The Top HR Conferences in 2017-2018 You Can’t Afford to Miss

September 6, 2017

min

Rob de Luca, BambooHR

Which HR conferences are you interested in attending this year?It’s hard to overstate the value of a good conference. The benefits of networking alone are worth the investment. The problem is knowing which conferences are worth the cost. (If you’re looking for a solid free option, make sure to check out BambooHR’s Virtual Elevate Conference). That’s where this list comes in. We’ve put together a list of all the best HR conferences for 2017 and 2018 that will reward you with the most bang for your buck. Do what you can to make it to at least one of these events this year.Let’s get started by digging into some tips for making the most of your experience.

Do Your Research

What are you looking to take home from the experience?Once you’ve successfully acquired the buy-in you need for your conference, take some time to consider the speakers and topics that are applicable to you, make yourself a schedule. Decide when you’re going to be doing what so that you aren’t wasting time during the conference trying to figure out what to do next. Be sure to include time to break for food and time to rest if you need it.Not every HR conference is going to be valuable to every attendee, and not every speaker’s content is going to align with your specific goals. Do a little digging before committing to a conference, and look up the speakers you’re considering listening to. Even the most riveting HR topics may not be delivered in a manner that suits your learning style. So look them up on Youtube, Twitter, and elsewhere, to determine if they are a good fit, and decide accordingly.[clickToTweet tweet="Wondering if that HR conference is worth the price of admission? Find out if it made BambooHR's list. " quote="Wondering if that HR conference is worth the price of admission? Find out if it made BambooHR's list. "]

Note: If you have to travel for the conference, then you should definitely read our popular post: Work Travel Nightmares and How to Avoid Them

Bring a Conference Buddy (Or Make One at the Event)

In preparing for a conference, you will likely run into the problem that you can only be in one place at a time.Bringing along a conference buddy, or meeting up with one, can help with that. Decide what activities matter to both of you, and divide and conquer, comparing notes when the day is over. Even when you both attend the same presentation, you’re likely to notice different things than your companion, and the difference in perspective will help you both glean the valuable information from the speaker.

[payscale-cta id=9992]

Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities

Do what you can to maximize your networking opportunities. Attend after parties (on your best behavior, of course). Stay in the designated hotel, as it puts you in proximity with other attendees. Give yourself time to mix and mingle at the conference, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers—you never know when an acquaintance will turn into a business contact.Now that we’ve gone through a few ways to prepare for your next HR conference, let’s delve into the conferences themselves. The following list is categorized by month and provides important details and suggestions for each of these valuable events.

HR Conferences in January

SRSC

Host: Global Strategic Management Institute
Dates: [Event has passed. Check back for updated information]
Location: San Francisco
Summary: “Recruiting Reinvented: Improve your social strategy with best practices and data-driven outcomes”
Price: $1,295–$2,180
Who Should Attend: Recruiters and talent acquisition professionals who are interested in learning about the latest recruiting strategies, data-driven recruiting, strategic sourcing and employer branding.

What’s Covered: The HR conference includes a pre-conference training, and compelling topics like “Putting Technology To Work For You: The 10 Best Social Media Recruiting Tools,” and “The Millennial Fit: Strategies for Helping Millennials Find the Right Job.”
Dining: The restaurant at the venue is Geraldine’s, which offers unique local cuisine, cocktails, and live music. Other nearby restaurants include Iron Works BBQ, the Moonshine Grill, and the G’Raj Mahal.

HR Conferences in February

Human Resources Professionals Associate Conference

HRPA Annual Conference and Trade Show

Host: Human Resource Professionals Association
Dates: [Event has passed. Check back for updated information]
Location: Ontario, Canada
Summary: Unique on our list for being both a conference and a trade show, the HRPA conference’s premier feature is the “HR today” interview segment, which is filmed throughout the conference.

Price: $646–$1,697
Who Should Attend: The “world’s second largest HR conference” brings in a wide range of HR professionals from around the globe who take advantage of knowledgeable keynote speakers, more than 130 HR professional development sessions, a variety of networking events and exhibits of the latest HR products and services.
What’s Covered: This conference offers training on topics like “Economorphics: The Trends Turning Today into Tomorrow,” “Practical Strategies to Build Team Resilience,” and “Because I Said I Would.”
Dining: The King Street Social Kitchen offers a breakfast buffet and dinner in the evening, while the Mix Bistro serves guests from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and offers a scenic overlook of Toronto’s entertainment district.

HR Conferences in March

HR West 2017

Host: Northern California Human Resources Association
Dates: [Event has passed. Check back for updated information]
Location: Oakland, California
Summary: An HR conference for San Francisco professionals by San Francisco professionals.
Price: TBA
Who Should Attend: HR West is popular among HR professionals who are focused on staying on top of the latest industry trends. With more than 80 concurrent sessions (that go toward recertification credits) that range from startups, HR and technology, small business and advanced career levels — there is something for everyone.
What’s Covered: This conference includes keynote speeches offered by Jacob Morgan and Poornima Vijayashanker, several receptions, and a drawing for a grand prize.
Dining: In addition to the hotel’s various breakfast options, the Iron & Oak Restaurant and Bar is ready to serve morning, noon, and night. Outside the hotel, there’s a host of options available within half a mile, so there’s something for everyone.

i4cp 2018 Conference

Host: i4cp
Dates: March 26-29, 2018
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Summary: An HR conference with a heavy network focus, there are no vendors among the membership at i4cp, just like-minded professionals.
Price: TBA
Who Should Attend: The conference that emphasizes “next practices” — rather than best practices — is designed for senior HR, talent, learning and diversity leaders.
What’s Covered: This conference offers a host of invitation-only pre-conference events, as well as a pre-conference workshop and a welcome meet & drink, in addition to general sessions.
Dining: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has a number of local offerings for the hungry patron, all of them fine dining. Try Bourbon Steak for prime cuts of meat skillfully prepared, or La Hacienda for a stylish Mexican dining experience.

HR In Hospitality

Host: HR in Hospitality
Dates: [Event has passed. Check back for updated information]
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Summary: “The only HR event specifically for the hospitality industry”
Price: $780–$1,525
Who Should Attend: This is the only HR conference on the list that was made specifically for HR professionals in the hospitality industry. This event attracts hundreds of HR and Employment and Labor professionals from a wide range of sectors.
What’s Covered: Agenda TBA
Dining: True to Vegas, there’s as much to dine on as there is to do. With a large selection of nearby restaurants, there’s more variety than the average appetite can handle.

HR Conferences in April

ERE Recruiting Conference

Host: Society for Human Resource Management
Dates: [Event has passed. Check back for updated information]
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Summary: “Join leading-edge companies that will share their tools, techniques, and strategies for real change and growth.”
Price: $1,495–$1,795
Who Should Attend: This HR conference provides an interactive experience for talent acquisition professionals, with more than 75 percent of attendees holding VP, Director and Manager level job titles.
What’s Covered: In addition to regular training presentations, this conference offers a welcome reception, roundtable discussions, and a networking reception.
Dining: Onsite, Ten 01 Market offers everything from coffee and treats to salads and pizzas, all in a social atmosphere. For a more refined experience, try Manny’s Steakhouse or Hell’s Kitchen, both of which are just a stone’s throw away.

Talent Management Conference and Exposition

Host: Society for Human Resource Management
Dates: [Event has passed. Check back for updated information]
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Summary: In their own words, the conference “gives you the tools, resources, innovations, and solutions you need to evolve your human capital strategies.”
Price: TBA
Who Should Attend: This conference boasts more than 1,000 attendees that work in talent acquisition and management industries. Recruiters, talent management professionals, HR managers, and generalists will likely find the most value in this event.
What’s Covered: This conference covers topics such as legislation and compliance, onboarding techniques, and engagement and retention.
Dining: With all the fantastic dining options in the Chicago area, this list of the city’s top 38 might help narrow down your choices.

HRPS Annual Conference

Host: Society for Human Resource Management
Dates: [Event has passed. Check back for updated information]
Location: Aventura, Florida
Summary: “Join a dynamic group of influential business and thought leaders in a forward-thinking discussion around the critical role HR executives play in designing the organization of the future.”
Price: TBA
Who Should Attend: Senior HR executives who are responsible for the planning and strategy behind the direction of their organizations are typical attendees of this HR Conference.
What’s Covered: This conference features concurrent sessions, a host of keynote sessions, and even a “Walk + Talk” networking wellness activity.
Dining: From fine dining at Bourbon Steak to poolside lounging at Laguna Grill, there are a number of on-site options to satisfy appetites.

BambooHR Elevate Summit

Host: BambooHR
Dates: [Event has passed. Check back for updated information]
Location: Snowbird Resort, Utah
Summary: Finally, a BambooHR user conference—with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking, and entertainment, it’s designed to elevate your work and provide you with a better way to HR.
Super Early Bird Registration: $995
Who Should Attend: BambooHR customers who are interested in attending a conference designed specifically to help them elevate their work with industry education, individualized training, and unique networking opportunities.

What’s Covered: This conference included multiple keynote speakers, concurrent sessions, morning yoga, and even a “choose your own adventure” of optional onsite activities at the resort.
Dining: Snowbird Resort has a host of restaurants on location, from casual to fine dining, and from expensive to spend-thrift, depending on your needs and desires.

HR Conferences in May

ATD 2017 International Conference and Exposition

Host: Association for Talent Development
Dates: [Event has passed. Check back for updated information]
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Summary: “Help others reach their full potential by reaching yours.”
Price: $1,250–$1,575
Who Should Attend: The ADT conference boasts more than 10,000 attendees who are dedicated to the design, delivery, management, and strategy of talent development. If you’re looking for the specific value offered by the conference, you may want to check out their ‘Convince Your Boss’ page.

What’s Covered: In addition to the general concurrent sessions, this conference also offers a “conference preview” for new attendees, as well as multiple pre-conference learning opportunities.
Dining: In addition to the lunches provided in the EXPO hall, the city offers a wide range of dining options. You can peruse some of the top restaurants in Atlanta Magazine’s best restaurant list.

HR Conferences in June

SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition

Host: Society for Human Resource Management
Dates: [Event has passed. Check back for updated information]
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Summary: “Internationally renowned speakers that offer fresh points of view and inspiring stories that can help shift your perspectives and deepen your understanding of leadership, motivation, and success.”
Price: TBA
Who Should Attend: This event offers relevant opportunities for any professional in the HR industry. With more than 200 concurrent sessions that allow for customized learning and access to thousands of solutions providers, you are practically guaranteed to walk away with a fresh perspective and new tools at your disposal.

What’s Covered: With a grand opening reception, concurrent sessions and master series, and even a performance by Harry Connick Jr., there is a lot to do at this conference.
Dining: New Orleans is well known for its unique dining experiences, which you can take advantage of when you attend the conference. Even if you decide to stay onsite, you’ll still have access to a range of dining options, which include a 400-seat atrium/restaurant and a gourmet dining experience at Ma Maison.

HR Conferences in August

California HR Conference

Host: Professionals In Human Resources Association
Dates: August 28-30
Location: Long Beach, California
Summary: “We offer a unique experience committed to your understanding of the trends and laws affecting the future of your business, to opportunities for purposeful networking, and to connecting HR communities.”
Price: $399–$799
Who Should Attend: Industry professionals who are interested in learning about employment law and legislation, strategic management, leadership development and global HR.
What’s Covered: This conference is organized into a series of educational “tracks,” featuring focus on multiple topics, including the following: Global HR, Total Rewards, and Nonprofit HR.
Dining: The conference offers a map with a fairly comprehensive list of nearby dining locations for the convenience of attendees.

HR Florida Conference and Expo

Host: HR Florida State Council
Dates: August 28-30
Location: Orlando, FL
Summary: This event is the annual conference of the Florida State Council (a state affiliate of SHRM). “Each year the event attracts 1,500+ human resource professionals and vendors throughout the state of Florida and across the globe.”
Price: $350–$1,125
Who Should Attend: The individuals who attend this HR conference represent human resource professionals and vendors from virtually every industry. Attendees can also earn credits for both the SHRM competencies certification and the HR Certification Institute certification.

What’s Covered: This conference features master sessions, pre-conference activities, and keynotes from the likes of Ed Davis, Sheryl Connelly, and Neil Pasricha.
Dining: Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek has restaurants that cater to a wide range of clients, from upscale dining at the Bull & Bear, to more casual affairs, like Oscar’s.

HR Conferences in September

Crossroads Conference

Host: Utah Human Resource Council, Partners in Business
Dates: September 19-20
Location: Provo, UT
Summary:“Our mission is to provide an opportunity to network with peers, explore innovative solutions with vendors, and improve your knowledge as an HR professional.”
Price: TBA
Who Should Attend: HR managers interested in professional development and the exploration of top industry topics by a variety of powerful speakers.
What’s Covered: This conference features concurrent sessions, general sessions, two conference workshops, a networking event, and an ice cream snack break.
Dining: Onsite at the Provo Marriott is Slate Restaurant, with contemporary dining in a casual atmosphere. For those with more eclectic tastes, try Communal, or Black Sheep Cafe

IPMA-HR International Training Conference

Host: International Public Management Association for Human Resources
Dates: September 16-20
Location: San Antonio, TX
Activities: “IPMA-HR is your resource for comprehensive and timely HR industry news, jobs, policies, resources, education, and professional development opportunities.”
Price: $499–$949
Who Should Attend: IPMA HR has been serving HR professionals since 1906 and its conference and expo appeal to all levels of human resource professionals.
What’s Covered: This event features two pre-conference workshops: “Leveraging the Power of Employee Engagement in Government,” and “Workforce and Succession Planning.”
Dining: From Morton’s The Steakhouse, to The County Line, nearby dining options cover the entire spectrum.

ASHHRA Annual Conference and Exposition

Host: American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration
Dates: September 16-19
Location: Seattle, WA
Summary: An HR conference dedicated specifically to human resources in the healthcare industry. Attendees are able to take advantage of general sessions, breakout sessions, networking events, and 175 exhibitors focused on advancing healthcare through HR.
Price: $200–$1,245
Who Should Attend: Human resource professionals in the healthcare industry.
What’s Covered: Agenda TBA
Dining: For a casual dining experience, try the Daily Grill. For something with a little French flair, try Loulay Kitchen & Bar.