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The Most Important HR Events of 2026 (By Region + Virtual)
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February 13, 2026
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If 2025 was the year HR started redefining its role in the age of AI, 2026 is where strategy meets execution. Across the globe, HR leaders are coming together to tackle workforce transformation, skills disruption, people analytics, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology.
Here’s a regional breakdown of the most important HR events & conferences in 2026 based on scale, audience, and strategic relevance.
irtual events allow HR teams to learn from thought‑leaders, discover new tools and network with peers without the cost and logistics of travel. Here are five major virtual HR events in 2026 that deliver high‑quality content and broad access, based on evidence from official sources.
Overview: This is an exclusive live webinar for organizations that want to implement the OKR methodology. OKR expert and founder of "How to OKR" Hannes Albrecht will be delivering an interactive workshop on implementing OKRs the right way. This workshop will be followed by a live demo of how you can put the theory into practice using the right software inside Microsoft Teams
Date & Format: February 26th - Live Webinar over Microsoft Teams
Why attend: This is a must-attend for anyone considering implementing OKRs in their organization. Starting off the right way will ensure your team stays aligned throughout their OKR journey.
Overview: The event agenda brings together more than 15 international speakers to explore how employee engagement, leadership development and people analytics drive sustainable performance. Sessions cover topics such as hybrid work, wellbeing, AI in HR and the future role of HR.
Date & Format: March 17, 2026. A full‑day virtual conference accessible worldwide. Free registration is open.
Why attend: This event offers a comprehensive view of the people‑success discipline. It’s targeted at HR leaders, people‑operations teams and business decision‑makers, providing practical case studies and actionable insights.
Overview: SHRM26 is the world’s largest HR conference. The virtual pass lets attendees watch hundreds of sessions on compliance, leadership, HR technology and culture in real time and network through discussion groups and AI‑powered matchmaking.
Date & Format: June16–19,2026. In‑person in Orlando but with a virtual‑only pass that livestreams sessions and provides on‑demand access for 30 days.
Why attend: For HR professionals who cannot travel, the virtual pass delivers the same programming and networking benefits. Participants can customize their learning journey and access recorded sessions for a month after the conference.
Overview: This free conference invites HR professionals to reconnect with the human side of their work. It features global thought‑leaders and HR practitioners discussing topics such as empathy, resilience, AI in HR, cross‑generational collaboration and strategic business alignment. Attendees can earn up to five HRCI and SHRM recertification credits.
Date & Format: April 23,2026, 8:45a.m.–4:00p.m.CT. A full‑day virtual summit.
Why attend: HRUnboxed emphasizes purpose, engagement and community. Participants can network with peers worldwide, join live chats and access on‑demand recordings. The series also offers shorter LunchBox sessions in October that delve into AI, strategy and generational collaboration.
Overview: The conference theme “HRUnbound” explores HR’s transition from administrative support to strategic driver. Sessions address AI, workplace norms, conflict resolution, workforce planning and communication. The virtual option delivers the same content for remote participants and provides HRCI/SHRM credits.
Date & Format: June2,2026. Held at the Brookfield Conference Center in Wisconsin with a concurrent virtual event via Zoom.
Why attend: This hybrid format allows attendees to engage in keynote presentations and breakout sessions without leaving home. The agenda emphasizes practical strategies for elevating HR’s influence and adapting to fast‑changing workplaces.
The United States hosts several of the world’s biggest human‑resources gatherings. 2026’s U.S. events highlight the fusion of human‑centered leadership with AI‑driven innovation. The conferences below draw thousands of HR and people‑strategy leaders and cover topics from employee engagement and technology to future‑of‑work ethics.
Overview: UNLEASH America markets itself as a global meeting point where HR and business leaders “shape the future of work.” The event description states that UNLEASH brings together HR leaders to do business and discover inspirational stories that change how organisations think about HR and innovation, and it will return to Las Vegas in 2026 with a bigger and more ambitious programme.
Venue & dates: Caesars Forum Conference Center, Las Vegas; March 17–19 2026unleash.ai.
Why attend: Over three days, the conference features visionary keynotes, case studies and an expo of work‑tech solutionsunleash.ai. It appeals to HR professionals looking for inspiration and practical tools to reinvent their organisations.
Overview: Branded “The Human + AI Equation,” Transform 2026 brings together HR leaders, technologists, investors and startup founders to redesign work in the age of artificial intelligence. The main page invites leaders to “lead the transformation in the age of AI” and notes that more than 4,000 attendees, 100 investors, 500 startups, and 350 world‑class speakers will participate. Sessions explore AI + humanity, health & wellbeing, culture & belonging, performance re‑imagine,d and leading at the edge.
Venue & dates: Wynn Las Vegas; March 23–25 2026
Why attend: The conference balances technology discussion with human‑centred themes, giving attendees exposure to cutting‑edge tools and thought leadership on trust, productivity and ethics. Networking events bring together investors and startups alongside HR executives.
Overview: Workhuman Live positions itself as “the best HR conference of 2026” and features four days of sessions focused on human‑centred leadership and recognition strategies. The event includes a moderated conversation with former First Lady Michelle Obama and workshops on building people‑first workplaces.
Venue & dates: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, USA; April 27–30 2026.
Why attend: Participants hear from celebrity speakers and workplace thinkers, experience interactive workshops and networking events, and receive meals and app access with admission. The conference mixes motivational storytelling with actionable strategies for recognition, inclusion and engagement.
Overview: The Society for Human Resource Management’s annual gathering is the largest HR conference in the world. SHRM26 provides a blend of strategic programming and practical sessions: the official site notes that the event delivers insight into AI, regulation, talent and culture and encourages participants to “experience the insights, conversations and connections that set leaders apart”. Attendees can earn more than 28 professional development credits (PDCs) and choose a tailored learning path.
Venue & dates: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida; June 16–19 2026.
Why attend: Reasons to attend include relevant programming, a global networking community and a large expo of HR solutions. The conference emphasises staying ahead of emerging HR trends and shaping the future of work.
Overview: HR Tech 2026 is the world’s largest HR‑technology expo. The conference combines a marketplace of nearly 500 technology providers with educational sessions on the future of HR technology. An expandable section on the site notes that attendees get hands‑on with the latest solutions and “compare solutions and get answers quickly – all in one place”. The event attracts technology vendors and HR executives who want to evaluate HRIS, AI‑powered recruiting tools, people analytics platforms, and emerging work‑tech innovations.
Venue & dates: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada; October 20–22 2026
Why attend: HR Tech offers deep‑dive sessions, case‑study presentations, Women in HR Tech programming and a community that helps HR leaders benchmark technology investments. The expo environment allows attendees to save months of research by comparing solutions on site.
The MENA region hosts several fast‑growing HR events that explore workforce nationalisation, digital transformation and leadership in a rapidly changing region.
Overview: Organised by ETHRWorld, the summit convenes 450+ HR leaders and 35+ speakers under the theme “Innovate, Adapt, Lead: HR at the Heart of Business Transformation”. Sessions explore how HR leaders can drive organisational transformation amid AI, automation and changing employee expectations.
Venue & dates: Dusit Thani Hotel, Dubai; February 12 2026.
Why attend: The summit includes conference sessions, an HR Icon Awards ceremony, an expo and networking opportunities. It emphasises strategic HR leadership and fosters collaboration across the Middle East.
Overview: HRSE KSA offers Saudi Arabia’s premier HR gathering with 4,500+ HR professionals, 120+ expert speakers and 60+ sessions over four dynamic content stages. The event explores Saudisation policies, AI adoption, leadership and large‑scale transformation.
Venue & dates: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Certified workshops run June 21–22 with the main conference and exhibition June 23–24 2026.
Why attend: The conference combines workshops, an expo and awards to showcase best practices and innovations shaping the kingdom’s HR landscape. Delegates can network with public and private‑sector leaders and share insights on nationalisation and future‑ready talent.
Overview: The eighth edition of SHRM MENA aims to “lead the work evolution” by integrating HR and technology. It brings together global and regional leaders for three days of learning with 50+ speakers, 15+ learning hours, 2,500+ HR & tech leaders, 30+ knowledge sessions and 100+ CXOs.
Venue & dates: Dubai; September 15–17 2026.
Why attend: Topics include AI integration, people analytics and agile leadership. The conference offers workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities for HR professionals seeking human‑centred, tech‑driven strategies.
Overview: Dubbed the region’s largest HR festival, HRSE Dubai hosts 5,500+ HR professionals, 125+ speakers, 120+ HR sessions and 70+ global exhibitors across multiple stages. It combines a strategic conference, training workshops, a multi‑track expo and an awards gala.
Venue & dates: Za’abeel 5 & 6, Dubai World Trade Centre; October 14–15 2026.
Why attend: The event covers topics including AI‑enabled HR, employee wellbeing, leadership and people analytics. Attendees can customise their agenda across content stages and connect with exhibitors from around the world.
Overview: Billed as the UAE’s most influential Emiratisation and career festival, Tawdheef × Zaheb connects national talent with employers. The event features 100+ employers, workshops, training sessions, career‑advice clinics, networking and cultural activities.
Venue & dates: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi; November 17–19 2026.
Why attend: Emirati professionals and students can meet public‑ and private‑sector employers, attend professional‑development workshops and engage with industry leaders. The event supports national workforce policies and offers direct hiring opportunities.
Asia’s HR calendar combines large tech‑focused expos with strategic summits exploring AI, wellbeing and the future of work. These events attract participants from across the Asia–Pacific region and beyond.
Overview: Under the theme “Orchestrating Growth With A Human Edge,” TechHR brings leaders together to harmonise technology, talent and business priorities. The conference features interactive workshops, C‑suite huddles, think‑tank debates and TechHR Lighthouse talks on AI governance, ESG imperatives and workforce transformation.
Venue & dates: Conference & Exhibition – March 26 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore; workshops and study tours – March 27 2026.
Why attend: Participants gain actionable insights on balancing human values with technological acceleration, network with regional leaders and preview HR technology solutions.
Overview: The third HR WorkTech Summit APAC brings together 200+ HR innovators, decision‑makers and influencers across Southeast Asia. Sessions address AI‑ready organisations, wellness and benefits, AI‑enabled talent management, Gen Z learning, HR analytics, digital workplaces and women in HR tech.
Venue & dates: Dusit Thani Laguna, Singapore; April 9 2026.
Why attend: Attendees can explore a mini exhibition of tech solutions, participate in expert‑led panels and collaborate with peers on the future of HR technology and work culture.
Overview: Marketed as Asia’s premier HR‑technology event, HR Tech Festival Asia 2026 offers a four‑day program of dynamic talks, workshops and site tours. The organisers expect 5,000+ attendees, 110+ sessions, 120+ speakers and 130+ exhibitors. Topics include employee wellbeing, organisational agility, AI breakthroughs and integration of work‑tech solutions.
Venue & dates: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre; May 4–7 2026.
Why attend: Attendees can explore cutting‑edge technologies, attend leadership summits and participate in certification programmes. The event serves as a launch pad for HR digital transformation in the Asia‑Pacific region.
Overview: Organised by the Academy of Management HR Division and IIM Bangalore, HRIC 2026 explores “Sustainable HRM in the age of disruption.” Tracks include digital transformation in HRM, the future of work, employee safety and well‑being, entrepreneurship and HRM, sustainability and CSR, talent management and succession planning, diversity and inclusion and indigenous knowledge systems.
Venue & dates: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB); April 9–11 2026
Why attend: As an academic conference, HRIC 2026 invites scholars and practitioners to share research papers, case studies and frameworks for sustainable HRM. It provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue about AI’s impact on work and workforces.
Venue & dates: Singapore (location unspecified); May 20 2026.
Overview: Held on International HR Day, InteracTech Asia (formerly the Talent & Tech Asia Summit) is a new conference exploring the intersection of human capital and technology. The event features tailor‑made roundtables, flash forums and interactive sessions curated from conversations with pan‑Asian HR leaders. Topics include AI, technostress and future‑ready workforce strategies.
Why attend: Its interactive format encourages participation, and the summit positions itself as a celebration of International HR Day while providing access to cutting‑edge solutions and ideas for navigating technostress and digital transformation.
Europe’s HR events spotlight digital transformation, leadership and culture across diverse markets. The following conferences are among the region’s most significant in 2026.
Overview: Now in its 26th year, the People Development Summit is an exclusive meeting for senior learning‑and‑development decision‑makers. The summit is described as a relaxed, time‑effective way to meet peers, discover marketplace innovations and build partnerships. Delegates are matched with solution providers and attend pre‑selected sessions; solution providers meet 80 senior L&D leaders from top corporations.
Venue & dates: Dolce CampoReal, Lisbon, Portugal; March 11–13 2026.
Why attend: Attendees benefit from tailored “business speed dates,” personalised schedules and expert‑led workshops, promoting strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Overview: HRcoreLAB is a boutique conference that emphasises “revolutionising the investigation of Next‑Gen HR.” Its 2026 edition features three simultaneous conferences—HumanAI, Recruitment and HR Agility—allowing participants to deep dive into AI‑driven HR, talent acquisition strategies and agile people practices.
Venue & dates: Barcelona, Spain; March 11–12 2026.
Why attend: The event blends case studies, fireside chats, workshops and panel discussions, making it a forum for sharing innovations and practical solutions for next‑generation HR.
Overview: HR Tech Europe positions itself as the premier HR‑tech gathering for senior HR leaders. The two‑day event draws 2,340 HR professionals from 86 countries and features 111 solution providers. Sessions focus on HR transformation, showcasing best practices and technologies to accelerate change.
Venue & dates: RAI Amsterdam; April 22–23 2026.
Why attend: The conference provides insights into digital innovation and strategic HR transformation, enabling participants to network with peers, share knowledge and evaluate technology solutions.
Overview: Described as EMEA’s flagship event on the future of work, the HR World Summit invites over 700 CHROs, senior HR leaders and innovators to explore what it means to lead with soul in an age of algorithms. The programme promises unfiltered dialogue about ethical AI, people analytics, purpose‑driven cultures and the human spirit of organisations.
Venue & dates: Alfândega Congress Center, Porto, Portugal; May 26–27 2026.
Why attend: The summit combines keynote talks, masterclasses and elective tracks that inspire participants to redefine skills, nurture empathetic leadership and ensure technology enhances rather than erodes the human experience.
The UK offers a robust calendar of HR events covering technology, future‑of‑work strategy, higher education and executive‑level gatherings.
Overview: HR Vision’s flagship event is a two‑day boutique conference featuring three parallel streams. Attendees engage in deep‑dive conversations on the future of work, digitisation, leadership, learning and development, culture and employee experience, diversity and inclusion and future talent management strategies.
Venue & dates: London; March 25–26 2026.
Why attend: Its boutique format offers top‑level networking and inspiration, delivering fresh ideas and insights from HR leaders across Europe.
Overview: Marketed as the UK’s only tech‑focused HR event, HR Technologies UK provides two days of conversations, presentations and innovations for senior HR and talent professionals. Attendees can meet leading technology providers such as HiBob, Oracle and Zellis and discover best‑practice and AI‑driven solutions in keynote and seminar theatres.
Venue & dates: ExCeL London, Royal Docks; April 29–30 2026.
Why attend: The event is free for HR professionals and allows participants to explore a broad range of technology categories—from ATS and benefits to diversity & inclusion tools—and attend keynote presentations, panels and networking sessions.
Overview: Hosted by the Institute of Government & Public Policy (IGPP), this one‑day conference is designed for senior HR and people‑management professionals. The overview notes that AI, shifting employee expectations and evolving employment law make HR more critical than ever; the event explores the latest research, policy developments and strategies defining the modern workplace.
Venue & dates: Manchester, UK; June 16 2026 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
Why attend: Attendees will hear from experts and policymakers about future workforce trends, skills shortages and regulatory changes. The event emphasises balancing innovation with inclusion, resilience and fairness.
Overview: Gartner describes its symposium as “the world’s most important gathering of CHROs and HR executives.” The 2026 event focuses on priorities for the human‑AI workforce, building foundations for performance and navigating shifting skills requirements. It draws more than 2,000 CHROs and HR executives, offers access to 50+ Gartner experts and 60+ solution providers, and provides specialised programming such as the CHRO Circle.
Venue & dates: ExCeL London, UK; October 6–8 2026.
Why attend: The symposium provides strategic insight into AI adoption in HR, future‑of‑work trends and leadership effectiveness. Delegates can earn CPE credits, participate in workshops, network with peers and explore solution showcases.
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