20 Best HR Conferences to Attend

By: | Updated: September 11, 2023

You found our list of top HR conferences.

HR conferences are events that host the most influential HR professionals so participants can learn about industry insights. In contrast to other industry conferences, HR conferences concentrate on high-quality instructional materials rather than vendor-centric content. Attending these conferences is essential to learn from real-world HR professionals in the field doing the job and how to adapt to today’s quickly changing work economy. These events are also known as “human resources conferences.”

These events are similar to leadership conferences and help to build HR skills. Other ways to learn the industry include reading HR books and HR blogs.

This article includes:

  • top HR conferences
  • free HR conferences
  • HR tech conferences
  • HR seminars
  • HR networking events
  • HR benefits conferences

Let’s get started!

List of HR conferences

There are several HR seminars, conferences, and networking events that you may attend physically or virtually. Some of these events include the following.

1. Disrupt HR Conferences

DisruptHR is a unique HR conference known for its innovative format. Presenters have only five minutes to deliver dynamic talks concisely, similar to PechaKucha. This format encourages speakers to share unconventional HR ideas and challenge traditional practices, sparking conversations about the future of work. The topics covered include employee engagement, workplace culture, talent acquisition, and leadership development. DisruptHR is a platform for HR professionals and thought leaders to exchange disruptive ideas and inspire change in the HR field.

Learn more about the Disrupt HR Events.

2. ERE Recruiting Conference

The ERE Recruiting Conference is an annual event that gathers talent acquisition and recruitment professionals from around the world. Professionals know the conference for its focus on innovative strategies and emerging trends in the field of recruitment. Attendees at ERE can expect to engage in thought-provoking discussions, attend workshops on cutting-edge recruiting techniques, and network with industry experts. This conference provides a valuable platform for staying updated on the rapidly evolving talent acquisition landscape.

Learn more about the ERE Recruiting Conference.

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3. ATD International Conference & Exposition

The ATD International Conference & Exposition is a premier event in the world of talent development and workplace learning. Hosted by the Association for Talent Development, this conference brings together professionals dedicated to enhancing employee skills and performance. Attendees can explore various topics related to training, development, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. The conference showcases innovative tools, best practices, and the latest trends in talent development, making it a must-attend event for HR and L&D professionals.

Learn more about the ATD International Conference & Exposition.

4. WorkHuman Conference

The WorkHuman Conference, organized by Globoforce, explores the intersection of humanity and technology in the workplace. This conference focuses on creating more human-centered work environments. Discussions focus on emphasizing recognition, diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being. Attendees can expect to learn about strategies and technologies that foster a more positive, connected, and engaged workforce. WorkHuman is an ideal conference for HR leaders and professionals looking to build happier and more productive workplaces.

Learn more about the WorkHuman Conference.

5. WorldatWork Total Rewards Conference

The WorldatWork Total Rewards Conference centers on compensation, benefits, and total rewards strategies. This event provides a platform for HR and compensation professionals to explore best practices in designing and implementing total rewards programs. These programs aim to attract, retain, and motivate top talent. Attendees can anticipate sessions on compensation design, employee benefits, performance incentives, and the evolving landscape of total rewards in today’s competitive job market. This conference gives HR practitioners insights and tools to develop effective compensation and benefits strategies. When looking for HR benefits conferences, be sure to check this one out.

Learn more about the WorldatWork Total Rewards Conference.

6. HR West

HR West is a hybrid two-day event organized by HR.com, the leading social networking site for human resources professionals. HR workers may see what the future holds by visiting these HR networking events. Most Silicon Valley firms and their executives and some of the HR industry’s most inventive and experienced individuals attend. You will get the opportunity to network with more than 1,000 HR experts, create trust, and test out HR solutions in a conventional exhibition setting.

This event will bring together over 80 experts from the field to share cutting-edge workplace data and analytics, industry insight, tools, and resources to improve employee output and foster leadership within the company, globalization, and workplace cultures.

Although the event has both physical and virtual versions, in-person attendance allows for direct interaction with presenters, a chance to meet with HR colleagues after the conference, and participation in evening parties after networking. HR.com also organizes several free HR conferences for those interested in more affordable alternatives.

Check out HR West.

7. HR Transform

Some of the world’s leading HR leaders, innovators, and experts forging a new world of work will gather in Las Vegas for HR Transform. HR professionals can look forward to networking with colleagues from forward-thinking firms, gaining insight into the latest developments in the HR field, and meeting thought leaders who are redefining the workplace.

The event will cover many subjects, such as leadership, DEI, hybrid workplaces, talent acquisition, L&D, retention, benefits, and culture, which concern many HR professionals. This conference also brings together various speakers and executive-level leaders to discuss today’s issues and goals.

All business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors may benefit from attending this conference. Attendance offers the advantage of networking with executives and innovators and setting the pace as a thought leader in the workplace.

Check out HR Transform.

8. OPTIMA22

HR professionals who attend the OPTIMA conference will learn to develop successful teams, recruit the best individuals, and effectively manage human capital. Attendees can choose from a wide range of breakout tracks, including Hiring, Employee Experience, Team Design, Management Consulting, and The Predictive Index. The conference also provides a dedicated track to help consultants grow their firms via talent optimization.

The Optima22 conference is fantastic for HR professionals who want to join the push for talent optimization, bridging worker strategy with business strategy, and adopting a data-driven approach to getting employee management right.

Check out the OPTIMA conference.

9. HR Transform: The Future Is Now

This HR event is about gamifying HR to enhance applicant feedback, communication, and hiring experience. HR Transform’s Future is Now event focuses on how executives and leaders can improve the company.

Some of the world’s most popular firms, including Slack, AirBnB, and Zoom, have attended the HR conference. This event also attracts some of the industry’s top HR executives regularly. HR Transform is one of the best HR conferences and can help you succeed in your business.

Check out HR Transform: The Future Is Now.

10. California HR Conference

As a company’s first line of defense, HR professionals will learn key points for success in their multifaceted position at the California HR Conference. The conference sees over 2,000 participants, with 66 percent being managers or upper-level executives. There will be 11 conference sessions and 35 recertification credits.

The conference will cover topics ranging from compensation and benefits to culture, employment law, and regulations. In addition, attendees can expect to learn about the best HR tools and build lasting relationships with other HR professionals. The event works for HR professionals who want to understand and handle California’s complicated requirements and rise in leadership ranks within their firms.

Check out the California HR Conference.

11. SHRM Annual Conference & Expo

SHRM Annual Conference is one of the most crucial in-person HR conferences to attend. The event offers over 200 workshops covering every major subject, from the fundamentals of human resources to more advanced topics for C-level executives. Even if you are a newbie or a seasoned HR professional, you will walk away with new information to add to your toolbox.

The content offerings include Comp, Benefits & Wellbeing, DEI, People & Talent Management, and Recruitment & Talent Acquisition. Also, the organizers personalize each session to different learning styles so that you can absorb the knowledge most effectively. Each session format, from general main stage experiences to smart stage, concurrent and instructional activities, each session format works for their specific audiences.

HR professionals, executives, and business leaders looking for the most current information and lessons on trending subjects to achieve organizational objectives should attend the conference.

Check out the SHRM Annual Conference.

12. HR Virtual Summit

Hosted by Kazoo and BambooHR, this event is one of the most popular virtual HR conferences globally. HR professionals who want to learn more about the employee experience will benefit from attending this conference.

The HR virtual summit usually attracts more than 45,000 professionals, including several of the world’s most influential thought leaders, executive coaches, and visionaries. Attendees will leave with the tools and resources to accomplish outstanding work without the restraining elements of transactional HR practices.

Check out the HR Virtual Summit.

13. HR Technology Conference and Expo

This conference, hosted by HR Tech, an industry leader, gives in-depth insights into making crucial HR system choices, driving your company, and supporting your organization’s ever-changing demands. HR Tech also hosts the world’s biggest HR technology marketplace. The event aims to show the HR community how technology can help them in uncertain circumstances. Human resources experts will get to review hundreds of HR solutions when searching for the right fit.

Attendees will walk away with practical HR takeaways, direct access to industry thought leaders, admission to the Women in HR Technology Summit, and the opportunity to earn recertification credits. The event is one of the major HR tech conferences to attend. Some of the session tracks include Artificial Intelligence, Core HR, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace, and more. This conference is beneficial for HR professionals constantly striving to improve their present HR systems, use HR automation, or investigate new HR technologies.

In a state-of-the-art virtual environment, participants can peruse products from thousands of exhibitors.

Check out the HR Technology Conference and Expo.

14. Gartner ReimagineHR Conference

This conference will cover the cultural and economic implications of COVID-19 and the significance of shifting to a hybrid workplace. HR executives make this transition easy so all HR procedures and systems can function together. Gartner plans to use data to explore how to redefine fairness in the workplace and establish high-performing and inclusive businesses.

CHROs and HR leaders have a unique opportunity to get cross-functional insights that will help them improve their firm’s performance. The event discusses some of the best methods for implementing incentive packages to guarantee psychological and physical well-being. The sessions will include finding and keeping top talent, fostering a lifelong learning and development culture, building a diverse and inclusive workplace, boosting productivity, and employee incentives.

Check out the Gartner ReimagineHR Conference.

15. SHRM Talent Conference & Exposition

This SHRM-sponsored exhibition provides HR workers with the resources to improve their strategy, procedures, and policies. The Talent Conference & Exhibition offers over 50 sessions covering seven critical topics, 75 engaging speakers, 15 Professional Development Credits (PDC), and infinite networking possibilities for attendees. Some sessions include general, panel, concurrent, and even case-study.

The conference covers HR tracks like Sourcing and Recruiting, engagement and retention, HR and Talent Acquisition, Strategic Planning, and Talent Selection. This event is great for professionals in human resources who want to network with their peers and get insight into current issues in recruitment and personnel management.

Check out the SHRM Talent Conference & Exposition.

16. The Future of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The term “diversity” is more than a trendy word for companies; it is an integral part of workplace culture. HR professionals should ensure that candidates’ demographics do not influence their talent selection and retention practices. Fortunately, the problem is getting plenty of recognition, and organizations are working hard to ensure that workplaces are diverse, equitable, and inclusive. This recent shift includes the Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements.

HR leaders should respond appropriately to avoid offending or wronging an employee. During this virtual HR event, there will be an exhibition of companies that have effectively incorporated the DEI technique into their workplace culture.

Check out The Future of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

17. The HRE’s Health & Benefits Leadership Conference

Employers and HR professionals who want to learn more about health and wellness initiatives might benefit from attending the Human Resource Executive’s Health & Benefits Leadership Conference. The event offers professional insights and practical advice on how HR personnel and managers can build benefit strategies and boost their firm’s well-being.

For HR professionals and company executives, this conference provides a framework for modifying health and benefits programs to meet employee pain points and retain key personnel. In addition, there will be many workplace networking opportunities, new health and wellness solutions, and recertification credits for HRCI and SHRM certifications for attendees of this conference.

Check out the Human Resource Executive’s Health & Benefits Leadership Conference.

18. Grace Hopper’s Celebration

This virtual HR conference boasts the attendance of over 30,000 delegates from more than 115 countries. The event is perhaps the biggest meeting of female technologists in the world.

Grace Hopper is reputed for inventing the first computer language compiler and being the first female to receive the National Medal of Technology. In recognition of Grace Hooper’s contributions to computer science, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. The HR conference focuses on the interests and research of women in computing. The event also covers women’s contributions to technology. The conference provides a chance for female HR professionals to network, seek mentorship, and collaborate.

Check out Grace Hopper’s Celebration.

19. Human Resource Summit

This event has been one of the most prestigious in-person HR conferences for the last three decades. At the conference, you will learn about the newest advancements in the human resources sector. The event also offers a chance for participants to network with like-minded colleagues and pick some tips on how to be more creative in the workplace.

The conference will include more than 40 HR and development professionals to handle topics on human resource management, leadership development, succession management, and employee engagement. More than 80 high-ranking executives from some of Ireland and the United Kingdom’s largest corporations also attend the event.

Check out the Human Resource Summit.

20. The AHRD Conference

Due to COVID-19, the AHRD Conference is going hybrid. This conference will include a mix of in-person and live-streamed programs, focusing on redefining the meaning of work. The event will host established HR experts, practitioners, and up-and-comers in the HR industry. The Association for Human Resource Development is a welcoming place for any employee interested in human resources, regardless of background.

Check out The AHRD Conference.

Conclusion

For HR professionals, these conferences are excellent events to learn more about their field. The best HR conferences provide fresh insights into the newest developments in human resources. Attending HR conferences is a good idea for you and your company since the events help you learn about best practices in human resource management.

Next, check out these lists of HR quotes, human resources software and quotes for conferences.

We also have a list of fun ideas for networking events.

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FAQ: HR conferences

Here are frequently asked questions about HR conferences.

What are HR conferences?

HR conferences are events that offer attendees the opportunity to hear from thought leaders and experts in the HR field.

What happens at HR conferences?

At HR conferences, HR professionals will share their expertise on various subjects. Participants will also learn about resources and tools that may assist them in implementing changes to the working environment. At these HR conferences, participants might get a new perspective by hearing what other thought leaders have to say.

What are some good HR conferences to attend?

Some good HR conferences to attend include OPTIMA22, Human Resource Summit, and HR Technology Conference and Expo.

Author avatar

Author:

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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