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Recruiting & Hiring

15 Best Recruiting Conferences To Attend In 2025

David Rice
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David Rice
David Rice Senior Editor

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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Last updated on Feb 14, 2025
QUICK SUMMARY

If you're looking to polish your recruiting tactics and techniques, attending one of these recruiting conferences could help you improve your candidate sourcing and hiring.

Recruiting conferences of 2024 best events

Recruiting conferences are a great place to network. But they are also a melting pot of insights and industry trends.

For any HR and people leaders looking to stay ahead of the latest trends, or pick up a new tactic they can use to recruit, these are the best recruiting conferences to attend in 2025.

Make sure to look at this list of HR conferences for some more great events.

Best Recruiting Conferences of 2025 Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the best recruiting conferences I think are worth attending in 2025:

  1. HR West HR Conference - Oakland, CA (March 11-12, 2025)
  2. i4cp Conference - Scottsdale, AZ (March 3-6, 2025)
  3. Bullhorn Engage - Multiple locations and dates
  4. Recruitment Agency Expo - Multiple locations and dates
  5. SHRM Talent Conference - Nashville, TN (March 24-26, 2025)
  6. SourceCon Conference - Las Vegas, NV (April 29-30, 2025)
  7. Workhuman Live - Aurora, CO (April 21-24, 2025)
  8. ERE Recruiting Conference - Las Vegas, NV (April 29-30, 2025)
  9. UNLEASH America - Las Vegas, NV ( May 6-8, 2025)
  10. DEAMcon25 - Scottsdale, AZ (May 21-23, 2025)
  11. California HR Conference - Anaheim, CA (May 4-6, 2025)
  12. Talent42 - Seattle, WA (June 3-4, 2025)
  13. SHRM Annual Conference & Expo - San Diego, CA (June 29-July 2, 2025)
  14. HR Technology Conference - Las Vegas, NV (September 16-18, 2025)
  15. RecFest USA - Nashville, TN (October 2025)

Find more details about each conference below.

Best Recruiting Conferences Of 2025

1. HR West HR Conference - Oakland, CA (March 11-12, 2025)

Attendees at the HR West Conference engaged in a focused roundtable discussion
The HR West HR Conference

Overview:
HR West HR Conference is an annual event designed for human resources and talent acquisition leaders to share knowledge, network, and learn about the latest industry practices.

The conference has been running for over 35 years and has featured speakers like Adam Grant, organizational psychologist and bestselling author. It focuses on actionable strategies and insights for HR leaders.

Why you should attend:
You should attend the HR West HR Conference because it focuses on addressing the unique challenges of managing human resources in California, one of the most complex regulatory environments in the world.

The conference offers in-depth sessions on topics like compliance with California labor laws, handling workplace diversity, and developing strategies for employee retention.

2. i4cp Conference - Scottsdale, AZ (March 3-6, 2025)

A speaker presenting at the i4cp Conference with the event name and hashtag on the backdrop
The i4cp Conference conference

Overview:
i4cp Conference is an annual event for HR and business leaders to explore workforce trends, innovation, and strategies. It started in 2008 and will feature notable speakers this year, including Anne Chow, Former CEO of AT&T Business, and Dimitra Manis, EVP and Chief Purpose Officer at S&P Global. The conference combines research-based insights with peer networking opportunities.

Why you should attend:
You should attend the i4cp Conference because it is specifically designed for senior HR and business leaders, focusing on evidence-based strategies to improve workforce performance.

The conference features exclusive insights from i4cp’s latest research on topics like leadership development, organizational agility, and top talent optimization. With no vendors allowed, the sessions are purely focused on actionable strategies, including case studies from top-performing organizations.

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3.Engage - Multiple locations and dates

A speaker on stage discussing about Bullhorn Engage and attendees listening to him
The Bullhorn Engage conference
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: Register to see current pricing
  • Website: Engage
  • Social Media: LinkedIn

The Bullhorn Engage: Conference Locations and Dates

LocationsDates
Sydney, AustraliaMarch 6, 2025
Boston, MA, USAMay 28-29, 2025

Overview:
Engage is an annual conference for talent acquisition professionals, recruitment industry leaders, and staffing experts to explore industry trends, share insights, and build networks. It started in 2016 and has featured notable keynote speakers like Billy Beane, Chief Innovation Officer of the Oakland A's, and other industry experts.

The event offers sessions, panels, and keynotes tailored to the staffing and talent acquisition industry.

Why you should attend:
You’ll get actionable insights on how to stay ahead in the recruiting trends and industry, with sessions tailored to the unique challenges of staffing, social recruiting, recruiting events, and talent sourcing.

The conference features top recruitment leaders, hands-on workshops, and networking events designed to help you discover peers, share strategies, and connect meaningfully. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the latest innovations and trends shaping the future of recruitment, including automation tools.

4. Recruitment Agency Expo - Multiple locations and dates

A speaker presenting at the Recruitment Agency Expo to an attentive audience.
The Recruitment Agency Expo

The Recruitment Agency Expo: Conference Locations and Dates

LocationDate
London, UKMarch 18-19, 2025
Birmingham, UKOctober 8-9, 2025

Overview:
Recruitment Agency Expo is an annual event tailored for recruitment professionals to explore industry trends, tools, and best practices. Since its launch in 2012, it has hosted prominent speakers like Greg Savage, recruitment expert and author. The expo includes seminars, networking opportunities, and exhibits from top industry suppliers.

Why you should attend:
You should attend the Recruitment Agency Expo as the UK’s leading event for recruitment professionals, featuring advanced tools like AI-driven candidate sourcing platforms, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and recruitment-specific CRM technologies.

The expo offers practical solutions for streamlining workflows, improving candidate engagement, and ensuring compliance with UK employment laws, alongside targeted sessions and industry-focused exhibitors.

5. SHRM Talent Conference - Nashville, TN (March 24-26, 2025)

SHRM Talent Conference attendees actively responding to a screen prompt
The SHRM Talent Conference

Overview:
SHRM Talent Conference is an annual event for HR professionals focused on talent acquisition, management, and retention. As part of Talent Acquisition Week, this event has been a cornerstone for industry professionals since it began in 2011.

The conference includes interactive workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities tailored to HR challenges. It has featured notable keynote speakers like Laszlo Bock, former Google VP of People Operations.

Why you should attend:
You should attend the SHRM Talent Conference to gain insights into using AI for candidate sourcing, automated screening, and faster hiring, as well as strategies for diversity hiring to address representation gaps.

It brings together HR leaders and industry experts to share data-driven insights and practical solutions for improving recruitment and retention in today’s competitive market.

6. SourceCon Conference - Las Vegas, NV (April 29-30, 2025)

sourcecon-conference-las-vegas-nv-april-29-30-2025
The SourceCon Conference

Overview:
SourceCon Conference is a biannual event for sourcing and recruiting professionals to share techniques and tools for talent acquisition. It started in 2007 and has featured speakers like Glen Cathey, a recognized sourcing expert.

The conference offers hands-on workshops, networking, and sessions focused on the latest industry innovations.

Why you should attend:
You should attend the SourceCon Conference to gain advanced sourcing strategies, such as identifying niche talent on unconventional platforms, automating talent pool expansion, and crafting personalized outreach for higher response rates.

The SourceCon Hackathon immerses participants in real-world challenges, including solving anonymized profile puzzles and leveraging data aggregation tools to uncover passive talent, ensuring you leave with practical skills to tackle modern recruitment complexities.

7. Workhuman Live - Aurora, CO (April 21-24, 2025)

Workhuman Live attendees lining up at the hydration station.
The Workhuman Live conference

Overview:
Workhuman Live is an annual conference for HR and business leaders to explore workplace culture, employee recognition, and human connection. It began in 2015 and has featured speakers like Michelle Obama and Simon Sinek.

The event offers keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities focused on building more inclusive and engaging workplaces. 

Why you should attend:
You should attend Workhuman Live 2025 because the conference offers actionable insights into transforming workplace culture with innovations like Workhuman Central, featuring immersive exhibits, and the Gratitude Bar, which showcases the impact of social recognition.

With over a decade of attendee-driven enhancements, it combines cutting-edge strategies, dynamic technology, and local cultural highlights to redefine the future of work.

8. ERE Recruiting Conference - Las Vegas, NV (April 29-30, 2025)

Award recipients honored on stage during the ERE Recruiting Conference ceremony
The ERE Recruiting Conference

Overview:
ERE Recruiting Conference is an annual event for talent acquisition and recruitment professionals to share strategies, tools, and industry insights. It started in 2001 and has featured speakers like Shally Steckerl, a sourcing expert.

The conference focuses on practical approaches to hiring challenges and fostering peer collaboration.

Why you should attend:
You should attend the ERE Recruiting Conference because it focuses on strategic talent acquisition (TA) leadership, providing decision-makers with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern recruitment.

The Recruiting track equips TA leaders with actionable strategies to build agile hiring frameworks, utilize innovative technologies, and apply data-driven methodologies to enhance talent pipelines and drive organizational success in a competitive market.

9. UNLEASH America - Las Vegas, NV (May 6-8, 2025)

Participants at the UNLEASH America Conference posing for a photo
The UNLEASH America conference

Overview:
UNLEASH America is an annual event for HR and technology professionals to explore innovations in workforce management and employee experience. It started in 2011 and has featured speakers like Arianna Huffington and Sir Richard Branson.

The conference hones in on future-focused solutions, networking, and insights from global thought leaders.

Why you should attend:
You should attend UNLEASH America because it explores how artificial intelligence, dynamic market intelligence, and courageous leadership are transforming HR.

Learn how AI is reshaping talent acquisition, workforce management, and employee engagement while gaining strategies to address DEI, compliance, and change management with data-driven insights and human expertise.

10. DEAMcon25 - Scottsdale, AZ (May 21-23, 2025)

A speaker presenting at the DEAMcon Conference
The DEAMcon25 conference

Overview:
DEAMcon25 is an annual conference for direct employers and recruitment professionals to explore employment marketing, employer branding,  and talent acquisition strategies. It started in 2015 and has featured speakers like Katrina Kibben, a recruitment marketing expert.

The event focuses on actionable insights, peer networking, and industry-specific innovations.

Why you should attend:
You should attend DEAMcon25 because it delivers practical insights on OFCCP compliance, recruitment marketing, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

With sessions led by industry experts and peers, it caters to all skill levels. The conference also features unmatched networking opportunities, including themed evening events and social breaks, blending professional development with an engaging experience.

11. California HR Conference - Anaheim, CA (May 4-6, 2025)

Attendees at the California HR Conference engage with an exhibitor booth
The California HR Conference

Overview:
California HR Conference is an annual event for HR professionals to learn about workplace law, talent management, and organizational strategy. It started in 2012 and has featured speakers like Adam Grant, a well-known organizational psychologist. The conference includes workshops, keynotes, and networking sessions tailored to the HR field.

Why you should attend:
You should attend the California HR Conference to gain expertise in navigating California's complex labor laws and regulatory landscape. With tailored sessions on compliance, talent acquisition, DEI, HR tech, people analytics, strategic planning, and insights from innovative startups, this conference equips HR professionals with the tools to excel in one of the most challenging legal environments for human resources.

12. Talent42 - Seattle, WA (June 3-4, 2025)

Talent42 attendees pose together for a group photo in front of the backdrop
The Talent42 conference

Overview:
Talent42 is an annual conference for tech recruiters to learn sourcing strategies and connect with engineering leaders. It started in 2013 and has featured speakers like John Vlastelica, a recruiting expert.

The event focuses on practical techniques and fostering collaboration between recruiters and technical teams.

Why you should attend:
You should attend Talent42 because the event features powerful sessions led by industry practitioners and thought leaders, focusing on cutting-edge recruitment strategies, hands-on training, and innovative diversity tools.

With topics like AI-driven talent acquisition, leveraging talent intelligence, and fostering recruitment fitness, it’s the premier conference for tech recruiters looking to refine their skills and master advanced methods for sourcing and hiring top-tier tech talent.

13. SHRM Annual Conference & Expo - San Diego, CA (June 29-July 2, 2025)

Attendees explore exhibits and network at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo
The SHRM Annual Conference & Expo

Overview:
SHRM Annual Conference & Expo is the largest gathering for HR professionals, focusing on workplace trends, compliance, and professional development. It began in 1948 and has featured speakers like Malala Yousafzai; Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; Tony Robbins; Motivational Speaker.

The event offers keynotes, workshops, and networking opportunities for HR practitioners across industries.

Why you should attend:
You should attend the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo because it provides unparalleled insights into pivotal topics like AI advancements, compliance with emerging regulations, and innovative HR technologies.

With engaging panel discussions, practical workshops, and keynotes, the event helps you navigate the complexities of managing a diverse workforce while fostering new connections and implementing forward-thinking HR strategies that align with the future of work.

14. HR Technology Conference - Las Vegas, NV (September 16-18, 2025)

Attendees at the HR Technology Conference interact with exhibitors
The HR Technology Conference

Overview:
HR Technology Conference is an annual event for HR professionals to explore the latest technology solutions and trends in the workplace. It began in 1997 and has featured speakers like Josh Bersin; Industry Analyst and HR Thought Leader; and Jeanne Meister; Workplace Innovation Expert.

The conference includes exhibits, keynotes, and sessions focused on practical applications of HR technology.

Why you should attend:
You should attend the HR Technology Conference to explore cutting-edge HR solutions, gain insights into AI, emerging technologies, and candidate experience, and stay informed on metrics and trends in human capital management.

With exclusive access to new product demos, industry research, and thought leaders from companies like Microsoft and Wells Fargo, this must-attend event is essential for staying ahead of the latest HR trends.

15. RecFest USA - Nashville, TN (October 15-16, 2025)

A speaker addresses the audience at RecFest USA
The RecFest USA conference

Overview:
RecFest USA is an annual outdoor festival for recruitment professionals to connect, learn, and celebrate the industry. It launched in 2022 and has featured speakers like Katrina Collier; Author and Candidate Engagement Specialist; and Hung Lee; Curator of Recruiting Brainfood.

The event offers interactive sessions, workshops, and live entertainment in a relaxed setting.

Why you should attend:
You should attend RecFest USA to explore cutting-edge talent technology through interactive showcases and demos, while gaining actionable strategies from over 100 industry speakers and trendsetters.

Designed for Talent Acquisition professionals and Resourcing Leaders, this event fosters meaningful in-person connections in a dynamic, festival-style atmosphere, driving innovation in recruitment and resourcing.

Summary

These conferences represent just a few of the opportunities available for HR and people leaders to learn, network, and grow. The HR landscape is constantly changing, and attending these events can provide you with the insights and connections you need to stay ahead.

If you've attended or know of other conferences that have been particularly impactful for HR professionals, I'd love to hear about them. Sharing our experiences can help enrich the community, offering new perspectives and opportunities for all of us committed to advancing in the HR field.

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. Or if you haven't got the budget for a conference at all, a good practice to start keeping up with the latest in recruiting is to subscribe to the best newsletters about recruiting.

Let's keep the conversation going and continue to support each other in our journey to becoming even more effective HR and people leaders.

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David Rice
By 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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