Top HR Conferences You Can't Miss [2021 Update]

Find the top HR and people operations conferences to attend. From WorkHuman to HireConf to the free HR Virtual Summit - there is something for every HR professional. 

Last updated 4/16/2020

 
 

The Rise of HR & People Operations Conferences

With the way we work rapidly transforming due to technology, research and of course, more recently, a global pandemic, it's not so surprising to see new HR conferences popping up every year (albeit mainly virtual until the world gets back to normal).

HR as a department and a function are transitioning into a new modern take named People Operations. Along with it are new best practices, trends, and methods for ways of working. 

Conferences, particularly virtual HR conferences given the massive shift to remote work we've experienced - and one that will continue indefinitely - are an excellent way to keep abreast of changes, network with like-minded individuals and be inspired by the future of work.

Below is a list of the top conferences coming up in 2021. If you don't see something on the list, let us know

 
 
 
 

January

Recruitment Automation Conference (RAC): Winter 2021

January 13 - 24, 2021 | Free | Virtual

RAC is a free virtual HR conference, a space for the global recruitment community to learn, grow, and connect. They're bringing together builders, practitioners, and leaders across the talent acquisition industry, to drive the evolution of HR, recruiting and diversity in organizations. The 4th RAC will consist of 2 days of live events with several tracks, giving attendees an opportunity to hear from the most influential experts in recruiting, network with professionals working to solve the most pressing challenges facing TA, and engage in conversations around remote work, workflow automation, candidate experience and the talent marketplace.


 
 

February

HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Use People Analytics to Drive Innovation

February 3, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

These days, most business leaders expect HR to come prepared with high-quality data. But that’s really just enough to scrape by. If you want to make a quantifiable difference in your organization, this virtual conference is designed to give you the tools you need to integrate multiple sources of data, identify which metrics actually matter, and deliver actionable insights to an audience outside HR. 



2021 AHRD International Conference in the Americas

February 17 - 20, 2020 | Minneapolis



HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Accelerate Your Workforce Planning

February 24, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

These days, most business leaders expect HR to come prepared with high-quality data. But that’s really just enough to scrape by. If you want to make a quantifiable difference in your organization, this virtual conference is designed to give you the tools you need to integrate multiple sources of data, identify which metrics actually matter, and deliver actionable insights to an audience outside HR. 



HRD: A Virtual Experience

February 25, 2021 | FREE | Virtual

A unique virtual event experience exclusively for the people leaders featuring inspirational keynotes, panel discussions, design-led workshops and a number of interactive sessions, all curated to help you shape the future direction of work, the workforce and the workplace.

What’s included in your ticket?

  • Access to all workshops delivered by expert speakers
  • Access to interactive sessions, including unique design-led workshops
  • Opportunity to network with all of the delegates
  • Access to on-demand content following the event


 
 

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March

HR Virtual Summit Employee Experience Conference by BambooHR

March 3, 2021 | FREE | Virtual

HR Virtual Summit presents an exploration of how to improve the employee experience.


OPTIMA Conference by Predictive Index

Spring 2021 | $1,349 - $1,649 | Boston

The event centers around how to design, hire, and inspire high-performing teams. Bringing together world-class leaders in business, HR, and consulting, the event explores the future of work through a unique lens: talent optimization.



Texas SHRM Global HR Conference

March 4, 2021 | $100-$425 | Norris Conference Center, Houston, TX

The Texas SHRM Global HR Conference is sponsored by Texas SHRM and has been around since 2001. This event is an annual educational and networking opportunity for those who either work in or support Global Human Resources. Global HR requires dedicated professionals who are interested in not only knowing what should be done but anticipates the unexpected and creates solutions that are not part of the usual. This conference focuses on all things Global. 



HR Innovation and Future of Work

March 8 - 13, 2021 | FREE | Virtual

2021 Global Online Conference "HR Innovation and Future of Work" 500 Speakers, 120 Sessions, 30k Participants.



HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Engage Remote Teams

March 10, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

Building an engaged and connected culture at the office is hard enough, now we must forge new territory with a remote workforce that’s sometimes distributed globally. We need new and best practices to now communicate and interact with each other in a way that values each team member and creates a bond of trust, recognition, and unity. 

Join the HCI Engage Remote Teams Conference to learn “hands-on” ideas for team building, new ways of communication, and how we’ve hit the reset on engaging talent in a virtual environment. 



HR Tech Conference (Spring)

March 16 - 19, 2021 | FREE | Virtual

As the industry’s leading independent event for 20+ years, HR Tech will deliver another unrivaled cutting-edge agenda that will benefit HR and IT professionals from businesses of all sizes 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 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.



HR West 2021 – Shaping The Future Of Hr Together

March 17 - 18, 2021 | FREE | Virtual

The HR West Conference shapes the future of HR together with the HR community. HR attendees and participants are thriving, in-the-know HR professionals and providers, always striving to stay ahead of what’s next and what’s to come in the HR profession.

The HR West Conference has convened annually for 36 years in the San Francisco Bay Area, attracting professionals from across the country, with a heavy presence from the Silicon Valley companies and their HR experts. These HR experts represent some of the most seasoned HR professionals who deliver on some of the biggest HR demands in the profession since they practice HR in California and around the world.



HR Transform

March 22 - 24, 2021 | Virtual

HR Transform is attended by People Professionals, Entrepreneurs and Talent Parters and it brings together the world’s most prominent HR executives and the innovators creating the future of work. Meet the leaders who are not only thinking about the changes ahead but actually laying the groundwork for that future today.

 
 

April


Health & Benefits Leadership Conference (Human Resource Executive) 2021

April 7 - 9, 2021 | $845 - $1395 | Ariba Resort and Casino in Las Vegas

You’ll discover what is working and what’s not in organizations from various industries and sizes, as senior HR and benefits executives share their stories along with best practices and tips. Plus, industry experts and those leading the innovation charge share their insight on how to keep your programs fresh and competitive — and as unique as your employees.



California State HR Advocacy & Legislative Conference (Sacramento)

April 14 - 16, 2021 | TBD | Sheraton Grand Sacramento

The 2021 California State HR Advocacy and Legislative Conference is the premier employment law and legislative advocacy focused boutique conference in California. Almost 550 human resource and business professionals from across the world doing business in California, attend this unique conference in Sacramento. Our unique content attracts senior level human resource professionals including CHRO’s, EVP’s, VP’s, and more – to California’s only human resources conference dedicated to California Employment Law and Legislative Advocacy.



SHRM HR People + Strategy WorkVision 2021

April 18 - 21, 2021 | TBD | Virtual

WorkVision 2021 is an event designed to connect you to other HR leaders from across industries and viewpoints – a diverse group of executives who share a common purpose – to shape a new way forward as organizations begin to enter the post-digital world.



SHRM Talent Conference and Exposition 2021

April 19 - 21, 2021 | $1,215 - $2,025 | San Diego Convention Center

Designed specifically for recruitment and talent management professionals, the SHRM Talent Conference & Exposition will provide you with the tools, resources, innovations and solutions you need to evolve your human capital strategies. Talent is the key to the success of any organization.



HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Build An Inclusive Culture

April 21, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

The struggle to create a fair, equitable, and inclusive workforce is not only critical to the success of every organization but also to the lives of millions of Americans. We know that hiring, engaging, and retaining a diverse workforce creates a business advantage, but this value has skyrocketed in today’s unstable marketplace. Join us April 21st and meet the HR leaders who are changing everything with new strategies, tools, and innovative ideas that will transform hearts, minds, and your bottom line.


Innov8

April 21, 2021 | Virtual

Innov8 Work exists to bring together the HR and future of work communities interested in learning about the latest in HR technology, training & development, employer branding, the future of work, the gig economy, remote work, and more. A one-of-a-kind event, the conference will bring together attendees from Israel and around the world, for a chance to network, collaborate and get inspired.


2021 National HR in Hospitality Conference

Apr 26 - 28, 2021 | Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, California

Over the past decade, HR in Hospitality has made a name for itself as the ONLY event of its kind. Hundreds of human resources and labor relations professionals from hotels, resorts, restaurants, casinos, cruise lines and more rely on HR in Hospitality for an energizing conference experience unlike any other — that is, specifically tailored to the hospitality industry!



Granite State Human Resources 2021 Conference

April 28 - 29, 2021 | $250 – $349 | Virtual

The Conference is committed to providing a venue that stimulates thinking, generates new ideas, offers timely and relevant information and opportunities for networking to enhance the professional development of HR professionals and their colleagues.

 
 

May


Health & Benefits Leadership Conference via Human Resource Executive

May 11 - 13 | FREE | Virtual

Join us at the Human Resource Executive® Health & Benefits Leadership Conference for an amazing 3 days of sessions offering crucial insight into the most pressing issues you face today as an HR/Benefits leader. Sessions include, "The Rise of Remote Work & How to Ensure a Hybrid Workforce Will Thrive," "Building Resilience for Your Employees During Extreme Stress" and many more.


HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Redefine Onboarding for a Virtual World

May 12, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

Even before COVID-19, talent-focused organizations understood that onboarding represents a crucial touchpoint in the employment lifecycle where talent acquisition meets talent management. Now however, many organizations are forced to adapt their onboarding programs to virtual or hybrid working environments. Sign up now and learn how to engage new hires and enable high performance in a distributed, virtual world. 



American Payroll Association’s 39th Annual Congress

May 18 - 21, 2021 | $1,599 - $1,859 | Virtual

Congress Xstream brings you online world-class payroll education for professionals in payroll, tax, finance, global mobility, human resources, and benefits. This exclusive virtual event provides opportunities to explore a wide spectrum of payroll topics and offers virtual networking opportunities with payroll professionals and vendors. Attendees will receive crucial payroll updates as well as priceless answers to payroll challenges. For attendees' convenience, on-demand sessions are included and available through July 20, 2021.


2021 California HR Conference

May 25 - 27th, 2021 | $199 - $339 | Virtual Event

As an HR professional, you are your organization’s first line of defense against litigation and workplace disputes, a manager of both risk and talent acquisition, a compliance aficionado and so much more. At the Virtual 2021 California HR Conference, you’ll discover everything you need to excel in your multifaceted role, navigate California’s notoriously complex regulations and elevate your position in your organization. Discover world-class presenters, cutting-edge California insight, thriving, multi-faceted community, and unique experiences that set the California HR Conference apart from other HR events.

 
 

June


SHRM Annual Conference & Expo

June 20 - 23, 2021 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois

The SHRM Annual Conference & Expo is the largest gathering of HR professionals in the world and a can’t-miss experience. Now more than ever, it is imperative for HR professionals, executives, people managers and students to join together to build the workplaces of the future. If you can’t join them in person in Chicago, virtual pass options are now available!



HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Create a Culture of Feedback and Performance

June 30, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

Whether your workforce is remote, onsite, or a hybrid, the importance and strategic value of feedback has never been more crucial to organizational success. With employees managing historic proportions of physical and emotional isolation and organizations under pressure to respond quickly in a changing environment, constant feedback and one-on-one conversations have taken on new importance and weight. Join this conference to re-evaluate and adapt your performance management process to include the vital elements needed to succeed in today’s environment.

 
 

July


HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Redesign Employee Experience

July 21, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

In today’s environment we must re-examine everything for continued relevancy and effectiveness. One of the biggest areas of change is how employees now perceive their experience, whether they’re in the office or remote. Currently, what matters most includes making sure people are safe, informed, and engaged.

Using new strategies for onboarding, creating personalized paths for learning and growth, and by facilitating cross functional collaboration you can create customized experiences that inspire and retain in any working environment. Register today and understand how to use design thinking to create experiences that translate to increased customer satisfaction and the value of your brand.

 
 

August


HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Hire with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

August 18, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

Building a more diverse workforce at all levels of your organization can increase engagement and innovation down the road, but it starts with hiring. To reap these benefits, organizations must build inclusive employment brands and reduce bias in their hiring processes. Sign up now, and discover how to deliver on the promise of fair and inclusive talent acquisition. 



ATD@Home 2021

August 29 - September 1, 2021 | $405 for members & $495 for non-members | Virtual

For decades they’ve gathered thousands from around the world to collaborate, network, and learn together. Learning unleashes innovation and creativity, and they believe talent development professionals have a critical role to play in shaping the future – the future of work and the future workforce.

In 2021 we must do things differently when it comes to our premier event. That's why they're offering an HQ conference in-person, regional events, and ATD@Home.



HR Florida State Conference and Expo

August 29 - September 1, 2021 | $870 - $1,069 | Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL

The HR Florida Conference & Expo is the annual conference of the HR Florida State Council, a state affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This is one of the largest human resources conferences in the state of Florida attracting over 2,000 HR professionals and vendors throughout the state and across the globe. Representing virtually every industry and size of business, this is the place to be for professionals to network, grow, and learn about the human resources industry.

 
 

September


HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Engage and Develop Great People Managers

September 22, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

Great people managers have always propelled their teams to exceptional growth, and now for many employees, they function as a vital lifeline to the business. Set your managers up for success with resources and coaching that allow them to lead with authenticity and empathy while maintaining production levels and accountability. Discover how leading organizations have evolved new tools, strategies, and best practices to help their managers connect and engage a distributed, onsite, or hybrid teams in a personal way. Also, learn new hands-on tactics to improve manager engagement and agility in guiding teams through constant change.



HR & Employee Experience Week

September 27 - October 1, 2021 | £2,200 | London

HR & Employee Experience Week will help you build a culture that enables brave ideas, create employee experience that helps people flourish and design your organization to support innovation. It's not enough to have all the right processes and use the latest frameworks. If your culture doesn't allow innovation to happen, you won't get anywhere. Spend a week immersed into the best-practices and unconventional approaches to culture, leadership, organizational design and future of work. Every day will consist of keynote presentations, case studies, roundtable discussions and visits to the top companies who are creating the best working environments for people.

 
 

October


HR Southwest Conference

October 10 - 13 2021 | $589 | Fort Worth Convention Center, Houston, TX

The HRSouthwest Conference powered by DallasHR, is one of the largest regional education and networking events for HR professionals and those who supply products and services to the HR industry.

Recognized as the official State of Texas SHRM Conference, the event has been held face-to-face in Fort Worth, Texas every October for 78 years. More than 1,400 practitioners plus speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors – 2,400+ participants in total attend the regional event.



HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Accelerate Your Succession Planning

October 20, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

Pandemic succession planning is now a vital part of organizational sustainability. Preparations for continuous and consistent leadership includes emergency planning for C-suite roles, identifying and developing HiPos, anticipating future needs in an uncertain environment, and using data-driven planning to prepare for the unexpected. Organizations are now counting on HR to deliver quality leaders as needed to ensure the continuity and support they need for business growth. Learn what it takes to succeed in succession and accelerate your people planning in preparation for constant change.


 
 

November


HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Optimize Your Talent Acquisition Tools & Technology

November 3, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

Talent acquisition is changing and getting more technologically advanced all the time, but many recruiters are still straining under the burden of administrative overload. How do you attract, identify, and hire top talent when you’re bogged down with processes, paperwork, and unqualified candidates? This virtual conference is designed to bring you up to date on the latest TA technologies and learn how the right tech stack can step up your talent attraction and recruiting game.



HCI 2021 VIRTUAL Conference: Develop Your Future Workforce

November 17, 2021 | $195+ | Virtual

To begin developing the workforce of the future, HR professionals need industrial-sized gear for their toolbox. Some of these power tools include an understanding of the technology that’s driving change, managers who are developed, coached, and accountable for executing fast-paced initiatives, and an understanding of data analytics to predict and monitor skill gaps. Today is the time to lay the foundation and start preparing for the workforce you'll want in the future. Sign up today and stock up on the tools you can use to ensure sustained competitiveness and continued growth when you'll need it the most.

 
 

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