The atmosphere is rich like honey. From your seat, you soak in the buzz of fellow HR professionals. Because when you sign up to an HR conference, what do you hope for? Riveting talks, networking opportunities, and (we can always dream) good coffee!
Pick the wrong one, and you’ll be drowsy as a smoked bee. Follow this guide and find the best HR conferences to attend in 2025.
- Talent Acquisition Week
- Next Practices Now Conference
- HR Vision London
- HR West HR Conference
- HR Transform
- HR Tech Asia 2025
- UNLEASH America 2025
- Workhuman Live Gaylord Rockies 2025
- Employee Engagement Summit 2025
- CIPD Festival of Work
- SHRM Annual Conference and Expo
- HR Tech Las Vegas
- Talent Management Reloaded Europe
Why attend HR conferences?
With a plethora of online learning options for your HR career development, you may wonder whether the time and cost associated with HR conferences are worth it. Consider these.
1. Update your knowledge
Online courses make learning more convenient than ever, but they quickly go out of date. When you attend an HR conference, either in-person or online, you are getting to-the-minute updates on HR best practices and industry trends.
At keynotes, you get the feel of what the conference you’re attending is all about, from broad topics to what not to miss. Panel discussions led by industry leaders and experts help broaden your view and deepen your interest in the area(s) of focus of your choice. Practical workshops then give you space to tease out the details with peers and put what you’ve learned into practice.
2. Network with other HR professionals
The most evident benefit of attending an HR conference is the opportunity to rub shoulders with industry experts in HR, talent management and acquisition. This is where you can expand your network and build relationships with potential partners, vendors, or even candidates (be subtle!).
3. Reignite your passion for work
The vanilla of day-to-day work can dampen even the most enthusiastic HR practitioner. When you sashay your way into an HR conference, you give yourself a choice of flavors.
According to the California Institute of Integral Studies, recent research suggests that novelty is linked to motivation, learning, and reward. That is, a new environment and new people, even for a couple of days, could be just what you need to rekindle your love for your career!
Best HR conferences: 2025 dates and latest industry trends
Organized by date and including locations, prices, and highlights, we’ve made it easy for you to compare and choose from. Whether you’re looking for the latest HR tech or networking opportunities with HR leaders and industry experts, we promise there’s something for everyone!
One of the key emerging trends to look out for at HR conferences this year is the interaction between human resources and artificial intelligence (AI). The future of work will be determined largely by the advancement of technology, and human resources will be an essential part of the transition.
Diversity and inclusion will continue to be an important factor to consider, both during the recruitment process and in the workplace culture itself. Employee engagement with a particular emphasis on Gen Z employees is also worth focusing on in 2025.
Now, let’s get a date (or two) in the diary, shall we?
1. Talent Acquisition Week
- When: February 3-6, 2025
- Where: Paradise Point Resort & Spa, San Diego, CA, United States
- How much: From $1,795 (conference access only) to $2,670 (all-access)
Talent Acquisition Week sees not one, not two, but three conferences in one place: Social Recruiting Strategies Conference, Employer Branding Strategies Conference, and Talent Sourcing Strategies Summit. With over 50 speakers from Asana and Expedia Group to Baxter and Swire Coca-Cola, expect the latest insights, case studies, and best practices for recruitment and sourcing. Plus, those looking to maintain their SHRM or HRCI certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR) can earn up to 14 credit hours at TA Week.
Access full details: https://talentacquisitionweek.com/
2. Next Practices Now
- When: March 3-6, 2025
- Where: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, United States
- How much: In-person costs $3,795 for members and $4,295 for non-members, while virtual costs $1,295 for members and $1,795 for non-members.
Keep pace with the latest HR trends and gain valuable insights from over 500 HR leaders with ZERO consultants and vendors. This year’s Next Practices Now centers around generative AI and HR, the future of work and productive work models, anti-DE&I challenges, and organizational culture change. We’re excited to hear what top HR leaders from Atlassian, Visa, and Microsoft, among others, have to say.
Access full details: https://www.i4cp.com/conference
3. HR Vision London
- When: March 5-6, 2025
- Where: Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, London, United Kingdom
- How much: £1,999 (≈ $2,473) for early bird tickets; £2,499 (≈ $3,091) for regular tickets
With its emphasis on how “technology and people are two sides of the same coin,” HR Vision London turns the spotlight on the latest advancements in HR tech, with 50 sessions scheduled across three parallel streams: Modern Leadership and L&D Strategies stream, Culture & Employee Experience stream, and Future Talent Acquisition Strategies stream. HR leaders from SAP, Hello Fresh, Rolls Royce, and Sony, to name a few, are to share actional insights into HR analytics, leadership, and talent management strategies.
Similar HR Vision events will run in Amsterdam in June, and in London again in November—so take your pick!
Access full details: https://www.hrvisionevent.com/london-march/
4. HR West HR Conference
- When: March 11-12, 2025
- Where: Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
- How much: $799
With the theme “HR Evolved: Thriving in Change,” this year’s HRWest celebrates four decades of HR education and networking, covering seven key areas of focus in HR, including (1.) HR technology, (2.) HR strategy, (3.) talent, (4.) legal and compliance, (5.) health, wellness, and benefits, (6.) leadership, and (7.) DEIB. Though one of the more affordable options in North America, the scale will still be substantial, with 80+ expert speakers and over 1,000 HR professionals in attendance.
Access full details: https://www.hr.com/en/webcasts_events/live_events/hrwest/hrwest-hr-conference_laapwgci.html
5. Transform
- When: March 17-19, 2025
- Where: Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
- How much: $1,895 for an all-access conference pass and 1-year community membership
With over 50 nationalities attending, Transform conference will rejuvenate your outlook on HR disciplines like a fresh lick of paint! From baby start-ups bouncing with energy to wise giants like The Walt Disney Studios, Red Bull, and AWS, you’ll gain actionable insights from businesses of all kinds. Get elbow deep in interactive small group discussions and mingle with 4,000+ HR leaders, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and investors. For those who have the energy to spare, the after-party with the legendary Timbaland awaits!
Access full details: https://transform.us/conference/
6. HR Tech Asia 2025
- When: May 5-8, 2025
- Where: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039593
- How much: Tickets from SGD 1,099 (≈ $812)
The self-proclaimed “Asia’s largest showcase of HR technology and solutions event” promises 100+ sessions over six conference tracks, such as C-suite leadership, workforce transformation, and work tech excellence. At HR Tech Asia 2025, expect actionable insights and lessons learned from HR leaders at Dentsu, HSBC, Singtel, Star Alliance, and many more. That’s not all; with nearly 7,000 attendees expected, your networking opportunities are endless.
Access full details: https://www.hrtechfestivalasia.com/
7. UNLEASH America 2025
- When: May 6-8, 2025
- Where: Caesars Form, 3911 S Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
- How much: $1,695 to 2,965 (Discounts available for group packages)
Dubbed itself “the fastest-growing HR event in the world,” this year’s UNLEASH America focuses on AI-driven HR, talent management for the future, and courageous leadership. With HR leaders from some of the world’s most successful organizations like PepsiCo, The Coca-Cola Company (why choose when you can have both!?), Google, Walmart, and S&P Global, for example, get ready to soak up and bring some top-of-the-game strategies home.
Access full details: https://www.unleash.ai/unleashamerica/
8. Workhuman Live 2025
- When: May 12-15, 2025
- Where: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center – 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019
- How much: General admission is $1,895 for individuals (14% off the final price, ends April 13, 2025) and $1,327 per head for groups of 5+
OK, WHAO, forget stuffy and boring, Workhuman Live is where all the fun is at! Described itself as “HR’s Woodstock,” this HR conference teeters into festival territory thanks to its A-list lineup, including Trevor Noah (yes, the Trevor Noah), Adam Grant (the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again), and Workhuman’s very own Eric Mosley. There are four different content tracks, including for yourself, for your organization, for your community, and for leaders; choose the one you most resonate with and embark on the full journey, or jump in and out of different tracks as you wish. Attending Workhuman Live earns you more credits than any other from associations like World at Work, SHRM, HRPA, HRCI, and ATD.
Access full details: https://www.workhumanlive.com/
9. Employee Engagement Summit 2025
- When: May 22, 2025
- Where: Evolution, Battersea Park, Queenstown Rd, Chelsea Brg, London SW11 4NJ
- How much: Free to attend.
Employee Engagement Summit offers a dynamic showcase of case studies, live interviews, and panel discussions emphasizing purpose-driven employee engagement strategies. Distilled into a single day, 250 speakers from businesses (e.g., WH Smith and Diageo), non-profits (e.g., Save the Children International and WWF), and the public sector (e.g., NHS Scotland) are to take over a Headliners Main Stage and six specialized topics stages, sharing best practices on internal communication, employee well-being, employee benefits, and more. Oh, did we mention that this HR conference is free?
Access full details: https://www.engageemployee.com/events/employee-engagement-summit
10. CIPD Festival of Work
- When: June 11-12, 2025
- Where: ExCeL, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL
- How much: Free to attend.
This free festival by the UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) spans two days of ideas, experiences, and solutions around how we can create a better workplace for all. Although this year’s agenda is yet to be announced, the Festival of Work 2024 welcomed over 11,480+ attendees, while headliners included those from EY, PwC, Sainsbury’s, and Amazon Welcome Door, among many others, sharing their input across seven stages. On top of the expected plenaries and fireside chats, there is a creative selection of activity sessions—think yoga and dog therapy.
Access full details: https://www.festivalofwork.com/
11. SHRM25
- When: June 29 – July 2, 2025
- Where: San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
- How much: In-person costs $2,295 for members and $2,695 for non-members, while virtual costs $2,095 for members and $2,495 for non-members.
This year’s SHRM annual conference offers 375+ educational sessions across 10 content tracks, such as AI advancements, emerging regulations, and global workforce trends. Learn how you learn best thanks to eight session formats, including general sessions at the main stage, breakout sessions, rapid-fire spotlight stage presentations, exhibitor theaters, pre-conference learning, and short, micro-bursts wellness stage. You can also earn 28+ PDCs towards your SHRM recertification at the conference.
Access full details: https://annual.shrm.org/
12. HR Tech Las Vegas
- When: September 16-18, 2025
- Where: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89119, United States
- How much: TBA, check website for updates.
As the name suggests, HR Tech revolves around the latest HR technology, saving you months of research with side-by-side demos of top solutions and exclusive first looks at the latest product debuts. Of particular note are two summits: one on women in technology and the other on investment. In 2024, attendees were able to earn over 20+ recertification credits for SHRM, HRCI, and IHRIM accreditations at the conference.
Access full details: https://www.hrtechnologyconference.com/
13. Talent Management Reloaded Europe
- When: November 14-16, 2025
- Where: Hotel Palace, Budapester Str. 45, 10787 Berlin, Germany
- How much: Prices start from €2,549 ($2,656) for in-person standard event pass, and €895 ($933) for virtual.
Talent Management Reloaded Europe focuses on the practice of sourcing and retaining talent for the workforce in the world of AI, automation, and the gig economy. On top of 62 interactive workshops and 289 decision makers/senior executives with nearly 193 exclusive 1:1s arranged, the lens widens to a view of 82 HR leaders from Merck, Siemens, Aon, and Lidl, to name a few, as key speakers.
Access Full Details: https://www.talent-management-reloaded.com/
How to prepare for an HR conference
Though you can just hop on a flight and enter the conference or festival ground blind, it’s best to prepare in advance if you want to make the most out of those costly tickets, especially when most conferences are packed with hundreds of sessions to choose from. Here’s what to bring and how to plan and optimize your day!
What to bring to HR conferences
- Note-taking device: Will you be given a mountain of free handouts at the conference? Definitely. Is the branded pen that the chatty vendor handed to you going to run out after three sentences? Possibly. Be sure to bring your own notebook and pen. Alternatively, you may wish to take notes on an electronic device. This can be particularly useful for the times you don’t quite catch speaker details and need to look them up.
- Business/contact cards: It goes without saying that conferences are optimum networking opportunities. So, unless you want to repeat your contact info 1,600 times throughout the day, don’t forget your business cards!
- Water (and snacks): There is typically hospitality available at conferences, but you won’t always be able to get to it when you need it! If you don’t want your stomach to impersonate a whale in the middle of an introduction, bring emergency snacks. Same goes for water. With all that talking, you need to stay hydrated.
- Comfortable shoes: You won’t only be talking a lot, you’ll be walking a lot too. It’s true that conferences require a lot of sitting, but you will also be on your feet frequently during the event. The venue may be large and spread over multiple floors, and meals may be taken standing up. Wear professional but comfortable shoes to ensure ease of movement.
How to plan your day at HR conferences
- Research the conference agenda and speakers: Begin by looking up the conference agenda online, and familiarizing yourself with the speaker names and topics.
- Review the conference schedule: Consider what topics or content tracks pique your interest and aim to attend those. There might be a case where two (or more) workshops you want to attend are scheduled for the same time, so check in advance whether any of these will be recorded so you can watch back later if need be. At many conferences, only some rooms have hybrid technology, so this can be a big factor in which sessions you choose to attend.
- Collaborate with your team: If you’re attending with colleagues, consider splitting off to attend different sessions, then regroup during breaks to share key takeaways.
- Prepare questions and topics for discussion: When you sit at your desk on a Tuesday afternoon and think to yourself, “There must be a better way of doing this!” you’re probably right. HR conferences are your chance to ask the experts, so be sure to take full advantage. Writing down your questions in advance will make you more likely to ask them on the day.
On the day of the HR conference
- Ask questions: As daunting as it can be to ask questions during panels, this is one of the best ways to connect with the conference. When you do so, introduce yourself with your name and business, and respect the time by asking your question succinctly. You may be surprised by the number of people who remember you later based on the question you asked. If there isn’t time to ask your question during the panel, you can try to talk to the speaker directly after the panel, or failing even that, email them with your question later.
- Leave time for networking: Take advantage of networking events and receptions. Not only do they tend to be a more relaxed environment to network in, but they are also an opportunity to decompress and process what you have heard with other attendees. It’s also A-OK to skip a workshop session for the sake of a networking opportunity. (Yep, we said what we said.)
- Check out the exhibits: A key component of HR conferences is the exhibits, where you can meet with vendors and sponsors. It could be that one of the vendors has the perfect solution for your problem, so don’t skip it. Be intentional with your time here, though, as it can be easy to get sucked into sales pitches that don’t really interest you. A great way to manage expectations is to tell vendors how much time you have to listen at the beginning of their pitch, then politely move on when the time is up. 2-5 minutes is a good ballpark to aim for.
What to do after HR conferences
Phew, you made it! Before you go and slip into your pajamas and sink into that hotel bed, here are a few quick business items to check off:
- Review your notes and, if needed, summarize and share them with colleagues.
- Jot down key takeaways (3-5) that you intend to implement when you return to work.
- Go through the business cards you picked up and decide who you genuinely want to follow up with. Do it.
- Connect with other attendees and speakers on social media.
HR conferences can arguably be very intense. Between traveling, information overload, and socializing the entire day, it’s no surprise if you finish up feeling exhausted, physically and mentally. Post-event blues are a real thing!
It’s normal to feel a little low after a period of high-intensity interactions, so be sure to look after yourself. After taking some time to reflect on the event, it’s healthy to take a step back. Go through the resources (and freebies!) you picked up and declutter any you don’t need. Take time to sleep, spend time with loved ones, and relax doing things you enjoy.
Then, once you’re well-rested and ready to get back to the fields, go transform your workplace for the better!
