10 Best Labor Relations Conferences of 2026
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 2026.
Best Labor Relations Conferences in 2026 Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best labor relations conferences I think are worth attending in 2026:
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- Workplace Relations 2026 - Multiple locations and dates
- LEAP Premier Employment Law Conference - Las Vegas, NV (April 8-10, 2026)
- AFPM 2026 Labor Relations/Human Resources Conference - New Orleans, LA (April 13-15, 2026)
- NPELRA Annual Training Conference - Charlotte, NC (April 19-22, 2026)
- LaborLab 2026 Summit - Virtual (May 6-7, 2026)
- Labor Relations Institute - Wenatchee, WA (May 6-8, 2026)
- LERA 78th Annual Meeting - Minneapolis, MN (May 28-31, 2026)
- 63rd Congress of the Canadian Industrial Relations Association - Quebec City, Canada (June 2-4, 2026)
- Montana Arbitration and Labor Relations Conference - Great Falls, MT (September 22-24, 2026)
- HR and Labor Relations Conference - Whitefish, MT (September 29-October 1, 2026)
Best Labor Relations Conferences of 2026
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 offering.
1. Workplace Relations 2026 - Multiple locations and dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: From $110
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
Workplace Relations: Locations & Dates
| Locations | Dates |
|---|---|
| Brisbane, Australia | February 26, 2026 |
| Sydney, Australia | March 3, 2026 |
| Melbourne, Australia | March 5, 2026 |
Workplace Relations 2026 is a series of strategy-focused one-day conferences on workplace relations issues across major Australian cities. These conferences aim to help employers and workplace practitioners stay ahead of major regulatory changes transforming Australia’s industrial relations industry.
Attendees will be hearing from experts and regulators from the Fair Work Commission, the Fair Work Ombudsman, and the Race Discrimination Commissioner, learn about the latest reforms and emerging workplace relations trends impacting employers, and gain practical strategies for navigating compliance, dispute risks, and regulatory requirements.
Why attend? Workplace Relations 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and understand the latest workplace regulations. With its focus on practical solutions and expert panels, you'll leave equipped to handle the progressive HR landscape. This event is ideal for anyone looking to stay informed and connected in the field of labor relations.
2. LEAP Premier Employment Law Conference - Las Vegas, NV (April 8-10, 2026)
- Dates: April 8-10, 2026
- Location: Paris Las Vegas
- Pricing: From $1,595
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The LEAP Conference is an annual, in-depth employment law and HR conference for human resources professionals, legal counsel, and organizational leaders. It focuses on today’s most critical workplace and labor law issues and is designed to help attendees understand complex developments in employee law.
Keynote speakers for the event include Joe Beachboard from Beachboard Consulting Group, Brian Bradford from Las Vegas Sands, and Richard Brann from Baker Botts, who will discuss major employment law trends, updates, and other relevant HR and legal compliance topics.
“I truly enjoyed my first time attending the LEAP conference. There were so many great takeaways from the week. Speakers were well educated, and I enjoyed the variety of topics and networking opportunities.”
- Felicia Simmons, Director of Administrative Services at Hampton Sheriff’s Office
Why attend? At LEAP, you’ll gain practical insights from top legal experts and network with peers facing similar challenges. With sessions and seminars on AI, compliance, and workplace bias, this conference equips you with the latest strategies to navigate the complex landscape of employment law. Engage in workshops, earn credits, and enhance your expertise in a dynamic setting.
3. AFPM 2026 Labor Relations/Human Resources Conference - New Orleans, LA (April 13-15, 2026)
- Dates: April 13-15, 2026
- Location: JW Marriott New Orleans
- Pricing: From $1,150 (for members)
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
The 2026 Labor Relations/Human Resources Conference (LRHR26) is an industry-specific HR and labor relations event focused on the workforce challenges facing employers in the fuel and petrochemical sectors.
The conference delivers industry-tailored insights into labor and human resources issues. It discusses workplace and employment law updates, best practices for HR and labor relations, and encourages interactive discussions and peer learning, enabling attendees to engage with subject-matter experts and network with peers facing similar challenges.
Why attend? This annual labor conference offers a deep dive into the latest workforce challenges, with sessions on workplace law and AI in HR. It's an ideal setting for professionals seeking to engage with industry updates and network with peers.
The event offers sponsorship opportunities for companies to promote their brands and promises valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of petrochemical manufacturers’ HR.
4. NPELRA Annual Training Conference - Charlotte, NC (April 19-22, 2026)
- Dates: April 19-22, 2026
- Location: The Westin Charlotte
- Pricing: From $1,100
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (NPELRA) Annual Training Course is the organization’s flagship professional development gathering for labor relations and HR professionals working in public sector employee relations.
It offers relevant sessions to support both emerging practitioners and seasoned professionals. The event also facilitates concurrent sessions where attendees can choose which to attend, networking and peer learning among leaders and specialists, and supports career growth with opportunities for recertification credits.
Why attend? This annual conference is perfect for public sector HR professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills. You'll benefit from sessions offering SHRM and HRCI credits, networking opportunities, and the chance to explore local attractions in Charlotte. The event promises a dynamic environment to learn from industry leaders and peers.
5. LaborLab 2026 Summit - Virtual (May 6-7, 2026)
- Dates: May 6-7, 2026
- Location: Virtual
- Pricing: Free
- Social Media: Facebook
The LaborLab 2026 Summit is a national, solutions-driven gathering focused on strengthening worker organizing efforts and protecting the right to unionize in the United States. It’s hosted by LaborLab, a nonprofit watchdog and research organization that tracks union-busting practices and educates workers on their rights.
The summit is a platform for discussing labor activism, policy changes, and workers’ rights and for learning actionable strategies for countering anti-union tactics used by employers.
Why attend? The LaborLab Summit is perfect for those passionate about labor rights and looking to connect with like-minded individuals. With its focus on current labor issues and innovative solutions, you'll gain insights and strategies for effective advocacy. Engage in interactive sessions and workshops, all from the comfort of your home.
6. Labor Relations Institute - Wenatchee, WA (May 6-8, 2026)
- Dates: May 6-8, 2026
- Location: Wenatchee Convention Center
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
The Labor Relations Institute (LRI) is a professional training conference focused on labor relations and human resources issues in the public sector. It’s widely regarded as the premier regional event for HR professionals working with public agencies and local governments in Washington state.
The content is practical and tailored to the realities of municipal and public employer-employee dynamics, and helps attendees improve skills in labor relations and public sector HR management, and stay current on legal and policy developments impacting public employee relations.
Why attend? The Institute offers a deep dive into public sector labor relations, with workshops on negotiation strategies and legal updates. It's a great chance to network with peers and gain practical insights. Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge to improve their workplace relations strategies.
7. LERA 78th Annual Meeting - Minneapolis, MN (May 28-31, 2026)
- Dates: May 28-31, 2026
- Location: The Royal Sonesta
- Pricing: Starts at $250 (1 day)-$605 (full meeting)
- Social Media: Facebook
The LERA 78th Annual Meeting is a yearly national conference for sharing research, practical insights, policy analysis, and strategies around contemporary labor and employment relations issues. In this event, attendees explore how workers, employers, and institutions interact and discuss solutions that span research, practice, and policy.
The 2026 consortium is sponsored by contributions from renowned schools, including Cornell University, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Florida International University’s College of Business, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management, and IWER
Why attend? Attend the LERA Annual Meeting to explore the latest research and trends in labor relations. You'll gain insights from academic and industry leaders, participate in panels, and network with peers. This event is perfect for staying informed and engaged in the evolving field of labor relations.
8. 63rd Congress of the Canadian Industrial Relations Association - Quebec City, Canada (June 2-4, 2026)
- Dates: June 2-4, 2026
- Location: Laval University
- Pricing: TBA
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
The 63rd Congress of the Canadian Industrial Relations Association is a national scholarly and professional gathering on industrial and employment relations in Canada. The event discusses current research, ideas, and practices in labor and employment relations and shares scholarship and insights on work, employment, and related issues.
The 2026 theme is roughly translated as “Industrial Relations Still at the Forefront: Work and Employment in a World of Turmoil,” highlighting the relevance of IR research and practice in unsettled economic and social environments.
Why attend? The CIRA Conference offers a comprehensive look at labor relations from a Canadian perspective, making it ideal for professionals and academics alike. You'll engage with cutting-edge research and policy discussions, network with experts, and gain valuable insights into the future of labor relations.
9. Montana Arbitration and Labor Relations Conference - Great Falls, MT (September 22-24, 2026)
- Dates: September 22-24, 2026
- Location: Heritage Inn
- Pricing: TBA
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
The Annual Montana Arbitration & Labor Relations Conference is a multi-day professional training and education event focused on labor relations, arbitration, and workplace dispute resolution in the state of Montana. It’s organized through the Employment Standards Division of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.
The conference is designed to help attendees learn about arbitration and labor relations issues, especially how to conduct, prepare for, and manage workplace arbitrations and dispute resolution processes, and explore practical strategies for negotiations, grievance handling, due process, and other employer-employee dispute topics.
Why attend? At this conference, you'll dive into the nuances of arbitration and labor relations with peers from around the country. It's an excellent opportunity to enhance your skills through interactive workshops and learn from seasoned experts. You'll return with actionable insights to improve your team's approach to labor relations.
10. HR and Labor Relations Conference - Whitefish, MT (September 29-October 1, 2026)
- Dates: September 29-October 1, 2026
- Location: Whitefish, Montana, USA (specific venue TBA)
- Pricing: TBA
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram
The HR and Labor Relations Conference is an annual professional event that brings together labor relations leaders and human resources professionals from public power utilities and related organizations. Its content focuses on sharing experiences, practical recommendations, and lessons learned about contemporary labor relations and HR issues relevant to the industry
It also addresses current labor relations and HR challenges impacting public power organizations and offers practical information and strategies on workforce issues. This event is the ideal space for professionals to discuss real-world concerns and learn from each other’s experiences.
Why attend? This conference is perfect for HR professionals in the public power sector. You'll gain practical knowledge and skills from industry leaders, participate in discussions on current trends, and network with peers. It's a valuable opportunity to enhance your understanding of labor relations and apply new strategies in your organization.
Summary
Attending labor relations conferences in 2026 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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