Best HR Events & Recruitment Conferences to Attend 2025–2026

The HR and recruitment landscape is shifting fast. New technologies, evolving employee expectations, and changing workforce dynamics are challenging HR professionals to rethink how they attract, retain, and support talent. In this fast-paced environment, staying informed is essential.

Attending top-tier HR and recruitment conferences and events offers a direct line to expert insights, future trends, and practical tools. Whether you're focused on talent acquisition, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, or workplace technology, these events bring together industry leaders, innovators, and peers to share strategies that work.

This guide highlights some of the most impactful HR and recruitment events set for 2025 and 2026. From global summits to tech-focused expos, each offers a unique opportunity to grow your network and gain valuable knowledge that you can apply in your role. Planning ahead ensures you make the most of these experiences.

Key Trends to Watch in 2025–2026

• AI in HR: Automation in hiring, onboarding, and analytics is improving speed and accuracy.

• Diversity and Inclusion: DEI remains a priority, with practical strategies to drive real change.

• Remote Work: Building culture and engagement across hybrid teams is a key challenge.

• Employee Experience: Retention strategies are evolving to focus more on well-being and internal mobility.

• Skills Development: Upskilling and skills-based hiring are central to future workforce planning.

• Data-Driven HR: People analytics is enabling more strategic, evidence-based decisions.

Global HR & Recruitment Events and Conferences to Watch (2025–26)

The coming years are packed with high-impact events for HR and recruitment professionals across the globe. From large-scale international conferences to niche forums focused on technology, DEI, and talent strategy, these events offer valuable learning and networking opportunities. Whether you're aiming to upgrade your skills, explore the latest HR tech, or connect with industry peers, these are the must-attend conferences to mark in your calendar.

1. HR Technology Conference & Exposition 2025  

Location: Las Vegas, United States

Date: 16 to 18 September 2025

Why attend: Flagship HR tech show with hundreds of vendors, demos, and Women in HR Technology Summit.

Fees: Conference pass from $1295 in advance, Expo pass from $325 in advance.

Register Yourself 

2. Gartner HR Symposium Xpo 2025 London

Location: London, United Kingdom

Date: 7 to 9 October 2025

Why attend: Senior CHRO agenda on performance, skills, and human plus technology operating models.

Fees: Varies by pass, request pricing.

Register Yourself 

3. RecFest USA 2025

Location: Nashville, United States

Date: 15 to 16 October 2025

Why attend: US edition of RecFest with content, demos, and community for in-house TA.

Fees: Early bird from $149, group rates from $99 per person.

Register Yourself  

4. UNLEASH World 2025

Location: Paris, France

Date: 20 to 22 October 2025

Why attend: Europe’s big stage for HR innovation, strategy, and product showcases.

Fees: Diamond pass €3495 plus VAT, other options vary.

Register Yourself  

5. LinkedIn Talent Connect Summit 2025

Location: San Diego, United States

Date: 20 to 22 October 2025

Why attend: Invite-only summit for senior talent leaders, plus a global broadcast show that week.

Fees: Invite only, no public pricing.

Register Yourself  

6. HRSE Dubai 2025 HR Summit and Expo

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Date: 22 to 23 October 2025, Main event, with workshops around 19 to 24 October

Why attend: The region’s largest HR conference and exhibition with international speakers and awards.

Fees: Varies by pass and add-ons.

Register Yourself  

7. ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit 2025

Location: San Diego, United States

Date: 4 to 5 November 2025

Why attend: Practical recruiting and sourcing strategies with an innovation focus.

Fees: Early bird pricing is approximately $1399 in person and $399 virtual, with standard rates applying thereafter.

Register Yourself  

8. TAtech Europe 2025

Location: London, United Kingdom

Date: 11 to 12 November 2025

Why attend: European edition for job board and TA tech leaders, with networking and thought leadership.

Fees: Not publicly listed, contact organiser.

Register Yourself

9. HR Vision New York

Location: New York, USA

Date: 14–15 January 2026

Why attend: Two-track programme focused on the future of work, HR technology, talent and recruitment with global speakers and practical sessions.

Fees: Early bird from $1,499

Register Yourself

10. HR Minds Summit 2026

Location: Vox Conference Venue, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Date: 10 to 11 March 2026

Why attend: Two-day programme on HR technology, artificial intelligence, skills and engagement with networking and UK industry speakers.

Fees: Delegate ticket £995 with launch rate £345 plus VAT while the offer is active

Register Yourself

11. HR Analytics and AI Summit DACH 2026

Location: Maritim proArte Hotel, Berlin, Germany

Date: 16 to 17 March 2026

Why attend: European cross-industry event focused on people analytics, data-driven HR and practical use cases.

Fees: Standard pass €2549, Premium pass €2749, All inclusive pass €3249.

Register Yourself

12. SHRM Talent 2026

Location: Dallas, USA (and virtual)

Date: 19–22 April 2026

Why attend: Deep dive on talent acquisition and retention practices curated by SHRM.

Fees: Varies by release, see organiser announcements.

Register Yourself

13. Workhuman Live 2026

Location: Orlando, United States

Date: 27 to 30 April 2026

Why attend: Human-centred workplace strategies with leadership keynotes, culture and recognition best practice, and a large expo.

Fees: Early bird from $1095

Register Yourself

14. HR Tech Asia (HR Tech Festival Asia) 2026

Location: Singapore

Date: 4–7 May 2026

Why attend: One of APAC’s largest HR and HR tech gatherings spanning strategy, skills, EX and technology.

Fees: Varies by release, see organiser announcements.

Register Yourself

15. CIPD Festival of Work 2026

Location: London, UK

Date: 10–11 June 2026

Why attend: Large, multi-stage HR and people festival with supplier expo and on-demand content options.

Fees: Free on-site festival stages; optional Content+ on-demand pass £149 + VAT

Register Yourself

How to Choose the Right Conference & Events?

Selecting the right HR or recruitment conference & events ensures you gain maximum value from your time and investment. Consider the following factors before making your decision:

• Professional goals
  Identify what you want to achieve, whether it’s learning, networking, exploring tech, or earning CPD credits.

• Topic relevance
  Choose events that match your area of focus, such as talent acquisition, HR tech, employee engagement, or DEI.

• Event format
  Decide between in-person, virtual, or hybrid based on your availability, budget, and learning preferences.

• Speaker and session quality
  Review past agendas and speaker lists to ensure high-value content and practical takeaways.

• Budget and travel considerations
  Factor in registration fees, accommodation, and travel expenses. Early-bird discounts and group rates can offer savings.

• Networking opportunities
  Look for events that offer structured networking, roundtables, or 1:1 meetings with peers and vendors.

• Location and accessibility
  International events may be more comprehensive, while regional ones can be easier to attend and more targeted.

How Can You Maximise Your ROI from Conferences?

To make the most of any HR or recruitment conference and events, follow these practical steps:

• Set clear goals
  Define what knowledge, skills, or connections you want to gain before the event.

• Engage actively during the conference
  Participate in sessions, use event apps, join discussions on social media, and attend networking opportunities.

• Follow up promptly
  Share insights with your team, review session materials, and reach out to new contacts to build lasting relationships.

• Apply your learning
  Implement new ideas and strategies in your workplace to demonstrate value and drive change.

Conclusion

The next year offers a packed calendar of high-value HR and recruitment events across the globe. Whether you are interested in workplace innovation, talent acquisition, learning and development, or employee engagement, there is a conference tailored to your needs. These events are more than just learning opportunities. They are investments in your professional growth and your organisation’s future.

Start planning your 2025–2026 event strategy now to stay ahead in an evolving industry. Early registration often means better rates, so don’t wait too long to secure your place.

These conferences are more than just meetings; they're gateways to the future of HR and recruitment. So, choose your destinations, mark your calendars, and get ready to be inspired. The future of HR awaits you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I choose the right event for my goals?

Start with outcomes: skills you want, problems to solve, and who you need to meet. Then check agendas, speaker line-ups, format (in-person/virtual), and budget to ensure fit.

2. Are there virtual or hybrid options in 2025–2026?

Yes, numerous organisers run hybrid or virtual tracks, widening access for global teams and tight travel budgets. Look for event pages that clearly flag streaming or virtual passes.

3. What are the must-attend HR and recruitment conferences in 2025–2026?

Standout picks often include SHRM Annual, HR Technology Conference, Transform/HR Transform, Workhuman Live, and Future of HR (London).

4. Are any HR events free to attend?

Yes, some exhibitions are free while paid conference tracks sit alongside. The Festival of Work, for instance, offers free in-person exhibition access.

5. Do conferences offer team discounts?

Many do. For example, SHRM26 advertises 10%+ off member rates for groups of five or more—use the group registration route to qualify.