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Attending conferences is a fantastic way for payroll professionals and industry leaders to stay on top of industry trends, network with peers, and learn from experts.

In 2025, there are several conferences worth attending. Here's my summary of each conference and an explanation of why it's great, with key details so you can plan to attend.

Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, explore new technologies in the payroll industry, develop partnerships with exhibitors, or understand the latest market dynamics, these events are a great place to start.

Attending HR conferences is a great way to stay current—check out my list.

Best Payroll Conferences 2025 Shortlist

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

  1. Texas Payroll Conference – Fort Worth, TX (March 31, 2025)
  2. The Payroll Group Conference – Fort Myers, FL (May 4-7, 2025)
  3. American Payroll Association Congress – Orlando, FL (May 13-16, 2025)
  4. NPI National Conference – Calgary, Canada (June 4-6, 2025)
  5. CIPP's Annual Conference and Exhibition – Newport, UK (October 2-3, 2025)
  6. California Payroll Conference – Long Beach, CA, USA (October 15-17, 2025)
  7. 2025 GA Statewide Conference – Georgia, USA (October 16-17, 2025)
  8. New England Payroll Conference – Plymouth, MA, USA (October 23-24, 2025)
  9. Carolinas Payroll Conference – Myrtle Beach, SC, USA (November 5-8, 2025)
  10. Payroll Leaders Conference – TBA (TBA)
  11. Educational Institutions Payroll Conference – TBA (TBA)

Find more details about each conference below.

Best Payroll Conferences Of 2025

1. Texas Payroll Conference - Fort Worth, TX (March 31, 2025)

An exhibitor at Texas Payroll Conferences
Texas Payroll Conference

Overview: The Texas Payroll Conference is an annual event that offers a mix of general sessions, legislative updates, and networking opportunities focused on both Texas-specific and federal payroll issues. Established to foster payroll education and networking within the payroll community, the conference offers a platform for professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills. Attendees can also explore hot topics like compliance challenges, emerging industry trends, and the impact of global mobility on payroll processes.

Why You Should Attend: Especially relevant for those dealing with Texas payroll, attending the Texas Payroll Conference gives you the chance to learn from over 50 sessions led by payroll experts. You'll explore topics like payroll rules in state-specific legislation and how to use new technology to make payroll easier. Hands-on workshops help you solve real-world payroll problems, making it easier to apply what you learn. Plus, the event at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel provides a great space to learn and connect with others in the field.

Stay at the top of your game with insights, inspiration, and how-to’s on the biggest and most pressing topics in HR and leadership.

Stay at the top of your game with insights, inspiration, and how-to’s on the biggest and most pressing topics in HR and leadership.

2.  The Payroll Group Conference - Fort Myers, FL (May 4-7, 2025)

An exhibitor at The Payroll Group Conference
The Payroll Group Annual Conference 

Overview: This conference focuses on independent payroll providers and offers a blend of technical sessions and networking opportunities. Topics include the latest payroll technologies, compliance updates, and strategies for managing complex payroll requirements. Speakers from leading payroll firms share their insights.

Why You Should Attend: This conference is designed for payroll service providers looking to sharpen their expertise and stay informed on industry developments. You’ll hear from experts about compliance updates, operational efficiencies, and the latest payroll technologies. The sessions are tailored to help regional payroll companies navigate evolving regulations and client needs. Plus, you'll connect with industry peers to exchange ideas and explore new strategies for growth.

3. American Payroll Association Congress - Orlando, FL (May 13-16, 2025)

Attendees networking American Payroll Association Congress payroll conferences
American Payroll Association Congress

Overview: The premier payroll congress for payroll professionals, covering compliance, leadership, technology, and more in world-class seminars and certificate programs. Expect a comprehensive agenda with sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders.

Why You Should Attend:
Payroll Congress 2025 will help you navigate payroll compliance, automation, and workforce strategies. It’s designed for payroll professionals to stay updated on legislative changes, explore emerging technologies, and sharpen your expertise. The event features specialized workshops on payroll education, global payroll, tax regulations, and leadership development, along with opportunities to earn recertification credit.

4. NPI National Conference - Calgary, Canada  (June 4-6, 2025)

A panelist in discussion with other panelists at the NPI National Conference
NPI National Conference

Overview: Celebrate National Payroll Week with sessions on Canadian payroll compliance, leadership, and innovation. It's an excellent platform for sharing best practices and meeting key influencers in education, networking, and professional development. Attendees can participate in over 40 educational sessions, keynotes, and networking events designed to enhance their payroll expertise.

Why You Should Attend: The National Payroll Institute 2025 National Conference will keep you up to date on payroll regulations, technology, and industry trends. If you're involved in Canadian payroll, you'll hear from experts on topics like government updates, AI in payroll, and evolving compliance requirements. The event offers interactive workshops and discussions designed to help you navigate challenges and improve efficiency. You'll also have plenty of time to enjoy seven shared meals and early-morning activities like guided walks, runs, and yoga sessions.

5. CIPP's Annual Conference and Exhibition -Newport, UK (October 2-3, 2025)

Presenters at CIPP Annual Conferenc and Exhibition payroll conferences
CIPP's Annual Conference and Exhibition

Overview: This UK-based event focuses on celebrating the payroll profession and offers updates on legislation, technology, and best practices specific to the UK payroll landscape. ACE offers payroll, pensions, and reward professionals opportunities for education, networking, and celebration.

Why You Should Attend: Tailored for UK payroll professionals, ACE 2025 goes beyond payroll regulations, offering in-depth discussions on industry shifts, compliance challenges, and the evolving role of payroll professionals. You’ll explore the impact of automation, AI, and legislative changes through practical case studies and expert-led sessions. Roundtable discussions with policymakers will provide insights into future regulatory developments. Gain a deeper understanding of payroll software, best practices, and emerging trends.

6. California Payroll Conference - Long Beach, CA (October 15-17, 2025)

An exhibitor at California Payroll Conferences
California Payroll Conference

Overview: The California Payroll Conference is an annual event dedicated to payroll professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills. It focuses on the unique challenges of payroll in California, including the state's complex labor laws and payroll compliance requirements.

Why You Should Attend: Attending the California Payroll Conference will immerse you in the "Payroll Under Pressure" theme, focusing on real-time challenges faced by payroll professionals. You'll participate in customized classes and selective tracks designed to tackle pressing payroll issues, earning certificates upon completion. A must for anyone managing payroll in California, offering crucial updates and networking opportunities in a state known for its complex regulations.

7. 2025 GA Statewide Conference - Georgia, USA (October 16- 17, 2025)

Participants at Georgia Statewide Payroll Conference
Georgia Statewide Payroll Conference

Overview: The 2025 GA Statewide Payroll Conference is an annual event organized by the Greater Atlanta Payroll Association, dedicated to providing continuing education for payroll, finance, and human resource professionals. Focused on the unique needs of payroll professionals in Georgia, this event covers state-specific legislation, compliance issues, and best practices in payroll management.

Why You Should Attend: The 2025 GA Statewide Payroll Conference is an excellent opportunity for those in Georgia to get targeted insights and network with local experts. You’ll take part in hands-on workshops to solve real payroll problems and see how new technology is changing the way payroll works. Experts will explain new laws and best practices, so you’ll feel more confident handling payroll challenges. This conference also offers a chance to meet others in the field, share ideas, and learn from their experiences. Be sure to check out the FAQs for more details and explore resources from PayrollOrg to enhance your learning experience.

8. New England Payroll Conference - Plymouth, MA (October 23-24, 2025)

Attendees at New England Payroll Conferences
New England Payroll Conference

Overview: The New England Payroll Conference is a regional event dedicated to helping payroll professionals navigate industry changes and challenges. A regional conference that brings together payroll professionals from across New England to discuss regional issues, federal legislation, and payroll best practices. 

Why You Should Attend: Great for those in New England looking to network with peers in the area and stay on top of regional and national trends. You’ll dive into topics like payroll rules in different states, new laws, and how technology is changing payroll. Experts will walk you through real-life examples to help you solve problems and make smart decisions.

9. Carolinas Payroll Conference - Myrtle Beach, SC (November 5-8, 2025)

Participants at Carolinas Payroll Conferences
Carolinas Payroll Conference

Overview: The Carolinas Payroll Conference is an annual event that brings together payroll professionals from North and South Carolina. Established to provide training, networking, and recognition within the payroll industry, the conference offers a platform for professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills. 

Why You Should Attend: Attending the Carolinas Payroll Conference provides a unique opportunity to engage with peers facing similar challenges in payroll management. The event features interactive workshops and sessions focused on regional compliance issues, technological advancements, and leadership development. It's an excellent opportunity for learning within the Carolinas' unique legislative and business environment.

10. Payroll Leaders Conference - TBA (TBA)

Presenters at the Payroll Leaders Conference
Payroll Leaders Conference

Overview: This intimate event offers advanced education and networking opportunities for seasoned payroll professionals. Sessions dive deep into compliance, leadership, and technology advancements.

Why You Should Attend: 

Payroll Leaders Conference is designed for payroll professionals who want to dive deep into real-world payroll challenges without leaving their desks. You’ll explore the latest compliance changes, automation trends, and global payroll complexities through interactive case studies and expert-led panels. It's ideal for experienced professionals navigating a rapidly changing legislative environment.

11. Educational Institutions Payroll Conference - TBA (TBA)

Presenters at the Educational Institutions Payroll Conference
Educational Institutions Payroll Conference

Overview: The Payroll Leaders Conference is for experienced payroll professionals who want to take a bigger role in payroll management. It focuses on leadership, complicated compliance issues, and how payroll fits into business strategy. Through interactive sessions and expert discussions, attendees will learn about important industry changes like automation and global payroll, helping them stay prepared for the future.

Why You Should Attend: The Payroll Leaders Conference gives you the tools to refine your strategic vision, learn from industry experts, and explore innovative solutions. You'll tackle real-world payroll challenges in scenario-based workshops, from managing multi-jurisdictional compliance to optimizing automation. Expert-led discussions will help you strengthen your decision-making and leadership skills in payroll management.

Have Fun Learning And Connecting

Conferences are great for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge, network, and contribute significantly to their organization's success in payroll, accounting, finance, or HR roles.

Each offers unique insights and opportunities tailored to the needs of professionals in these fields. You'll make connections who can help you refine your payroll processes and find the best trainings on payroll software, ensuring you make the most your payroll toolkit.

Beyond payroll, we have some shortlists for other HR conferences including HR tech conferences, recruiting conferences, and CHRO conferences.

If time and resources are a factor, then perhaps one of these virtual HR conferences will interest you.

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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.