10 Best HR Conferences to Attend in 2025
As the HR landscape continues to evolve, attending HR conferences has become one of the most powerful ways to stay ahead of the latest trends, address pressing challenges, and foster innovation. These events offer a rare opportunity to hear from top HR thought leaders, gain actionable insights, and network with peers who share your passion for shaping the future of work and HR.
In 2025, this will be more important than ever, as senior HR leaders navigate a world where the pace of change is accelerating.
One of the key drivers of this transformation is AI. According to Forrester, 2025 will be a pivotal year for AI in the workplace, with companies expanding beyond early experimentation to create long-term strategies that align with their business goals.
HR professionals will play a critical role in this shift, from managing AI-driven recruitment tools to shaping ethical AI policies that foster inclusivity and fairness. Attending the right HR events can equip you with the knowledge to lead these initiatives and ensure your organization is prepared for the future.
While HR conferences are rewarding and enriching experiences, you likely can’t attend every HR conference in 2025. Choosing which event can provide you (and your organization) with the most value is the first step in ensuring a successful experience.
The Ultimate List of HR Conferences in 2025
To help guide your decision-making process, we've compiled a comprehensive list of human resource conferences that will motivate and inspire you to bring positive change to your organization in 2025.
See also: Top 10 Employee Engagement Conferences
1. Workhuman® Live Gaylord Rockies 2025
- Date: May 12 - 15, 2025
- Location: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center - 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019
Winner of five Titan Business Awards, Workhuman Live is more than a conference—it’s a movement that brings together C-level executives, VPs, senior HR leaders, directors, and forward-thinking professionals who are dedicated to making work more human.
This event is one of the most anticipated HR gatherings of the year, designed for those of you looking for innovative HR practices and to foster a workplace culture of recognition, connection, and purpose.
What makes this event stand out:
Over the past decade, Workhuman Live's annual four-day experience has reimagined the HR conference. It's not just about attending sessions—it’s about immersing yourself in experiences that leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to drive change.
Leaders come to Workhuman Live as a means to connect with other forward-thinking companies and HR innovators, get insight into the latest industry data, and find inspiration for new strategies.
Attendees come with questions and ideas and leave with a clearer perspective on where they've been and where they're going next.
What to expect:
Get ready for an event packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Here’s what you can expect at Workhuman Live:
1. Tailored content tracks for every role
Workhuman Live offers four distinct learning tracks, each addressing critical aspects of personal and organizational growth:
- For You – Rise Up: Focus on your personal learning and development by enhancing cognitive skills, reducing burnout, and improving decision-making in today’s fast-paced work environment.
- For Your Organization – Build Up: Learn how to drive innovation and productivity by leveraging new tools in AI, fostering hybrid teams, and building high-performing workplaces.
- For Your Community – Lift Up: Explore DEIB, recognition, and psychological safety to create an inclusive and empathetic workplace culture.
- For Leaders – Step Up: Designed for executives, these sessions offer strategies to lead purpose-driven organizations, align leadership with tech trends, and drive transformative change.
2. World-Class Speakers
New York Times bestselling authors, CEOs, actors, leading HR experts, and even a First Lady have graced the Workhuman Live stage. This year, famed organizational psychologist Adam GrantOpens in a new tab, who has penned five #1 NYT bestselling books, will return to share career-changing breakthroughs about the power of hidden potential, and how you can unleash it to elevate your organization, your team, and yourself.
You’ll also hear from over 65 inspiring leaders, researchers, thinkers, and futurists in activities crafted to uplift and empower you – both as an HR practitioner and as a human.
3. Endless opportunity to network
With 4,000+ attendees and 2,000+ brands represented, Workhuman Live offers 12+ hours of networking, giving you the chance to connect with industry leaders and HR peers. One thing that stands out from other conferences is their "Solo Social", which is a networking event for attendees coming to the conference alone.
4. Recognized Excellence
Named one of the 10 Most Innovative Meetings by BizBash, Workhuman Live delivers 52+ hours of educational content, ensuring you leave with actionable insights based on the latest trends in HR. As an added bonus, they offer opportunities to earn continuing education credits, ensuring that the conference delivers both personal and professional ROI.
If you’re looking to elevate your HR strategies, foster a culture of belonging, and play a pivotal role in the future of work, Workhuman Live Gaylord Rockies 2025 is an unmissable event. Get ready to be inspired, connect with top talent, and drive meaningful change within your organization.
2. SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2025
- Date: June 29 - July 2, 2025
- Location: San Diego Convention Center - 111 Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
What to expect:
With more than 375 sessions, SHRM's annual flagship event gives you in-depth insights into all things HR. From the basics every HR professional needs (no matter the role, tenure, or industry), to offerings for C-suite leaders, to the latest ideas that are changing the workplace landscape, SHRM25Opens in a new tab is sure to help you stay on top of what’s to come in the world of work, no matter where you are in your HR career.
The four-day conference covers a number of educational sessions and will focus on the following:
- Dynamic discussions
- Practical workshops
- Inspiring keynotes on everything from managing a diverse workforce to innovative HR technologies
What makes this event stand out:
SHRM25 will be the largest in the conference's history. It will offer a variety of opportunities for you to learn, network, and grow your career, including sessions on the latest HR trends and innovations, networking, certifications, workshops, and keynotes.
SHRM is also launching the Skills-First Center of Excellence (SFCOE) online hub in early 2025. The SFCOE will offer resources for employers and HR professionals, including an AI-based skills advisor and a skills-first credential.
3. HR Transform 2025
- Date: March 17 - 19, 2025
- Location: Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
What to expect:
TransformOpens in a new tab sits at the intersection of technology and the diverse community shaping the future of the workplace. The event brings together global people-driven executives, future-of-work entrepreneurs, and workforce tech investors for three days of progressive programming, curated connections, innovative technology, and energizing after-hours networking.
Over three action-packed days, the Transform conference features hands-on learning experiences, interactive small-group discussions, insights from 350 dynamic speakers, and the crowd-favorite after-party with a special musical performance.
What makes this event stand out:
Caring deeply about inclusivity, Transform focuses on bringing together a diverse community of thought leaders to celebrate different perspectives and enrich every interaction.
As part of our transformation, Transform is excited to continue cultivating an ecosystem that reaches a broader audience, inspires more impactful innovations, sparks deeper conversations, fosters more meaningful connections, and collectively elevates how to care for the health and wellbeing of the global workforce.
Through a curated combination of events, awards, social impact initiatives, and thought leadership media channels, Transform seeks to appeal to exist through a spectrum of experiences:
- Foster relationships and human connection
- Shape the future of people-driven leadership
- Inspire WorkTech innovation
- Enhance health and physical, mental, and financial wellbeing
- Mobilize companies to do good for the broader community
- Transform the workforce, workplace, and work of the future
4. UNLEASH America 2025
- Date: May 6 - 8, 2025
- Location: Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, 3911 S Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109
What to expect:
At UNLEASH America 2025Opens in a new tab, join the industry’s power players, boldest new voices, and disruptors who are driving innovation and shaping the future of HR. Discover the cutting-edge strategies and breakthrough innovations defining tomorrow’s workplace. This is where the brightest minds connect, forge transformative partnerships, and set the agenda for what’s next in HR.
With 4,000+ global HR leaders, 200+ insightful speakers, and 111+ countries represented, UNLEASH is more than just an HR event - it's the International Festival of HR set against the electric pulse of Las Vegas! The UNLEASH experience includes the following:
- Global connections: Meet and mingle with 4,000+ HR visionaries from over 111 countries, connecting with leaders from 10,000 top employers with a combined revenue impact of $30 trillion.
- Innovative tech: Experience the future of HR technology firsthand as industry giants and emerging disruptors showcase solutions that can transform your organization.
- Visionary insights: Hear from global icons and bold thinkers—bringing you cutting-edge perspectives to inspire and shape the future of HR.
- Accelerated partnerships: Fast-track a year’s worth of connections in just three days—unlock collaborative opportunities and solutions that give your organization the decisive edge.
What makes this event stand out:
With past speakers such as Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Josh Bersin, UNLEASH has been the epicenter for HR, recruitment and learning enthusiasts for 10 years. In 2025, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Supercharge your skills: Leave UNLEASH America armed with the skills to make you the ultimate HR rockstar. From talent acquisition hacks to employee wellbeing magic, UNLEASH's expert-led sessions give you the tools to crush it back at work.
- Network like a pro: At UNLEASH, you’ll be hanging out with global HR legends like it’s no big deal. Your next career move could be a coffee break away, so sharpen that handshake and get ready to network like a boss. You can join the HR Congress World Summit May 14-15, 2024, at the Alfandega Congress Center in Porto, Portugal.
- Geek out on next-level innovation: Obsessed with staying ahead of the HR curve? You’ve come to the right place. Get up close and personal with the latest HR tech and innovative practices that’ll make your competition sweat.
5. HRWest 2025
- Date: March 11 - 12, 2025
- Location: Oakland Marriott City Center, Oakland, CA, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
What to expect:
With a theme of "HR Evolved: Thriving in Change," HRWest 2025Opens in a new tab is the most important and valuable edition of HRWest. The conference, covering the present and future of work, boasts 1,000+ global attendees, 80+ speakers, 10 full HR credits, and 80+ exhibitors.
What makes this event stand out:
HRWest 2025 will celebrate four decades of HR education and networking. The event will offer the following benefits:
- Upleveling your skills: You’ll perform your job with great confidence thanks to being up to date on rising HR challenges, innovative strategies, and best practices for getting the most out of HR technology.
- Staying up to speed on compliance: HRWest is renowned for its employment law and compliance sessions. It’s the place to be to learn about new requirements, so you can help prevent your organization from getting into legal hot water.
- Networking with experienced HR professionals: HRWest is packed with small-group roundtable discussions on HR’s biggest issues. You’ll collaborate with peers on the topics that matter most to you, and see which strategies and tactics are (and aren’t) working for them. You’ll get insights that will benefit your work, and in turn your organization.
- Getting your money's worth: The registration fees are a fraction of what similar events charge (and even lower if you sign up early), plus you can take advantage of savings on the conference’s special hotel room rates.
- Sharing your learnings: You can volunteer to brief others at your organization on the key insights that you learned at the conference, and tie them to your OKRs or your organization’s broader strategic goals.
6. HRcoreLAB 2025
- Date: March 12 - 13, 2025
- Location: Porta Fira Hotel, Pl. d'Europa, 45, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona
What to expect:
The HRcoreLABOpens in a new tab summit is the most comprehensive, disruptive, and inspiring HR event of its kind. Year after year, executives from across the globe gather at the HRcoreLAB around a common purpose: to discuss the current state of the people function and investigate how it can be improved in order to continue to contribute to business success in the future.
If you have desire to unlock your potential by learning more about the current trends in HR, then join 500 HR executives in Barcelona for two days of strategic learning, high-level networking, and industry benchmarking.
What makes this event stand out:
For you to stay on top of the latest developments, skills, capabilities, and competencies, we've identified a wide range of challenges and opportunities:
- Leveraging innovation
- Achieving excellence in recruitment
- Leading cultural and digital transformation
- Implementing the latest HR technologies
- Empowering employee experience
- New leadership styles that respond to trends
- Adapting to agile HR
- Putting diversity and inclusion into action
- Enhancing your employer branding capabilities
- Prioritizing wellbeing
7. i4cp Next Practices Now Conference
- Date: March 3 - 6, 2025
- Location: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
What to expect:
Every year, the Next Practices Now ConferenceOpens in a new tab draws HR and talent executives from the world’s most innovative companies. Join Next Practices Now for candid, strategic conversations in an environment free from sales pitches and distractions. This is your chance to connect with decision-makers in HR.
What makes this event stand out:
Next Practices Now is designed to equip attendees with actionable insights to drive immediate impact within your organization, including the following:
- Tackle tomorrow's challenges: From integrating AI into HR processes to building resilient workforces, discover forward-thinking strategies that go beyond conventional best practices. Be ready to implement what you learn immediately.
- Shape the future of HR: With a focus on next practices, you’ll walk away with innovative ideas and actionable insights that can drive real business impact. Learn from i4cp research, industry-leading speakers, and your peers.
- Experience a unique HR conference: The conference offers the perfect blend of professional development and networking. Don’t miss the chance to join 500+ HR leaders in a setting designed for meaningful engagement.
8. UNLEASH Paris 2025
- Date: October 21 - 22, 2025
- Location: Paris Convention Centre, 1 Pl. de la Prte de Versailles, 75015 Paris, France
What to expect:
As the global destination where the HR World meets, this year’s event will welcome 8,000+ attendees from 120+ countries, featuring groundbreaking AI advancements, world leaders, and game-changing partnerships on the Future or Work and AI.
What makes this event stand out:
As the global events industry evolves in a post-pandemic world, UNLEASH has solidified its position as the #1 HR industry leader, benchmarked against 8,000+ of the world’s largest conferences and exhibitions across all sectors. Ranked among the top 8% of global events for exhibitor satisfaction, UNLEASH has not only rebounded stronger but continues to outperform the industry’s most prestigious tradeshows, delivering unparalleled exhibitor experiences and unmatched sponsor ROI.
As the global events industry evolves in a post-pandemic world, UNLEASH has solidified its position as the #1 HR industry leader, benchmarked against 8,000+ of the world’s largest conferences and exhibitions across all sectors. Ranked among the top 8% of global events for exhibitor satisfaction, UNLEASH has not only rebounded stronger but continues to outperform the industry’s most prestigious tradeshows, delivering unparalleled exhibitor experiences and unmatched sponsor ROI.
"We are thrilled to bring our Workhuman Live Forum to Paris this October in partnership with UNLEASH World—an event that shares our mission of making work human and advancing the future of work," said Workhuman CEO Eric Mosley. "This partnership is an exciting step in further expanding that community of thought leadership and innovation globally."
9. Rethink! HR Tech 2025
- Date: March 25 - 27, 2025
- Location: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
What to expect:
At Rethink! HR Tech 2025Opens in a new tab Rethink! HR Tech 2025, you’ll join CHROs and senior HR leaders to explore the latest technological innovations shaping the future of HR. Dive deep into how AI-powered recruiting, automated talent management, and data-driven workforce analytics are transforming the way HR operates.
You’ll gain insights into practical use cases, emerging trends, and the potential risks and opportunities these technologies bring. The event provides a unique opportunity to discuss the real value of these cutting-edge solutions and how they can revolutionize your HR processes.
What makes this event stand out:
Rethink! HR Tech is designed to foster meaningful connections. You’ll have multiple opportunities to network with speakers, participants, and solution providers through carefully curated matching processes, ensuring you meet the right people.
With a focus on personalized networking, you’ll engage in targeted discussions that cater to your specific interests and challenges. Plus, you'll collaborate with top executives from leading companies, sharing best practices, discussing industry trends, and paving the way for long-term planning.
This is your chance to be part of the conversation that’s driving the future of HR technology.
10. WorldatWork
- Date: May 19 - 21, 2025
- Location: Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
What to expect:
Total Rewards 2025Opens in a new tab is more than a conference - it's a fully immersive experience designed to make a difference: in your career, your organization, and ultimately people’s lives. With fresh formats and curated networking focused on meaningful connection, it’s a powerful, personalized journey that will provide the right solutions, right now—all in a fun, festival-like atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
As Total Rewards revolutionizes the workplace as the key retention driver, the pressure is on rewards professionals like you to deliver actionable, measurable solutions with real impact on your business. More than ever, the future of work is in your hands.
What makes this event stand out:
This has always been the premier event for ambitious and curious rewards professionals - but Total Rewards '25 will be the most immersive and customized learning experience yet. Experience what it means to achieve real impact, including:
- Real solutions: Sharpen your skills and find sophisticated solutions to your unique challenges by designing an experience tailored to your goals.
- Real connections: Experience exciting, spontaneous conversations alongside expert-facilitated discussions that dive deep into important trends. You’ll connect with professionals across a range of industries who all share a commitment to helping one another succeed.
- Real insights: In seven inventive session formats, you’ll experience an abundance of a-ha moments designed to transform how talent is rewarded in organizations, starting with your own.
- Real inspiration: Experience true luminaries in the Total Rewards space who will spur you to think differently and energize you to take action to lift up your company and your career.
What are the benefits of an HR conference?
By attending an HR conference, you can effectively expand your professional network Opens in a new tab and gain valuable insights and knowledge. It's also an opportunity to maintain professional certification, which Workhuman Live provides through five different accreditation organizations.
HR conferences allow you to connect with leaders, mentors, and future colleagues. You'll be able to sit in on sessions led by industry leaders with excellent experience and expertise.
This exposure not only helps you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in HR but also equips you with the necessary information to enhance your own skill set.
Attending HR events and conferences punches your ticket to unlocking new knowledge, meaningful connections, and the tools necessary to excel in your career. Here are some of the valuable opportunities available at most HR conferences:
Organizational and professional development through workshops and sessions
Conferences offer workshops, presentations, and panel discussions about a wide range of HR topics like talent management, and these sessions also provide in-depth knowledge and practical strategies that you can apply in your own company.
Initiatives that support wellness and mental health
GallupOpens in a new tab reports that around 33% of employees indicate their job has made a somewhat negative impact on their mental health.
Further, more than 80% of employees in 2023 are likely to enjoy work and stay in their jobs Opens in a new tabwith employers who stay engaged with their wellness.
In light of these statistics, HR conferences have begun emphasizing the need to minimize workplace stress through wellness program promotion.
Legal and compliance updates
Conferences often invite legal experts who can provide updates and guidance on compliance issues because HR laws are constantly evolving. This protects organizations from legal risks and encourages ethical and responsible business practices.
Professional development credits or PDCs
HR conferences are vital sources of PDCs that are essential to fulfill continuing education requirements for HR professionals. Most HR events are approved by certifying organizations like ATD Certification Institute and HR Certification Institute.
How can you maximize your conference experience?
With so much happening at an event like this, having a plan can help keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your HR conference experience:
Do your research
First, you need to identify your goals before attending the conference. You must ask yourself if you need insights on a specific topic or solutions to specific concerns. Identifying topics that align with your goals and interests is crucial. Look for testimonials from past attendees and what companies will be there.
Second, look up the conference schedule and agenda. You can also get to know the keynote speakers by searching them on Google and watching their videos on YouTube.
Finally, the research shouldn’t stop because you’re there. While in attendance, actively participate, ask questions, and take meaningful notes.
Map out your conference experience
Adding to the overwhelming feeling of conferences like these is the sheer size of the conference centers they take place in. You may want to hit back-to-back sessions, but a walk from one room to the next might be 15 minutes. Map and schedule your days by:
- Reviewing the conference agenda
- Arriving early, registering, and collecting conference materials
- Preparing a list of questions and discussions
- Writing notes and reflecting on the conference experience
Bring a conference buddy
It can be helpful (and fun!) to bring a conference buddy who shares similar goals and interests. Whether a colleague or friend, a conference buddy can enhance your conference experience through shared learning. Some conferences, like Workhuman Live, offer discounts for friends or teams registering together.
By sharing your takeaways with each other, engaging in discussions, and applying the information you've learned more effectively, you’ll have a meaningful and enjoyable conference experienceOpens in a new tab.
Take advantage of networking opportunities
By attending after-parties and talking with fellow attendees, you can establish connections and open business opportunities. Workhuman Live and other conferences offer structured and facilitated networking to maximize the experience.
Here are some of the strategies you can consider to maximize networking in HR conferences:
- Initiate conversation with friendly greetings
- Pay close attention to what others are saying: listen to understand, not to respond
- Don't forget to give them your business card or LinkedIn
- Send a follow-up message expressing your pleasure in meeting them
Keep in mind that effective networking revolves around creating genuine relationships rather than simply collecting their contact information.
FAQs
What is the purpose of an HR conference?
An HR conference provides an invaluable opportunity to learn and build new connections with HR managers, professionals, and industry leaders.
Packed with educational sessions, HR conferences often re-evaluate or propose new HR processes and systems that attendees can take back to their organization.
Conclusion
As we look at the current and future challenges in the workplace, it's clear that HR conferences offer ample opportunities to address issues and enhance strategies within the dynamic business landscape.
This list of the most promising HR conferences can help you elevate your performance, discover key insights that can shape the culture at your organization, and stay current on relevant trends and technologies with the HR space.