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As a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Chief People Officer, HR executive, or HR professional, staying up to date on the latest trends, technologies, and strategies in HR is an important part of the job.

Attending HR conferences is an excellent way to achieve this. Here's my pick of the top CHRO conferences, each offering a unique blend of learning and networking opportunities.

Planning your year? Check out these top HR conferences to attend.

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Best CHRO Conferences in 2026 -2027 Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the best CHRO conferences I think are worth attending in 2026-2027:

  1. Future of Work 2026 - Multiple locations and dates
  2. HR Leaders Annual Conference 2026 - Multiple locations and dates
  3. Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ - Multiple locations and dates
  4. Evanta CHRO Executive Summit - Multiple locations and dates
  5. HR Technology Conference & Exposition - Las Vegas, NV (October 20-22, 2026)
  6. CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026 - Manchester, UK (November 4-5, 2026)
  7. 2027 CHRO Summit - Orlando, FL (March 17-19, 2027)
  8. Next Practices Now - Scottsdale, AZ & Virtual (March 23-25, 2027)
  9. Transform 2027 - Las Vegas, NV (April 12-14, 2027)
  10. UNLEASH 2027 - Miami, FL (April 13-15, 2027)
  11. Richmond CHRO Forum  - Irving, TX (May 2-4, 2027)

Best CHRO Conferences of 2026-2027

Below are my summaries of the best CHRO conferences that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offering.

1. Future of Work 2026 - Multiple locations and dates

Future of Work 2026 Announcement
Future of Work brings together HR, people, talent, and L&D leaders to explore the events, partnerships, and ideas shaping the modern workplace.
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: Varies (see table below)
  • Social Media: LinkedIn

Future of Work 2026: Locations, Dates, & Pricing

Locations DatesPricing
Dallas, TX, USASeptember 15-16, 2026From $700 USD - $2000 USD
SingaporeNovember 18-19, 2026From $720 SGD - $2080 SGD
Toronto, CanadaMarch 2-3, 2027From CAD $950 - CAD $2,800

The CHRO Summit by The Conference Board is a prestigious gathering of senior HR executives focused on strategic leadership and workforce transformation. Organized by The Conference Board, it has been a cornerstone event for HR leaders seeking to exchange ideas, share best practices, and gain valuable insights into leadership and organizational change.

Why attend? Join your peers in exploring cutting-edge HR strategies and leadership practices. The summit offers a platform to engage with thought leaders and gain insights into workforce transformation. It's an opportunity to elevate your HR strategies and connect with industry experts in an intimate setting.

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2. HR Leaders Annual Conference 2026 - Multiple locations and dates

HR leaders sharing insights during a roundtable discussion at the HR Leaders Annual Conference
An engaging roundtable discussion at the HR Leaders Annual Conference
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: Register to see current pricing
  • Social Media: LinkedIn

HR Leaders Annual Conference 2026: Locations & Dates

Locations Dates
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSeptember 28, 2026
London, UKNovember 10, 2026
Dubai, UAENovember 24, 2026

The HR Leaders Annual Conference is a London-based event run by Corporate Event Solutions Ltd, producing HR-focused conferences since 2013. It draws senior HR professionals across industries for sessions on talent management, workforce strategy, and HR technology.

Why attend? The HR Leaders Conference focuses on people strategies in the workplace, covering topics like leadership, organizational design, talent transformation, and the impact of emerging technologies on employee experience. It's built for peer-to-peer connection, with roundtables and one-on-one networking opportunities that give you direct access to both HR practitioners and solution providers.

3. Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ - Multiple locations and dates

The center stage for the Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo
The Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: Varies (see table below)
  • Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn

Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™: Locations, Dates, & Pricing

Locations DatesPricing
London, UKOctober 6-8, 2026€4,400 + VAT
Orlando, FLOctober 26-28, 2026$5,475
Sydney, AustraliaNovember 16-17, 2026AU$4,825 + GST

Gartner HR Conferences are high-level professional events designed to help HR leaders capture big trends, benchmark their strategies, and accelerate HR transformation through data-backed insights, peer discussions, and expert sessions. The event delivers actionable guidance, based on Gartner research and data, to help HR leaders create practical strategies for their organizations.

“This conference has been a great opportunity to hear insights that I didn’t even know I needed. I'm going away thinking differently and equipped to make work better for our colleagues in the moments that matter.”

-  Emz Addy, Head of Talent Development at Diligenta

Why attend? Attend to explore how technology and innovation are shaping the future of HR. With a focus on strategic HR management, the symposium offers a platform to learn from experts and network with peers. Held in multiple locations, it provides flexibility and a global perspective on HR challenges and solutions.

4. Evanta CHRO Executive Summit - Multiple locations and dates

Engaging one-on-one meetings at the Evanta CHRO Executive Summit
Meaningful one-on-one meetings at the Evanta Executive Summit
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: Apply to participate
  • Social Media: LinkedIn

Evanta CHRO Executive Summit: Locations & Dates

LocationsDates
Chicago, ILOctober 20, 2026
Washington, DCNovember 18, 2026
Huntington Beach, CANovember 19, 2026
Houston, TXDecember 2, 2026
Toronto, CanadaDecember 3, 2026

The CHRO Executive Summit is a peer-driven, executive-level gathering designed specifically for Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) and senior HR leaders. Sessions are shaped by CHROs themselves, ensuring that the agenda focuses on issues that matter most to senior HR executives, such as leadership development, AI and HR tech integration, and culture. 

These one-day programs typically include keynotes, interactive breakout discussions, roundtables, and boardroom sessions where attendees engage deeply with peers rather than passively listening. 

Why attend? This summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with other CHROs and gain insights into the latest HR trends and challenges. With a focus on peer collaboration and knowledge sharing, it provides a valuable forum for discussing strategic HR initiatives. Held across multiple locations, it offers attendees flexibility to choose a convenient venue.

5. HR Technology Conference & Exposition - Las Vegas, NV (October 20-22, 2026)

Speakers on the trade show floor of the HR Technology Conference & Exposition
Exploring innovation and solutions on the expo floor at the HR Technology Conference & Exposition

The HR Technology Conference & Exposition — commonly known as HR Tech — is one of the largest and longest-running global events dedicated to HR innovation and technology. It's a major industry gathering where HR leaders and solution providers come together to explore how technology is transforming human resources and the future of work.

It's widely regarded as the industry's flagship HR tech conference and expo, often described as a "town hall meeting" for the HR tech community. 

Why attend? Discover cutting-edge HR technologies and solutions that can transform your HR operations. This conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with technology providers, attend educational sessions, and network with peers. It's an ideal venue for those looking to stay ahead in the HR tech industry and know more about the world of work, talent acquisition, and well-being tech, AI, and digital employee experience. 

6. CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026 - Manchester, UK (November 4-5, 2026)

Three speakers during a panel session at the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition
Panel speakers sharing insights at the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition

The UK's flagship HR event, CIPD ACE is organized by CIPD in partnership with Wonderly (Haymarket). Drawing ~7,000 people professionals, it features 140+ speakers, 130+ exhibitors, and covers employment law, AI, leadership, and DEI.

Why attend? CIPD ACE is the largest gathering of HR and people professionals in the UK. It blends keynote talks with interactive workshops, case studies, and masterclasses—plus a packed exhibition floor. It's one of the few events where senior HR leaders sit alongside government ministers, making it essential for anyone navigating UK employment law and workforce strategy.

7. 2027 CHRO Summit - Orlando, FL (March 17-19, 2027)

Landing page for the 2027 CHRO Summit
The 2027 CHRO Summit

The Annual CHRO Summit is organized by the CHRO Association and brings together CHROs from Fortune 500 companies. The 2026 event featured speakers like Hoda Kotb, Admiral James Stavridis, and Wharton's Ethan Mollick.

Why attend? The summit goes beyond typical HR panels—expect frank, high-level discussions on AI, geopolitics, and workforce resilience alongside fellow senior leaders. Unique perks like signed books from keynote speakers and an exclusive fireworks event make for a memorable experience.

8. Next Practices Now - Scottsdale, AZ & Virtual (March 23-25, 2027)

A speaker on stage at the Next Practices Now conference
A speaker presentation at the Next Practices Now conference

i4cp Next Practices Now Conference is a senior-level HR conference for CHROs, CPOs, and people leaders focused on future-ready workforce strategies. It gathers 600+ HR executives in a vendor-free environment to explore topics like AI in HR, organizational agility, culture transformation, talent strategy, and workforce readiness.

Why attend? i4cp blends research-driven keynotes, peer-led discussions, and interactive strategy sessions with unusually candid networking opportunities for senior HR leaders. Unlike many HR events, there’s no expo hall or vendor presence, creating space for deeper conversations and practical idea-sharing among practitioners navigating AI, workforce transformation, and culture change.

9. Transform 2027 - Las Vegas, NV (April 12-14, 2027)

Participants gathering to networking at Transform's conference exhibition floor
Conference attendants networking at the Transform's exhibition floor

Transform is a flagship future-of-work conference for people leaders, CHROs, investors, and entrepreneurs. It draws 4,500+ attendees and 350+ speakers across topics like AI, culture, and talent. Past speakers include Van Jones and Lance Armstrong.

Why attend? Transform blends keynotes, small-group discussions, and hands-on learning with a notably social format—including an afterparty and a puppy lounge. It's one of the few events that brings practitioners, thought leaders, solution providers, and investors into the same room.

10. UNLEASH 2027 - Miami, FL (April 13-15, 2027)

A panel discussion at the UNLEASH conference
An engaging panel discussion on stage at the UNLEASH conference
  • Dates: April 13-15, 2027
  • Location: TBA
  • Pricing: From $2,995
  • Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn

UNLEASH America is organized by UNLEASH and brings together 4,000+ HR leaders, CHROs, and tech innovators. Active for over a decade, the 2026 event featured speakers like Amy Edmondson and Ethan Mollick.

Why attend? UNLEASH America stands out for its scale and range—200+ speakers, 250+ exhibitors, a Startup Awards pitch competition, and intimate roundtables with up to 20 HR peers. Sessions span AI, talent strategy, and org culture, with insights from CHROs at Coca-Cola, Adobe, and Visa.

11. Richmond CHRO Forum  - Irving, TX (May 2-4, 2027)

Landing page for the Richmond CHRO Forum 2027
The Richmon CHRO Forum 2027

The Richmond CHRO Forum is a senior-level HR event by Richmond Events, with 28+ years of experience. It brings together CHROs and top people leaders for curated networking and high-level conference sessions.

Why attend? The forum's pre-scheduled, one-on-one meeting system sets it apart—your itinerary is built around your specific goals and preferred connections. It's less a traditional conference and more a curated, face-to-face experience hosted at a luxury resort.

Summary

In conclusion, attending HR conferences is a fantastic way to stay up to date on industry trends, network with peers, and gain new insights into managing and leading in the HR field.

I encourage you to explore these options and consider how they might benefit your professional development and your organization. And if you know of any other conferences that are a must-attend for HR professionals, feel free to share your suggestions!

Perhaps time and resource constraints mean you can't attend in person, in which case you might want to check out this list of virtual HR conferences.

More interested in new tech specifically? Check out our shortlist of HR tech conferences.

There are also DEI conferences for HR and DEI professionals to make much-needed connections and drive the discipline forward, as well as recruiting conferences to ensure your talent teams stay up to date with talent sourcing trends.

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David Rice

David Rice is a long time journalist and editor who specializes in covering human resources and leadership topics. His career has seen him focus on a variety of industries for both print and digital publications in the United States and UK.



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