Changing politics means changes in labor relations. Labor relations conferences are a great way to keep up with the latest developments in labor law and HR policy.
For any HR Professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, pick up a new tactic they can use to stay ahead on compliance or simply find some better networking opportunities, these are the best labor relations conferences to attend in 2025.
Best Labor Relations Conferences in 2025 Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best labor relations conferences I think are worth attending in 2025:
- Workplace Relations Conference – Multiple locations and dates
- AALRR Employment Law Conference – Cerritos, CA (March 27, 2025)
- LEAP Labor & Employment Law Advanced Practices Conference – Las Vegas, NV (March 19-21, 2025)
- Labor and Employment Law Conference – Bristol, RI (April 4, 2025)
- AFPM Labor Relations and Human Resources Conference – San Antonio, TX (May 6-7, 2025)
- Labor Relations Institute – Yakima, WA (May 7-9, 2025)
- CIRA Conference – Ontario, CA (June 3-6, 2025)
- NPELRA Annual Conference – Portland, OR (June 22-25, 2025)
- Regulating for Decent Work Conference – Geneva, Switzerland (July 2-4, 2025)
- Montana Annual Labor Relations Conference – Bozeman, MT (September 29 - October 2, 2025)
- UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference – Las Vegas, NV (October 7-9, 2025)
Best Labor Relations Conferences of 2025
Below are my summaries of the best labor relations conferences that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offerings.
1. Workplace Relations Conference - Multiple locations and dates

- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: $250
- Website: Workplace Relations Conference
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram
The Workplace Relations: Conference Locations and Dates
Locations | Dates |
Melbourne, Australia | February 18, 2025 |
Sydney, Australia | February 20, 2025 |
Brisbane, Australia | February 25, 2025 |
Overview:
The Workplace Relations Conference is designed for employers and industry professionals seeking insights into evolving workplace relations and health and safety regulations. It covers topics such as compliance challenges, enterprise bargaining, and regulatory changes impacting businesses.
Past speakers have included Innes Willox, Chief Executive of Ai Group; Justice Adam Hatcher, President of the Fair Work Commission; and Michele O’Neil, President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
Why you should attend:
You'll gain practical insights into the latest workplace relations challenges, including regulations, HR compliance issues, and workforce trends. The conference features expert speakers from regulatory bodies and industry leaders, providing actionable advice on topics like wage theft enforcement, enterprise bargaining, and gender equality targets.
2. AALRR Employment Law Conference - Cerritos, CA (March 27, 2025)

- Dates: March 27, 2025
- Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos, CA
- Pricing: Starts at $259
- Website: AALRR Employment Law Conference
Overview:
The AALRR Employment Law Conference is designed for California employers, HR professionals, and legal experts, offering updates on employment law, compliance, and workplace policies. Established 25 years ago, it covers topics like wage and hour compliance, workplace investigations, and litigation lessons.
Notable speakers this year include Mark Allen, Ph.D., a talent management expert; and James Doti, Ph.D., founder of Chapman University’s Economic Research Center.
Why you should attend:
You’ll gain critical updates on employment law and learn practical strategies to handle issues like wage compliance, workplace investigations, and reasonable accommodations. The sessions are designed to address the specific challenges faced by California employers, making the content highly relevant and actionable.
3. LEAP Labor & Employment Law Advanced Practices Conference - Las Vegas, NV (March 19-21, 2025)

- Dates: March 19-21, 2025
- Location: Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
- Pricing: From $1495-$1995
- Website: LEAP Labor & Employment Law Advanced Practices Conference
Overview:
The LEAP Labor & Employment Law Advanced Practices Conference is designed for HR professionals across public, private, and government sectors, offering insights into critical employment law issues. Established over two decades ago, it covers topics like ADA accommodations, labor relations, and pay equity.
Past speakers have included leading employment law attorneys from firms such as Ogletree, Littler, and Baker Botts.
Why you should attend:
You'll get expert insights on critical employment law topics like harassment investigations, ADA accommodations, and evolving NLRB regulations. Leading attorneys from top firms will provide practical guidance tailored for HR professionals across public and private sectors. With over 30 sessions offering SHRM and HRCI credits, you’ll stay informed and compliant with the latest legal changes.
4. Labor and Employment Law Conference - Bristol, RI (April 4, 2025)

- Dates: April 4, 2025
- Location: Roger Williams University School of Law, Bristol, RI
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Labor and Employment Law Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X, Instagram
Overview:
The Labor and Employment Law Conference at Roger Williams University School of Law began in 1989 and focuses on key legal developments in labor and employment law. It’s for legal professionals, HR practitioners, and academics, featuring speakers from federal and state agencies like the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Past topics have included court updates, arbitration cases, and discrimination laws.
Why you should attend:
You’ll gain practical insights from experienced labor and employment lawyers, academics, and key representatives from federal and state agencies. This conference focuses on timely topics like recent court decisions, changes in human resource practices, and critical updates from the National Labor Relations Board.
5. AFPM Labor Relations and Human Resources Conference - San Antonio, TX (May 6-7, 2025)

- Dates: May 6-7, 2025
- Location: The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: AFPM Labor Relations and Human Resources Conference
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube
Overview:
The AFPM Labor Relations and Human Resources Conference is tailored for executives and HR professionals in the fuel and petrochemical industries. It addresses workforce challenges with industry-specific insights and strategies.
Speakers in previous years have included Will Patton, Director of Human Resources at Hunt Refining Company; Jay Kirschbaum, Director and Senior Vice President at World Insurance Associates LLC; and Chet Thompson, President and CEO of AFPM.
Why you should attend:
You’ll gain targeted insights into labor and workforce challenges specific to the fuel and petrochemical industries, making it easier to address the unique demands of your organization.
6. Labor Relations Institute - Yakima, WA (May 7-9, 2025)

- Dates: May 7-9, 2025
- Location: Yakima Convention Center, Yakima, WA
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Labor Relations Institute
Overview:
The Labor Relations Institute is a key event for public sector HR and labor relations professionals, offering training on legal updates, trends, and employee-management relations. Established over three decades ago, it is attended by managers, attorneys, and elected officials representing management interests.
Past speakers have included leaders from government and industry sectors.
Why you should attend:
You'll find valuable insights into the latest labor laws and HR strategies tailored for the public sector. The event will offer workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. It's an excellent chance to enhance your understanding of complex labor relations challenges.
7. CIRA Conference - Ontario, CA (June 3-6, 2025)

- Dates: June 3-6, 2025
- Location: Ted Rogers School of Management, Ontario, CA
- Pricing: TBA
- Website: CIRA Conference
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube
Overview:
The CIRA Conference is for academics, practitioners, and students interested in work, labour, and industrial relations. It promotes research, discussion, and education on topics like unionization, labor law, and HR management.
Established decades ago, it has hosted notable scholars and practitioners shaping the future of work and employment relations.
Why you should attend:
You’ll connect with a diverse network of professionals and academics from across Canada and beyond, dedicated to advancing the field of work, labor, and industrial relations. The conference covers essential topics like unionization, labor laws, and human resources management, offering insights tailored to the Canadian context.
8. NPELRA Annual Conference - Portland, OR (June 22-25, 2025)

- Dates: June 22-25, 2025
- Location: Marriott Riverfront Downtown, Portland, OR
- Pricing: Starts at $890
- Website: NPELRA Annual Conference
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram
Overview:
The NPELRA Annual Conference is a leading event for labor relations and human resources professionals, offering sessions for both new and experienced practitioners. Established decades ago, it features keynotes from experts like Traci Brown in deception detection.
The conference covers legal updates, negotiation strategies, and workplace trends.
Why you should attend:
You’ll connect with labor relations and HR professionals nationwide while exploring practical solutions to workplace challenges. The conference covers everything from foundational knowledge to advanced strategies, making it valuable whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro.
9. Regulating for Decent Work Conference - Geneva, Switzerland (July 2-4, 2025)

- Dates: July 2-4, 2025
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Pricing: Free
- Website: Regulating for Decent Work Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X
Overview:
The Regulating for Decent Work Conference brings together policymakers, researchers, and labor experts to discuss challenges and solutions in achieving decent work worldwide. It focuses on issues such as technological change, climate impact, and labor market regulations.
Established to address evolving workforce challenges, past conferences have featured leading experts from international labor organizations and academic institutions, offering insights into employee benefit policies and their role in fostering fair working conditions.
Why you should attend:
You'll gain insights into evolving global labor market challenges and regulatory frameworks that promote decent work. The conference gathers policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore key issues like technological disruption, climate change, and demographic shifts through concurrent sessions on labor policy.
Engage in discussions on innovative solutions to address workforce vulnerabilities, promote fair employment practices, and strengthen employee relations.
10. Montana Annual Labor Relations Conference - Bozeman, MT (September 29 - October 2, 2025)

- Dates: September 29 - October 2, 2025
- Location: Best Western GranTree Inn, Bozeman, MT
- Pricing: TBA
- Website: Montana Annual Labor Relations Conference
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram
Overview:
The Montana Annual Labor Relations Conference is a key event for professionals in arbitration and labor relations, offering a platform for learning and networking. Established over four decades ago, it provides updates on labor relations practices, including topics like collective bargaining and dispute resolution. Notable speakers have included representatives from government agencies and labor organizations.
Why you should attend:
You'll gain valuable insights into labor relations trends, legal updates, and best practices that directly impact Montana’s workforce. The conference offers a mix of informative sessions and discussions tailored to the unique challenges faced by employers, employees, and labor representatives in the state.
11. UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference - Las Vegas, NV (October 7-9, 2025)

- Dates: October 7-9, 2025
- Location: Bellagio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
- Pricing: TBA
- Website: UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X
Overview:
The 2025 UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference brings together labor and management professionals from the mechanical contracting industry to discuss workforce development, organizing, and industry challenges. It is jointly hosted by the United Association (UA) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA).
Speakers in previous years have included Derrick Kualapai, Administrative Assistant to the General President of UA; Jim Daley, President and CEO of JJ White, Inc.; and Brian Helm, President of Mechanical, Inc.
Why you should attend:
You'll get the chance to explore key labor relations issues affecting the mechanical contracting industry, with a strong focus on workforce development and labor-management collaboration. The conference offers practical discussions on topics like manpower needs, organizing strategies, and strengthening partnerships between labor and management.
Summary
Attending labor relations conferences in 2025 provides HR professionals and labor union representatives with valuable opportunities to stay informed, network with industry peers, and gain practical insights to navigate the complexities of labor relations.
Whether seeking updates on labor laws, best practices in collective bargaining, or strategies for promoting positive workplace relations, these conferences offer valuable resources and networking opportunities for professionals in the field.
You might also want to consider taking a labor relations certification to take a deeper dive into the field and add something to your CV.
Other conferences that will be of value to professionals concerned with compliance include recruiting conferences, as well as those on payroll, benefits and workplace safety.
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