<div class="tldr">
  <h2>TL;DR</h2>
  <ul>
    <li>HR and recruitment are evolving quickly with new technologies and workforce expectations.</li>
    <li>Attending industry events helps professionals stay informed and connected.</li>
    <li>Key trends include AI, diversity and inclusion, remote work, employee experience, skills development, and data-driven HR.</li>
    <li>Numerous major global HR conferences offer opportunities from 2025 to 2026 across locations and formats.</li>
  </ul>
</div><p data-start="197" data-end="482">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.</p>
<p data-start="484" data-end="826">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.</p>
<p data-start="828" data-end="1146">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.</p>
<h2 data-start="1153" data-end="1192">Key Trends to Watch in 2025–2026</h2>
<ul data-start="1194" data-end="1792">
<li data-start="1194" data-end="1290">
<p data-start="1196" data-end="1290"><strong data-start="1196" data-end="1208">AI in HR</strong>: <a href="https://www.ismartrecruit.com/blog-guide-recruiting-automation">Automation in hiring</a>, onboarding, and analytics is improving speed and accuracy.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1291" data-end="1393">
<p data-start="1293" data-end="1393"><strong data-start="1293" data-end="1320">Diversity and Inclusion</strong>: DEI remains a priority, with practical strategies to drive real change.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1394" data-end="1484">
<p data-start="1396" data-end="1484"><strong data-start="1396" data-end="1411">Remote Work</strong>: Building culture and engagement across hybrid teams is a key challenge.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1485" data-end="1596">
<p data-start="1487" data-end="1596"><strong data-start="1487" data-end="1510">Employee Experience</strong>: Retention strategies are evolving to focus more on well-being and internal mobility.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1597" data-end="1699">
<p data-start="1599" data-end="1699"><strong data-start="1599" data-end="1621">Skills Development</strong>: Upskilling and skills-based hiring are central to future workforce planning.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1700" data-end="1792">
<p data-start="1702" data-end="1792"><strong data-start="1702" data-end="1720">Data-Driven HR</strong>: People analytics is enabling more strategic, evidence-based decisions.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Global HR & Recruitment Events and Conferences to Watch (2025–26)</h2>
<p dir="ltr">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, <a href="https://www.ismartrecruit.com/recruitment-glossary/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei-term">DEI</a>, 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.</p>
<h3>1. HR Technology Conference & Exposition 2025  </h3>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Las Vegas, United States</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 16 to 18 September 2025</p>
<p><strong>Why attend:</strong> Flagship HR tech show with hundreds of vendors, demos, and Women in HR Technology Summit.</p>
<p><strong>Fees:</strong> Conference pass from $1295 in advance, Expo pass from $325 in advance.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.hrtechnologyconference.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"><strong>Register Yourself</strong></a><strong> </strong></p>
<h3>2. Gartner HR Symposium Xpo 2025 London</h3>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> London, United Kingdom</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 7 to 9 October 2025</p>
<p><strong>Why attend:</strong> Senior CHRO agenda on performance, skills, and human plus technology operating models.</p>
<p><strong>Fees:</strong> Varies by pass, request pricing.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/emea/hr-symposium-uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Register Yourself</strong></a><strong> </strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">3. RecFest USA 2025</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Location:</strong> Nashville, United States</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Date:</strong> 15 to 16 October 2025</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Why attend:</strong> US edition of RecFest with content, demos, and community for in-house TA.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Fees:</strong> Early bird from $149, group rates from $99 per person.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://recfest.com/usa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"><strong>Register Yourself</strong></a><strong> </strong> </p>
<h3>4. UNLEASH World 2025</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Location:</strong> Paris, France</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Date:</strong> 20 to 22 October 2025</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Why attend:</strong> Europe’s big stage for HR innovation, strategy, and product showcases.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Fees:</strong> Diamond pass €3495 plus VAT, other options vary.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.unleash.ai/unleashworld/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"><strong>Register Yourself</strong></a><strong>  </strong></p>
<h3>5. LinkedIn Talent Connect Summit 2025</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Location:</strong> San Diego, United States</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Date:</strong> 20 to 22 October 2025</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Why attend:</strong> Invite-only summit for senior talent leaders, plus a global broadcast show that week.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Fees:</strong> Invite only, no public pricing.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.linkedintalentconnect.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Register Yourself</strong></a><strong>  </strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">6. HRSE Dubai 2025 HR Summit and Expo</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Location:</strong> Dubai, United Arab Emirates</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Date:</strong> 22 to 23 October 2025, Main event, with workshops around 19 to 24 October</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Why attend:</strong> The region’s largest HR conference and exhibition with international speakers and awards.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Fees:</strong> Varies by pass and add-ons.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://informaconnect.com/hr-summit-expo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Register Yourself</a>  </strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">7. ERE Recruiting Innovation Summit 2025</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Location:</strong> San Diego, United States</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Date:</strong> 4 to 5 November 2025</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Why attend:</strong> Practical recruiting and sourcing strategies with an innovation focus.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Fees:</strong> Early bird pricing is approximately $1399 in person and $399 virtual, with standard rates applying thereafter.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.ererecruitingconference.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Register Yourself</a>  </strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">8. TAtech Europe 2025</h3>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> London, United Kingdom</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 11 to 12 November 2025</p>
<p><strong>Why attend:</strong> European edition for job board and TA tech leaders, with networking and thought leadership.</p>
<p><strong>Fees:</strong> Not publicly listed, contact organiser.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://tatech.org/portfolio/tatech-europe-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Register Yourself</a></strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">9. HR Vision New York</h3>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> New York, USA</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 14–15 January 2026</p>
<p><strong>Why attend:</strong> Two-track programme focused on the future of work, HR technology, talent and recruitment with global speakers and practical sessions.</p>
<p><strong>Fees:</strong> Early bird from $1,499</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.hrvisionevent.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register Yourself</a></strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">10. HR Minds Summit 2026</h3>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Vox Conference Venue, Birmingham, United Kingdom</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 10 to 11 March 2026</p>
<p><strong>Why attend:</strong> Two-day programme on HR technology, artificial intelligence, skills and engagement with networking and UK industry speakers.</p>
<p><strong>Fees:</strong> Delegate ticket £995 with launch rate £345 plus VAT while the offer is active</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://hrminds-summit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Register Yourself</a></strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">11. HR Analytics and AI Summit DACH 2026</h3>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Maritim proArte Hotel, Berlin, Germany</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 16 to 17 March 2026</p>
<p><strong>Why attend:</strong> European cross-industry event focused on people analytics, data-driven HR and practical use cases.</p>
<p><strong>Fees:</strong> Standard pass €2549, Premium pass €2749, All inclusive pass €3249.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.hr-analytics-summit.de/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Register Yourself</a></strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">12. SHRM Talent 2026</h3>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Dallas, USA (and virtual)</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 19–22 April 2026</p>
<p><strong>Why attend:</strong> Deep dive on talent acquisition and retention practices curated by SHRM.</p>
<p><strong>Fees:</strong> Varies by release, see organiser announcements.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://conference.shrm.org/talent-conference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register Yourself</a></strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">13. Workhuman Live 2026</h3>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Orlando, United States</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 27 to 30 April 2026</p>
<p><strong>Why attend:</strong> Human-centred workplace strategies with leadership keynotes, culture and recognition best practice, and a large expo.</p>
<p><strong>Fees:</strong> Early bird from $1095</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.workhumanlive.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Register Yourself</a></strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">14. HR Tech Asia (HR Tech Festival Asia) 2026</h3>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Singapore</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 4–7 May 2026</p>
<p><strong>Why attend:</strong> One of APAC’s largest HR and HR tech gatherings spanning strategy, skills, EX and technology.</p>
<p><strong>Fees:</strong> Varies by release, see organiser announcements.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.hrtechfestivalasia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Register Yourself</a></strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">15. CIPD Festival of Work 2026</h3>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> London, UK</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 10–11 June 2026</p>
<p><strong>Why attend:</strong> Large, multi-stage HR and people festival with supplier expo and on-demand content options.</p>
<p><strong>Fees:</strong> Free on-site festival stages; optional Content+ on-demand pass £149 + VAT</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.festivalofwork.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Register Yourself</a></strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How to Choose the Right Conference & Events?</h2>
<p data-start="322" data-end="492">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:</p>
<ul data-start="494" data-end="1486">
<li data-start="494" data-end="633">
<p data-start="496" data-end="633"><strong data-start="496" data-end="518">Professional goals</strong><br data-start="518" data-end="521">Identify what you want to achieve, whether it’s learning, networking, exploring tech, or earning CPD credits.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="635" data-end="771">
<p data-start="637" data-end="771"><strong data-start="637" data-end="656">Topic relevance</strong><br data-start="656" data-end="659">Choose events that match your area of focus, such as <a href="https://www.ismartrecruit.com/blogs/rise-of-ai-workforce-in-talent-acquisition">talent acquisition</a>, HR tech, employee engagement, or DEI.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="773" data-end="902">
<p data-start="775" data-end="902"><strong data-start="775" data-end="791">Event format</strong><br data-start="791" data-end="794">Decide between in-person, virtual, or hybrid based on your availability, budget, and learning preferences.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="904" data-end="1033">
<p data-start="906" data-end="1033"><strong data-start="906" data-end="937">Speaker and session quality</strong><br data-start="937" data-end="940">Review past agendas and speaker lists to ensure high-value content and practical takeaways.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1035" data-end="1198">
<p data-start="1037" data-end="1198"><strong data-start="1037" data-end="1073">Budget and travel considerations</strong><br data-start="1073" data-end="1076">Factor in registration fees, accommodation, and travel expenses. Early-bird discounts and group rates can offer savings.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1200" data-end="1337">
<p data-start="1202" data-end="1337"><strong data-start="1202" data-end="1230">Networking opportunities</strong><br data-start="1230" data-end="1233">Look for events that offer structured networking, roundtables, or 1:1 meetings with peers and vendors.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1339" data-end="1486">
<p data-start="1341" data-end="1486"><strong data-start="1341" data-end="1371">Location and accessibility</strong><br data-start="1371" data-end="1374">International events may be more comprehensive, while regional ones can be easier to attend and more targeted.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 data-start="132" data-end="170">How Can You Maximise Your ROI from Conferences?</h2>
<p data-start="172" data-end="255">To make the most of any HR or recruitment conference and events, follow these practical steps:</p>
<ul data-start="257" data-end="796">
<li data-start="257" data-end="363">
<p data-start="259" data-end="363"><strong data-start="259" data-end="278">Set clear goals</strong><br data-start="278" data-end="281">Define what knowledge, skills, or connections you want to gain before the event.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="365" data-end="524">
<p data-start="367" data-end="524"><strong data-start="367" data-end="408">Engage actively during the conference</strong><br data-start="408" data-end="411">Participate in sessions, use event apps, join discussions on social media, and attend networking opportunities.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="526" data-end="673">
<p data-start="528" data-end="673"><strong data-start="528" data-end="550">Follow up promptly</strong><br data-start="550" data-end="553">Share insights with your team, review session materials, and reach out to new contacts to build lasting relationships.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="675" data-end="796">
<p data-start="677" data-end="796"><strong data-start="677" data-end="700">Apply your learning</strong><br data-start="700" data-end="703">Implement new ideas and strategies in your workplace to demonstrate value and drive change.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 data-start="6867" data-end="6884">Conclusion</h2>
<p data-start="6886" data-end="7291">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.</p>
<p data-start="7293" data-end="7470">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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!</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>
<h3>1. How do I choose the right event for my goals?</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>2. Are there virtual or hybrid options in 2025–2026?</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>3. What are the must-attend HR and recruitment conferences in 2025–2026?</h3>
<p>Standout picks often include SHRM Annual, HR Technology Conference, Transform/HR Transform, Workhuman Live, and Future of HR (London).</p>
<h3>4. Are any HR events free to attend?</h3>
<p>Yes, some exhibitions are free while paid conference tracks sit alongside. The Festival of Work, for instance, offers free in-person exhibition access.</p>
<h3>5. Do conferences offer team discounts?</h3>
<p>Many do. For example, SHRM26 advertises 10%+ off member rates for groups of five or more—use the group registration route to qualify.</p>