The Rise of HR & People Operations Conferences

It seems as though you blink and the entire world of work shifts. Mandated return-to-office policies, the rise (and fall) of building more inclusive workplaces, the delicate balance of profits vs. people, and the deluge of AI tools HR practitioners need to understand to be better at (or even keep!) their jobs … these are just a few trends taking hold.

That’s why staying up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in HR is more important than ever.

Attending industry conferences can be a great way to do just that, as they provide opportunities to network with peers, learn from experts, and gain new insights into the world of HR.

Below, we’ll highlight some of the top HR conferences to attend in 2026. From the latest in talent acquisition to diversity and inclusion, cutting-edge technologies, and more, these in-person events and virtual conferences offer something for everyone.

If you don’t see something on the list, let us know.

Psst: Did you know that Compt offers a special Professional Development module to make managing professional development requests like conferences super simple? Learn more and see how to improve professional development in your organization!

February 2026

Talent Acquisition Week

February 2-5, 2026 | $1,795 – $3,095 | San Diego, CA

Talent Acquisition Week (or TA Week) is the go-to gathering for TA and HR leaders focused on AI-powered recruitment, employer branding, global hiring trends, and more. Attendees say they appreciate both the content and the opportunity to connect with peers, mentors, and innovators in the industry.

People Analytics World Conference

February 25-26, 2026 | $879+ | Zurich, Sweden

People Analytics World 2026 brings together senior HR, analytics, and business leaders to show how people data and AI can directly improve business performance. Across two days of case studies, panels, and practical sessions, attendees learn how leading organizations are using analytics to build skills-based workforces, improve decision-making, strengthen organizational resilience, and drive measurable impact on growth and profitability.

March 2026

UNLEASH America 2026

March 17 – 19, 2026 | $2,395 (early bird) | Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, NV

UNLEASH America positions itself as the “International Festival of HR,” bringing together the world’s leading HR and business innovators to tackle the most pressing workplace challenges. Over three dynamic days, attendees experience visionary keynotes from celebrity speakers and global thought leaders, explore breakthrough technologies, and dive into real-world case studies across 50+ exhibitors. The carefully curated agenda covers AI and skills development, employee well-being, leadership transformation, and organizational innovation. Whether you’re seeking to explore next-gen HR technologies or connect with Fortune 500 leaders reshaping the future of work, UNLEASH America delivers actionable insights and unmatched networking opportunities.

Transform 2026

March 23 – 25, 2026 | $1,495 | Wynn Las Vegas, NV

Transform positions itself at the intersection of technology and the diverse communities shaping the future of the workplace. This three-day conference delivers progressive programming focused on HR innovation, curated connections with forward-thinking leaders, and exposure to cutting-edge workplace technologies. Perfect for HR professionals looking to stay ahead of industry disruption and explore how technology can drive meaningful organizational change.

HR Vision London (Spring)

March 25 – 26, 2026 | $1,762 (early bird) | London, UK

HR Vision London 2026 is an executive-level summit focused on HR tech and the future of work, designed for leaders who are transforming their organizations through people, culture, and technology. The event features multiple streams covering topics like HR technology, leadership, talent strategy, analytics, and employee experience, giving attendees a chance to benchmark with global peers and walk away with concrete ideas to modernize their HR function.

April 2026

People Analytics Reloaded

April 16 – 17, 2026 | $2,549-$3,249 | Chicago, IL

This event focuses on the application of analytics in HR, offering insights into data-driven decision-making and workforce optimization. You’ll hear from People Analytics leaders from some of the world’s biggest companies, like Allstate, Estée Lauder, Labcorp, Northwestern Mutual, and Target.

WorldatWork Total Rewards ’26

April 19 – 22, 2026 | $1,595 – $2,455 | San Antonio, TX

Total Rewards ’26 is the premier annual gathering for ambitious rewards professionals seeking to elevate their craft and drive real business impact. This fully immersive experience features 100+ expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and curated networking opportunities. The conference explores bold compensation strategies, benefits innovation, pay equity initiatives, employee recognition programs, and how to create total rewards programs that truly resonate with today’s workforce. With seven inventive session formats designed to spark innovation, attendees leave with fresh strategies to transform how their organizations reward and recognize talent.

May 2026

HRO Today Forum North America 2026

May 6 – 8, 2026 | $895 | Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia, PA

The HRO Today Forum North America brings together HR leaders, practitioners, technology experts, and innovators shaping the future of North American and global business. Held in Philadelphia to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary, this prestigious gathering features award-winning content, cutting-edge insights into talent management, technology strategy, and risk management, plus unparalleled networking. The highlight is the annual CHRO of the Year Awards Gala and Dinner, celebrating innovators and trailblazers in HR leadership—making this an essential event for executive-level HR professionals.

California HR Conference (CAHR26)

May 11 – 13, 2026 | Pricing TBD | Anaheim, CA

CAHR26 is the essential conference for HR professionals navigating California’s notoriously complex employment landscape. With 47 sessions across seven targeted tracks—including AI in Workplaces, California Employment Law, Talent Acquisition & Retention, Culture & Inclusion, Leadership Development, Total Rewards & Benefits, and Workforce Well-being—attendees gain deep expertise in compliance, risk management, and strategic HR leadership. Earn SHRM PDC, HRCI, and MCLE credits while connecting with peers from the Golden State and beyond.

ASHHRA Annual Conference & Exposition

May 17– 19, 2026 | $900 – $1,200 | Savannah, GA

As the longest-running event for healthcare HR professionals, ASHHRA26 convenes HR leaders from across the healthcare continuum of care to address the industry’s most pressing workforce challenges. Expect dynamic keynote speakers, innovative breakout sessions on healthcare talent acquisition, leadership development, workforce resilience, and inclusion strategies. The conference offers practical solutions to healthcare-specific issues like frontline talent management, healthcare employee retention, and clinical staff burnout. Earn continuing education credits toward CHHR, SHRM, HRCI, and ACHE recertification.

July 2026

HR Healthcare Conference

July 13 – 15, 2026 | $599+ | Boston, MA

HR Healthcare is a peer-led forum for 200+ HR leaders in health systems and hospitals, offering tools and insights to evolve hiring strategies in healthcare. Whether you’re looking to enhance your people strategy or simply connect with fellow healthcare HR professionals, the HR Healthcare Conference provides a unique platform to engage with the challenges and innovations shaping the future of healthcare HR. The conference is not only a hub for learning but also celebrates notable achievements through the HR Healthcare Innovation Awards, recognizing leaders who are making significant impacts in their organizations.

September 2026

Future of Work USA

September 15 – 16, 2026 | $560-$1,600 | Dallas, TX

The Future of Work USA Event launched in 2019 with the core mission to focus on the latest trends & strategies within the Future of Work landscape, including the role of the HR and People function, Talent Management, Workforce Planning, Frontline Workers, Workplace Transformation, HR Technology, Culture, DEI, Employee Engagement, Digital Workplace, Learning & Development, and Office Space & Design.

PSHRA Conference

September 28 – 30, 2026 | Portland, OR

This conference is your opportunity to connect with other HR professionals from across the public sector to share insights, learn about emerging trends, and gain new perspectives on how to meet the challenges facing public sector HR today. At the conference, you will hear from leading experts in public sector HR through keynote presentations and concurrent sessions. From diversity initiatives and cutting-edge research to performance management, recruitment, and retention strategies for the modern workplace, the conference will cover various relevant topics tailor-made for you, the public sector HR professional.

October 2026

CUPA-HR Annual Conference

October 4 – 6, 2026 | TBD

From the thought-provoking keynote speakers to the carefully selected concurrent sessions, this in-person event will offer you opportunities to explore new ideas, recharge your HR batteries, and network with other higher-ed HR professionals.

HR Technology Conference and Exposition

October 20 – 22, 2026 | Price TBD | Las Vegas, NV

As the industry’s leading independent event for a quarter of a century, HR Tech delivers an unrivaled cutting-edge agenda that benefits HR and IT professionals from businesses of all sizes, all industries, and across the globe! With a primary focus on driving HR success through technology, the HR Technology Conference is intended for those looking to continuously optimize the usage of current HR systems as well as those looking to buy. It’s where you’ll gain the insight needed to make critical HR system decisions that will fuel your business while supporting your organization’s unique needs now and in the future.

November 2026

HR Vision London 2026

November 17 – 18, 2026 | £1,499.00+ | London, UK

HR Vision London brings together top HR leaders to discuss best practices for navigating the evolving world of work. The conference features thought-provoking discussions on HR trends, talent management, leadership, and the impact of technology on people management practices.

December 2026

Employee Wellbeing

December 7 – 9, 2026 | Pricing TBD | Orlando, FL

At this conference, you can surround yourself with fellow HR executives and engage in this interactive forum designed to spark conversation, ideas, and innovation around employee well-being for you to take back to your organization.

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Editor’s Note: This blog is updated yearly for relevance and is accurate at the time of publishing. Please check official websites for any updates to ticket costs or dates!