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.
Best CHRO Conferences Shortlist
Here's my shortlist of the best CHRO conferences I think are worth attending in 2025:
- IRL - AB, Canada (October 1-4, 2025)
- CUPA-HR Virtual CHRO Summit - Virtual (February 5 & 19, 2025)
- The Millennium Alliance - Multiple locations and dates
- Evanta CHRO Communities - Multiple locations and dates
- HRPA's 57th Annual CHRO Summit - Orlando, FL (March 12-14, 2025)
- NAHR 2025 CHRO Academy XXV - New York City (June 11-12, 2025)
- CHRO Summit - New York, NY (June 24, 2025)
- Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ - Multiple locations and dates
Best CHRO Conferences of 2025
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 offerings.
1. IRL - Alberta, Canada (Oct 1-4, 2025)

- Dates: October 1-4, 2025
- Location: Alberta, Canada
- Pricing: Starts at $2,950 (solo ticket) to $13,500 (exec team package)
- Website: IRL
Overview:
The IRL 25 conference is an exclusive and immersive event for SaaS executives scaling their businesses from millions to billions in revenue. It's for leaders scaling up post-Series B, and the conference will cover challenges including product-market fit, go-to-market strategies, customer retention, leadership hiring, and scaling infrastructure.
IRL is a conference designed for participation. Participants engage in tailored tracks, collaborative workshops, expert-led discussions, and masterminds while enjoying outdoor adventures and gourmet dining experiences together.
Why You Should Attend:
The IRL conference stands out due to its unique approach to outdoor programming and building in-person engagement. It's also by application only to ensure a high quality of attendees. This one-of-a-kind event forgoes the typical conference format—it's participant-driven, with a carefully selected roster of SaaS executives who form an exclusive network that helps each other take their business to the next level.
2. CUPA-HR Virtual CHRO Summit - Virtual (February 5 & 19, 2025)

- Dates: February 5 & 19, 2025
- Location: Virtual
- Pricing: Starts at $95 for CUPA-HR members
- Website: CUPA-HR Virtual CHRO Summit
- Social Media: Facebook, X, LinkedIn
Overview:
The CUPA-HR Virtual CHRO Summit is a key event for Chief HR officers in higher education, focusing on industry challenges, HR strategy, and employee engagement. It serves as a platform for sharing best practices and insights from renowned HR leaders. The summit has brought together top executives to explore innovative solutions for workforce management.
Why you should attend:
Attending the CUPA-HR Virtual CHRO Summit is essential for higher education HR leaders looking to address sector-specific workforce challenges. The summit offers expert insights on faculty and staff retention, labor law changes, and strategic HR leadership tailored to colleges and universities.
With peer-driven discussions and real-world case studies, this event provides actionable strategies to navigate budget constraints, workforce planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. The v
3. The Millennium Alliance - Multiple locations and dates

- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: TBA
- Website: The Millennium Alliance
- Social Media: LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram
Overview:
The Millennium Alliance is a technology and business educational advisory firm that helps drive digital transformation in enterprises, with a focus on innovations in HR technology.
It serves senior executives and their technology partners, providing insights into emerging trends and strategies. Notable past speakers include Gary Sorrentino, Global CIO at Zoom, and Sarah Goggin, Chief People Officer at Staples Stores.
The Millennium Alliance Conferences: Locations & Dates
Locations | Dates |
Transformational CHRO Assembly 10th Edition | The JW Marriott, Atlanta Buckhead | February 5-6, 2025 |
Transformational CHRO Assembly 11th Edition | The JW Marriott Arts District, Dallas | April 29-30, 2025 |
Transformational CHRO Assembly 12th Edition | The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans | August 26-27, 2025 |
Transformational CHRO Assembly 13th Edition | The Biltmore, Miami | November 4-5, 2025 |
Why you should attend:
At The Millennium Alliance's Transformational CHRO Assemblies, you'll engage with top HR leaders to discuss current trends and challenges. These events focus on topics like intelligent HR automation, fostering employee advocacy, digital dexterity, and redesigning the world of work.
Unlike other conferences, attendance is by invitation or approved application, ensuring a high-level, peer-to-peer learning environment. This setup allows you and your team to gain valuable insights and connections relevant to the C-Suite.
4. Evanta CHRO Communities - (Multiple locations and dates)

- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Locations: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Evanta CHRO Communities
- Social Media: LinkedIn, X
Overview:
Evanta's CHRO Communities are exclusive networks for Chief Human Resources Officers to connect, share insights, and address common challenges. They offer year-round gatherings, including Executive Summits, Inner Circles, and Town Halls, fostering collaboration among HR leaders. Notable past speakers include Trisha Conley, EVP, of People & Culture at LyondellBasell, and Obed Louissaint, Chief People Officer at Aptiv.
Evanta CHRO Communities: Locations & Dates
Why you should attend:
Evanta CHRO Communities bring together top HR executives in a collaborative, peer-driven environment. With executives who understand your role, you’ll engage in candid discussions on real-world challenges, from talent strategy to workplace transformation.
These events focus on industry-specific insights and feature experienced CHROs, thought leaders, and interactive sessions designed for practical takeaways. You’ll walk away with fresh perspectives, actionable ideas, and a stronger network of peers facing your challenges.
Virtual format allows you to join without travel, making it accessible and convenient.
5. HRPA's 57th Annual CHRO Summit - Orlando, FL (March 12-14, 2025)

- Dates: March 12-14, 2025
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: HRPA
- Social Media: LinkedIn, X
Overview:
HRPA's 57th Annual CHRO Summit brings senior HR leaders together to discuss workforce strategy and leadership. It has featured speakers like Anthony Viel, CEO at Deloitte Canada; and Nickle LaMoreaux, Chief Human Resources Officer at IBM. The event covers talent management, innovation, and leadership trends, offering insights relevant to HR leaders in Florida and beyond.
Why you should attend:
You’ll engage with top executives and industry experts in sessions designed to address real-world scenarios and provide actionable strategies. The summit emphasizes peer learning and offers networking opportunities that foster meaningful connections with other HR leaders. With its mix of keynote talks, panels, and interactive discussions, it’s a practical resource for addressing the demands of your role.
6. NAHR 2025 CHRO Academy XXV - New York City (June 11-12, 2025)

- Dates: June 11-12, 2025
- Locations: New York City
- Website: NAHR CHRO Academy XXIV
Overview:
The NAHR CHRO Academy XXIV is an annual program for first-time Chief Human Resources Officers who have been in their role for three years or less. It offers intensive sessions led by experienced HR leaders. Notable past speakers include Bill Allen, former CHRO at Macy's Inc.; Lucien Alziari, former CHRO at Prudential Financial; and Ellyn Shook, former CHRO at Accenture.
Why you should attend:
At the NAHR CHRO Academy XXIV, you'll engage in focused sessions that address the unique challenges new CHROs face. Unlike broader HR conferences, this program offers a neutral space to share experiences with peers and learn from seasoned HR leaders.
The Academy isn't industry-specific, so you'll gain diverse perspectives. Expect discussions led by distinguished NAHR Fellows, providing insights that can directly impact your leadership approach.
7. CHRO Summit - New York, NY (June 24, 2025)

- Date: June 24, 2025
- Location: New York Marriott Downtown, New York, NY
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: CHRO Summit
- Social Media: Facebook, X, LinkedIn
Overview:
The CHRO Summit is a gathering for Chief Human Resources Officers and HR experts to discuss strategies, challenges, and innovations in the field. It has featured notable speakers like Diane Gherson, former CHRO of IBM; and Ellyn Shook, CHRO of Accenture. The event provides a platform for networking and sharing insights on leadership and talent management.
Why you should attend:
You’ll hear directly from top HR leaders about real-world solutions to today’s toughest workforce challenges. The summit focuses on strategic topics like talent retention, DEI initiatives, navigating workforce transformations, the future of HR, and the future of work, with insights tailored to senior HR professionals.
Industry-specific sessions and interactive workshops will give you practical tools to apply in your organization.
8. Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ - Multiple locations and dates

- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Locations: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: (see table below)
- Website: Gartner HR Conferences
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
Overview:
Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ brings together HR professionals to explore workforce trends, strategies, and innovations, with a focus on key areas like talent acquisition, talent management, and organizational development. Designed for senior HR leaders, these conferences feature insights from top Gartner analysts and prominent business leaders.
Gartner HR Conferences: Locations & Dates
Locations | Dates | Pricing |
Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ London, UK | ExCeL London | October 7-9, 2025 | €3,400 + VAT |
Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ Orlando, FL | Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts | October 27-29, 2025 | $4,125 |
Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ Sydney Australia | Hilton Sydney | November 17-18, 2025 | $3,875 + GST |
Why you should attend:
Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ addresses today’s key HR challenges, from talent management to workforce trends, offering actionable strategies and research-backed insights.
Attendees gain valuable guidance from CHROs, thought leaders, and industry experts through interactive discussions and industry-specific sessions. The conference equips HR leaders with practical tools to strengthen strategies and drive measurable outcomes.
Summary
In conclusion, attending HR conferences is a fantastic way to keep up with 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 and recruiting conferences to ensure your talent teams are keeping up with trends in talent sourcing.
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