university-specific settings.

Labor & Employment Law Advanced Practices Conference

April 8-10
Las Vegas, Nevada

The annual labor law conference is poised to tackle the most important employment law challenges. Organizers say it’s ideal for public-sector, private or government HR employees, and even managers.

DMEC Compliance Conference

April 13-16
St. Louis, Missouri

Attendees will network and advance their knowledge in complying with state and federal laws dealing with leave and accommodation.

Rethink HR Tech

April 15-17
Chicago, Illinois

AI-powered recruiting, automated talent management systems and workforce analytics will all be on the schedule at this technology-focused HR conference.

WorldatWork Total Rewards

April 19-22
San Antonio, Texas

In previous years, this conference has covered culture, pay equity, emerging regulations, transparency and sustainability.

SHRM Talent

April 19-22
Dallas, Texas

SHRM's conference for talent managers promises to help them "revolutionize" strategy with a focus on skills development, advancing technology and AI.

WorkHuman Live

April 27-30
Orlando, Florida

Workhuman calls its conference "a transformative four-day experience that helps HR champions and business and people leaders take a holistic approach to solving work challenges."

HR in Hospitality Conference

April 30-May 1
Hollywood, Florida

Produced by Cornell University, this conference features speakers who work in HR at leading hotels as well as employment law attorneys who focus on the hospitality industry.

HRO Today Forum North America

May 6-8
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This conference will "bring together HR leaders, practitioners, technology experts, and innovators" to focus on the future of North American and global business.

California HR Conference

May 11-13
Anaheim, California

This state-tailored conference promises to help attendees “navigate California’s notoriously complex regulations.”

HR Data Analytics and AI Summit

May 12-13
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This two-day conference promises to provide the latest insights and developments where HR meets data analytics and artificial intelligence.

Payroll Congress Convention & Expo

May 12-15
Nashville, Tennessee

Attendees can choose from more than 100 workshops, as well as general sessions, networking events and an expo.

ATD International Conference & Expo

May 17-20
Los Angeles, California

L&D professionals will share best practices and discuss industry trends. Attendees also can network with peers and visit the expo floor.

LEAP HR: Life Sciences West

May 19-21
San Diego, California

HR leaders in the life sciences industry will gather to hear others' stories, engage in Q&A and develop action plans to bring back to their companies.

LEAP HR: Manufacturing Total Workforce

May 19-21
Austin, Texas

The summit focuses on connecting senior HR leaders in manufacturing as they tackle unprecedented disruption.

Leap HR: Healthcare

May 27-28
Nashville, Tennessee

Among other topics, HR pros in healthcare will focus on AI and digital transformation, difficult labor shortages and skill-building in 2026.

The Conference Board CHRO Summit

June 3
Chicago, Illinois

The annual in-person summit is exclusively for CHROs and will address strategy, AI transformation, leadership development and more.

SHRM Annual Conference

June 16-19
Orlando, Florida

This large-scale, annual conference promises to explore the latest HR trends and provide insight that supports HR professionals’ daily tasks.

LEAP HR: Higher Education

June 24-25
Nashville, Tennessee

This event will feature case studies from public and private higher education institutions with practical solutions to help HR professionals in the industry revitalize retention strategy, foster a culture of well-being and engagement and rebrand the HR function.

NCDA Global Career Development Conference

June 30-July 2
Minneapolis, Minnesota

This conference caters to career development practitioners, facilitators, counselor educators, counselors, and specialists; a business constituency group participates as well.

DMEC Annual Conference

Aug. 3-6
Nashville, Tennessee

This conference aims to provide strategies to elevate absence and disability management programs.

Future of Work USA

Sept. 15-16
Dallas, Texas

From workplace design to upskilling, Future of Work aims to tackle every aspect of future work.

HRO Today Talent Acquisition Summit

Sept. 15-16
Atlanta, Georgia

The 2025 conference promised a dive deep into cutting-edge strategies for recruiting top-tier talent.

CHRO Forum South

Sept. 16
Atlanta, Georgia

This CHRO roundtable will involve discussions and networking for HR leaders in the Southern U.S.

HRWest

Fall
California

This conference covers topics like talent, HR technology, compliance and DEIB.

CUPA-HR Annual Conference & Expo

Oct. 4-6
TBD

The three-day conference for HR leaders in higher education in 2025 planned to explore the impact of AI on HR, rising workplace incivility and breakout sessions on subjects such as leadership development, employee engagement and financial stability.

CHRO Forum Midwest

Oct. 5
Chicago, Illinois

This CHRO roundtable will involve discussions and networking for HR leaders in the Midwest region.

HCI Spark Talent

Oct. 6-8
Disney Springs, Florida

Last year's conference advertised the opportunity to answer the most critical questions about what it takes to plan, adapt and acquire the workforce of the future.

LEAP HR: Life Sciences East

Oct. 8-10
Boston, Massachusetts

Among other things, attendees of this conference will connect with other professionals in biopharma responsible for attracting, retaining and developing talent.

HRSouthwest

Oct. 11-13
Fort Worth, Texas

This conference is a large regional event. It advertises learning opportunities and networking alongside an expo floor.

HR Technology Conference and Exhibition

Oct. 20-22
Las Vegas, Nevada

HR Tech is known for its expo hall and learning sessions based on developments in HR technology and how it intertwines with talent management and beyond.

AfroTech

Nov. 2-6
Houston, Texas

2025 sessions included focus on AI and Black-led innovation across numerous industries, including tech and healthcare.

ABA Labor and Employment Law Conference

Nov. 4-7
Washington, D.C.

An annual showcase for labor and employment law, the event routinely books speakers including high-profile attorneys, academics and federal agency leaders. The 2025 event featured the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Kalpana Kotagal and staff for the National Labor Relations Board, among others.

NELI Employment Law Conference

Nov. 5-6
Coronado, California

The two-day conference focuses on significant pending legislative and regulatory changes in addition to annual updates. Attendees can expect programming on laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act as well as federal agencies such as EEOC.