10 Best Organizational Development Conferences in 2026
Organizational development conferences are a great place to network as well as a melting pot of insights and industry trends.
For any HR professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, or pick up a new tactic they can use to fine-tune their teams, growing your understanding of organizational development will pay dividends.
If you're looking to network, this list of HR conferences is a must-see.
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Best Organizational Development Conferences Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best organizational development conferences I think are worth attending in 2026:
- OD Annual Conference 2026 - Sandton, South Africa (February 24-26, 2026)
- People Development Summit - Lisbon, Portugal (March 11-13, 2026)
- Management & Leadership Institute 2026 - Annapolis, MD (April 20-23, 2026)
- HR & Organizational Development Council Conference 2026 - Newport Beach, CA (April 26-29, 2026)
- 2026 SIOP Annual Conference - New Orleans, LA (April 29-May 2, 2026)
- ATD26 International Conference & Expo - Los Angeles, CA (May 17-20, 2026)
- Change Leadership Conference 2026 - Toronto, Canada (May 27, 2026)
- SHRM26 Annual Conference - Orlando, FL (June 16-19, 2026)
- UFHRD International Conference - York, UK (June 17-19, 2026)
- POD Network Annual Conference - Baltimore, MD (November 17-20, 2026)
Best Organizational Development Conferences of 2026
Below are my summaries of the best organizational development conferences that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offerings.
1. OD Annual Conference 2026 - Sandton, South Africa (February 24-26, 2026)
- Dates: February 24-26, 2026
- Location: NH Johannesburg Sandton (& Virtual)
- Pricing: Approximately $1,010+ (in-person), Approximately $650 (virtual)
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
The OD Annual Conference is a pivotal event for organizational leaders, HR professionals, and talent management experts. Put on by Knowledge Resources, it focuses on themes like strategic agility, digital transformation, and well-being.
With a blend of international speakers and interactive workshops, it offers a platform for learning and networking. This upcoming event is for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and adapt to changes in the organizational landscape.
Why attend? This conference is your chance to dive into cutting-edge topics like human-centric digital transformation and adaptive leadership. It offers unique experiences through workshops and case studies, allowing you to learn from experts and peers in the field of organization development and change.
This event stands out for its focus on practical solutions and real-world applications, making it a must-attend for those looking to drive change in their organizations.
2. People Development Summit - Lisbon, Portugal (March 11-13, 2026)
- Dates: March 11-13, 2026
- Location: Dolce CampoReal Lisbon
- Pricing: Register for pricing information
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The People Development Summit is a private event for senior HR professionals and business leaders focused on workplace learning and development. It brings together L&D directors and solution providers through pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings.
The summit is put on by Summit Events, and the format fosters direct dialogue and long-term partnership opportunities. It’s known for its curated attendee list, relaxed format, and emphasis on real conversations.
Why attend? You’ll meet decision-makers in an informal setting, share insights, and build connections that matter. The event focuses on current L&D challenges, including leadership development, skills gaps, and digital learning strategies. It’s a chance to reset your thinking and connect with others, shaping the future of people development and organizational growth.
3. Management & Leadership Institute 2026 - Annapolis, MD (April 20-23, 2026)
- Dates: April 20-23, 2026
- Location: Graduate Annapolis
- Pricing: $2,195 (members), $4,790 (non-members)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The Management & Leadership Institute 2026 is a multi-day training event designed for credit union leaders preparing for executive roles. It's put on by America's Credit Unions, and delivers structured learning for managers, senior staff, and C-suite executives aiming to lead with impact. Participants engage in a curriculum that blends leadership, strategy, and professional development with a credit union lens.
Why attend? This institute is tailored for credit union professionals looking to hone their leadership skills. You'll take part in hands-on sessions that cover strategic thinking, leadership communication, and influencing change.
The program supports those advancing into greater responsibility, offering tools tailored to real-world leadership challenges. Unlike broader organizational development conferences, this one anchors its sessions in the credit union context, making each takeaway more actionable and relevant to your team.
4. HR & Organizational Development Council Conference 2026 - Newport Beach, CA (April 26-29, 2026)
- Dates: April 26-29, 2026
- Location: VEA Newport Beach
- Pricing: $2,040 (members), $4,480 (non-members)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The HR & Organizational Development Council Conference 2026 is tailored for credit union professionals focused on enhancing workplace culture and employee engagement. Put on by America's Credit Unions, it offers sessions on AI, DEI, and leadership development.
Why attend? This conference is ideal for those wanting to improve their credit union's culture and employee experience. You'll gain insights from collaborative sessions and networking opportunities, and discover strategies for implementing AI and DEI initiatives. It's a chance to learn from experts and peers in a focused setting.
5. 2026 SIOP Annual Conference - New Orleans, LA (April 29-May 2, 2026)
- Dates: April 29-May 2, 2026
- Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
- Pricing: $505 (members), $770 (non-members)
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
The 2026 Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Annual Conference is a premier event for professionals in this industry. It's been a key gathering for experts to share research and practices since its inception. Attendees can expect over 400 sessions and 9 workshops designed to advance the field.
Why attend? The conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and practices in industrial-organizational psychology. You'll connect with professionals and academics who are shaping the future of the field, participate in interactive workshops, explore effective mentoring strategies, and gain insights from a variety of sessions. This event is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding and network within the industry.
6. ATD26 International Conference & Expo - Los Angeles, CA (May 17-20, 2026)
- Dates: May 17-20, 2026
- Location: Los Angeles, California (& Virtual)
- Pricing:
- In-person: $2,095 (members), $2,495 (non-members)
- Virtual: $595 (members), $795 (non-members)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The ATD26 International Conference & Expo is a major event for talent development professionals, attracting over 10,000 attendees and featuring 450+ sessions. It offers insights into navigating disruption and enhancing strategic impact. Attendees can expect to engage with industry leaders and explore new strategies for talent development.
Why attend? This conference is perfect for those looking to stay ahead in talent development. With a focus on strategic impact and navigating disruption, you'll gain access to a wealth of knowledge from top industry leaders. The event offers both in-person and virtual attendance options, ensuring you can participate in a way that suits your needs.
7. Change Leadership Conference 2026 - Toronto, Canada (May 27, 2026)
- Dates: May 27, 2026
- Location: Toronto, Canada (& Virtual)
- Pricing: $457 CAD (in-person), $97 CAD (virtual)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The Change Leadership Conference 2026 is designed for professionals looking to enhance their ability to manage change effectively. It gathers over 300 attendees, including industry leaders and expert speakers. The event focuses on actionable strategies and real-world success stories to help leaders navigate change.
Past speakers have included Claudette McGowan, CIO of Enterprise Technology Employee Experience at BMO, and Armughan Ahmad, President & Canadian Managing Partner of Digital And Technology Solutions at KPMG.
Why attend? Join the Change Leadership Conference to gain practical insights and tools for effective change management. With interactive workshops led by an experienced facilitator, expert panels, and networking opportunities, you'll be equipped to lead change in your organization. This conference offers a unique platform to learn from industry leaders and peers, making it an invaluable experience for those committed to driving change.
8. SHRM26 Annual Conference - Orlando, FL (June 16-19, 2026)
- Dates: June 16-19, 2026
- Location: Orange County Convention Center & Virtual
- Pricing: From $$2,395 (members), $2,795 (non-members)
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)'s Annual Conference is a leading event for HR professionals, offering insights into the latest trends and best practices in human resources. It features renowned keynote speakers and sessions designed to enhance HR skills and knowledge. This conference is ideal for anyone looking to stay ahead in the HR field.
"I keep coming back year after year because of the educational and networking opportunities. This is my 16th conference... and it just keeps getting better. The amount of opportunity to learn, to network, to grow professionally, to get resources, to interact with vendors,... I consider SHRM a partner in every aspect of Human Resources."
- Amy Bakay, CEO/CRO, HR Nola
Why attend? Attending the SHRM26 Annual Conference gives you access to a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities. You'll learn from industry leaders and gain insights into effective HR strategies.
The event includes keynote speeches, workshops, and panels, providing a comprehensive view of the HR landscape. It's a chance to connect with peers and enhance your professional development.
9. UFHRD International Conference - York, UK (June 17-19, 2026)
- Dates: June 17-19, 2026
- Location: York St John University
- Pricing: £350 (various discounts available)
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
The UFHRD International Conference is put on by York St John University, and is a leading event for researchers and practitioners in human resource development. It provides a platform for sharing research, insights, and best practices. Attendees can expect to engage with topics such as leadership, learning, and organizational development.
This year's keynote speakers include Marilyn Y. Byrd, PhD and Professor in the Department of Human Relations at the University of Oklahoma; and Valerie Egdell, PhD and Professor of Work and Employment at Northumbria University's Newcastle Business School.
Why attend? This year's conference is focused on the theme of the moral duties of human resource development in achieving social justice.
Participating in the UFHRD International Conference offers you a chance to network with experts and peers in HR development. You'll experience a range of sessions that cover the latest research and practical applications in the field. The conference is ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding and influence the future of HR development.
10. POD Network Annual Conference - Baltimore, MD (November 17-20, 2026)
- Dates: November 17-20, 2026
- Location: Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor (& Virtual)
- Pricing: $1,085 (in-person), $250 (virtual)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The POD Network Annual Conference brings together educators, faculty developers, and instructional designers to explore evidence-based teaching practices and advance organizational development in higher education. The event emphasizes scholarly inquiry, innovation, and inclusive practices. Participants examine tools, frameworks, and methodologies to improve institutional effectiveness and student learning.
Why attend? You’ll join a national community working at the intersection of faculty development and OD, focused on driving strategic change in colleges and universities. Through peer-reviewed sessions, roundtables, and workshops, the program surfaces proven approaches to capacity building and program impact.
This conference values long-term partnership and shared knowledge to support sustainable improvement in teaching and learning systems.
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