The nature and pace of human resources is shifting in 2025. Research from Gartner indicates that 83% of HR leaders have more expectations on their shoulders today than just several years ago. Yet, 70% of those leaders see this increased responsibility as an opportunity to make an impact in the workplace, and 58% report being granted more authority to do so.
What will HR leaders do with these newfound opportunities? Further research from Gartner shows that 2025 will be a year of AI dominance in HR. Emerging technologies may streamline everything from recruitment to policy development. HR leaders also plan to hone in on future-focused leadership development, strategic workforce planning, and re-establishing the importance of culture.
If you're an HR leader, it's time to start thinking about how you will tackle your priorities this year to effectively support business goals. Fortunately, you don't have to figure it out alone. HR conferences give you an opportunity to gather with other professionals and hear insight from industry leaders on how to maximize trends to meet objectives.
Conferences are invaluable for professionals seeking to stay ahead of industry trends and foster organizational success. Whether youāre aiming to sharpen your skills, network with peers, or explore innovative strategies at a few HR conferences, 2025 offers a robust lineup tailored for HR professionals. Read on for some of the best conferences available, including virtual and in-person options.
What do HR professionals gain from offsite conferences with other HR leaders?
HR professionals who invest in their professional development and stay informed about the latest innovations can better embrace the challenges of tomorrow while steering the ship of positive workplace culture within their organizations. There are many benefits to attending an HR conference:
- Conferences are a platform for networking with peers, HR leaders, and potential collaborators. These connections with industry leaders can lead to new insights, partnerships, and career opportunities.
- Conferences often feature workshops, panels, and presentations on cutting-edge trends, best practices, and innovative strategies. This exposure to fresh ideas and perspectives helps professionals stay ahead of the curve and continuously improve their skills.
- Conferences offer a chance to earn continuing education credits, certifications, and credentials, enhancing one's professional development and credibility within the field.
- Conferences provide updated information about new regulations. You can walk away with essential insight to help you update your policies and practices for compliance.
Best of all, conference attendance can motivate HR professionals to continue moving forward in the industry. Undoubtedly, working in HR can be challenging. With rapid changes and increasing responsibility, it can be easy for HR leaders to feel uncertain about the future. Coming together with others in the field can provide much-needed professional inspiration.
The top HR conferences of 2025
Many HR conferences in 2025 will take place at or around the same time. It's highly likely that you and your team won't be able to attend all of them. Consequently, you'll want to focus on the ones that center around themes aligning with your strategic goals. Consider the following list of 2025 HR conferences to help you make the best decision about which opportunities to take advantage of.
1. i4cp Next Practices Now
- Dates: March 3-6, 2025
- Location: Scottsdale, AZ
- While other conferences focus on best practices, i4cp's yearly conference is centered around next practices. That is, how will you start tackling tomorrow's problems today? Not only will you learn forward-thinking strategies, but you'll also be equipped for immediate implementation.
One unique feature of the Next Practices Now conference is its promise of a vendor-free environment. You'll engage with 500+ of your HR peers in an in-person and virtual environment designed to help you balance networking with professional development from some of the world's top HR pros. - https://www.i4cp.com/conference
2. Transform 2025
- Dates: March 17-19, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas, NV
- Transform 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, this HR technology conference expo 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. - http://transform.us/register/
3. HR West
- Dates: March 11-12, 2025
- Location: Oakland, CA
- There's a reason HR West has been around for four decades. This premier event is a bargain at a fraction of the cost of other high-quality conferences. It offers the chance to gain valuable insights from 80+ expert speakers via seven learning tracks. These tracks include tech, strategy, talent, compliance, benefits, leadership, and DEIB.
Roundtable sessions can provide you with a chance to network and connect with peers, while unique elements like contests and awards will make your time at HR West feel particularly memorable. - https://www.hr.com/en/webcasts_events/live_events/hrwest/hrwest-hr-conference_laapwgci.html
4. Future of HR 2025
- Dates: March 12-14, 2025
- Location: Remote
- This global virtual event gathers HR leaders from around the world to share cutting-edge strategies and resources. Access video sessions, downloadable materials, and real-time Q&A sessions with over 30 expert speakers from diverse industries.
- http://futureofhr.eu/
5. SHRM Talent Conference
- Dates: March 12-14, 2025
- Location: Nashville, TN & livestream/remote access available
- SHRM hosts many annual conferences throughout the United States, with the first being its Talent Conference & Expo.
The SHRM Talent Conference focuses on employee recruitment and talent management, giving data-driven strategies to retain top employees.
At Talent 2025, network with fellow recruiters, HR professionals, and talent leaders from a wide array of organizations, government entities, universities and colleges, and more during opportunities throughout the event. This includes in-person meet-ups as well as real-time chat and discussion in the app and web format.
Advance networking opportunities will be unlocked even before Talent 2025 begins! Attendees will be āmatchedā with other attendees who have similar roles and interests via AI-powered recommendations. To network with ease while onsite, participate in the peer group networking experience. You will have the opportunity to meet fellow attendees from your same industry during sessions, networking breaks, and more.
Attendees will have the opportunity to self-select into the following industry peer groups, with a write-in category for specialized industries. - https://conferences.shrm.org/talent-conference
6. HCI's Spark HR 2025
- Dates: April 20āMay 2, 2025
- Location: Lake Buena Vista, FL
- Focused on enhancing employee engagement and well-being, this conference covers topics like DEI initiatives, wellness programs, and career development. Networking events and interactive workshops provide practical tools for improving workplace culture.
- https://www.hci.org/spark-hr-conference-2025
7. Unleash America
- Dates: May 6-8, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas, NV
- Attend Unleash America to see why it's rated the #1 HR Conference and Expo in America. Choose from programming across 15 stages on the future of HR, recruitment, learnings, and technology from industry-leading experts.
In addition to keynote speeches, explore breakout areas, round tables, and pre-event summits, plus a full product exhibition. Gain insights from case studies that will equip you with actionable strategies to practice within your organization. - https://www.unleash.ai/unleashamerica/
8. Workhuman Live
- Dates: May 12-15, 2025
- Location: Aurora, CO
- Workhuman is all about building a culture of recognition in your organization. Gallup acknowledges that only 30% of employees feel their job is important; to that end, Workhuman Live brings executives and managers together to discuss ways to ensure every employee is connected to the mission and engaged to achieve.
This four-day event seeks to re-imagine what an HR conference could be. It will feature sought-after speakers on differentiated learning tracks. You'll also get 12+ hours of dedicated networking and the ability to earn continuing education credits. - https://www.workhumanlive.com/
9. ATD International Conference & Expo
- Dates: May 18-21, 2025
- Location: Washington, DC
- Are you a learning and development professional looking to increase workforce performance? ATD's annual conference is the right place for you. You'll get to connect with others searching for the same solutions, and the conference provides a chance to gain expert insights from elite speakers who will share proven HR strategies for talent development success.
Additionally, the expo floor will feature innovative technology and solutions to enhance L&D in your organization. Best of all, you can customize the experience for yourself and your team, choosing to attend in person or virtually. - https://atdconference.td.org/
10. The HR Congress World Summit
- Dates: May 20-21, 2025
- Location: Lisbon Congress Center, Portugal
- This international event brings together HR professionals to explore themes like AI in HR, purpose-driven workplaces, and remote work dynamics. Workshops and keynote addresses are designed to inspire actionable strategies for organizational growth.
- https://hrworldsummit.com/
11. SHRM Annual Conference Expo
- Dates: June 29-July 2, 2025
- Location: San Diego Convention Center
- The SHRM Annual Conference Expo is one of the largest HR events, with over 22,000 attendees, from new professionals to senior HR leaders and executives. Learn from the best-in-class programming including a customizable agenda of skills development opportunities and competency-based HR education to make a positive impact on your workplace culture as well as the HR industry.
Plus, network with new partners at the Expo, showcasing a variety of innovative HR practices, technology, and solutions to meet organizational goals. - https://annual.shrm.org/
12. CultureCon 2025
- Dates: August 5-7, 2025
- Location: Madison, WI, or remote
- We believe that every individual, regardless of role, has the power to make work more meaningful for themselves and their organization.
Attend CultureCon 2025 to explore the latest employee experience strategies and innovations that shape an engaging, inclusive, and productive working environment. Whether youāre an executive, team leader, seasoned HR professional, or simply passionate about positive organizational culture, CultureCon 2025 offers a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders, participate in dynamic workshops, and discover the latest trends in cultivating a culture that creates a better world of work.
Every experience is built to equip you with pragmatic, actionable plans that can be quickly applied at your organization. Real, practical tools to transform your organizationās culture from the inside out. - https://www.cultureconusa.org/culturecon25
13. Gartner ReimagineHR Conference
- Dates: October 27-29, 2025
- Location: Orlando, FL
- The Gartner ReimagineHR conference is geared towards CHROs and their HR leadership teams, providing insightful strategies and guidance for optimizing new HR technology to adapt to changing workplaces.
This conference helps HR teams lead the way in transforming work models and increasing accountability for employee well-being, mental health, and equity. - https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/hr-symposium-us
14. SHRM Inclusion 2025
- Dates: November 4-7, 2025
- Location: Louisville, KY
- The SHRM Inclusion conference is a must for any HR professionals looking to encourage, engage, and elevate their organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
This event has sold out for the last two years for good reason. Programming includes sessions for all professional levels, seminars that qualify for professional development credits, and access to their DEI networking marketplace. - https://conferences.shrm.org/inclusion
How to maximize your HR conference experience
Simply attending an HR conference doesn't guarantee you'll benefit from the experience. You'll also need a little pre-planning, a bit of tenacity, and a willingness to apply what you learned.
Set clear goals
Determine what you want to gaināwhether itās networking, learning specific skills, or exploring new tools. Conferences tend to offer a wide range of information. Knowing your goals helps you focus your time and efforts to gain insights you can take home with you.
Take time a few days before the conference to understand your leadership team's objectives for the coming year. Then, select conferences and set goals that will help you achieve them. For example, if your company is focused on efficiency, attending an HR tech conference may help you achieve those goals. Using this strategy can ensure you get the most significant return on your employer's investment.
Bring a teammate
If your employer will allow for it, try to bring someone from your team along with you. It can make for an enjoyable experience and help you build relationships. Bringing a buddy can also allow you to take advantage of more workshops and sessions, especially if they're happening at the same time.
Plan ahead
Review the agenda and select sessions aligned with your objectives. Conferences are often jam-packed, with multiple sessions and events happening at the same time. You may not get to all of them. Luckily, planning ahead can help you make it to the events that matter most to your goals.
Donāt forget to schedule time for networking. You should also set aside time to eat, rest, and debrief with your team. This can help you avoid getting overwhelmed with everything going on.
Engage actively
Participate in workshops, ask questions, and connect with speakers or peers. As someone involved in training and development for your organization, you know that active participation helps the learning process. Try to take notes in each session, and make a list of questions you have about how to apply what you have just heard. Plus, connecting with speakers can help you find experts who can train your staff on specific topics in the upcoming year.
If the conference has vendors, you'll want to make sure that you get to the booths that interest you. This is especially important when it comes to technology products, as this will give you an opportunity to see new tools in action. You will also get to connect with someone who can help you implement the tool in your organization.
Follow up
Post-conference, reach out to new contacts. Early follow-up ensures that the interesting people you meet at the conference won't forget your name and face. It also shows tenacity and an eagerness to learn. In turn, this lets others know that you value their time, your relationship, and the opportunities or information they've shared.
Finally, make sure that you implement actionable insights in your organization. Remember, your employer can only get a return on their investment if your conference attendance results in tangible benefits for the organization. Brainstorm ways you can take action now and get quick wins, as well as some ideas for implementing future programs and initiatives.
FAQs
Q: Are there virtual options for these conferences? A: Many conferences, like Future of HR and SHRM Inclusion, offer virtual attendance options for those who prefer not to travel.
Q: How do I justify attending a conference to my employer? A: Highlight the professional development opportunities, potential cost savings from learned efficiencies, and how the insights can drive organizational success.
Q: What should I bring to an HR conference? A: Essentials include business cards, a notebook, comfortable attire, and a game plan for sessions and networking.
Final thoughts
Attending HR conferences in 2025 is an excellent way to enhance your skills, build meaningful connections, and gain insights that can transform your organization. With a mix of virtual and in-person options, thereās something for every HR professional to explore.
Mark your calendar and prepare to make the most of these enriching opportunities!
