The Top 10 HR Conferences to Attend in 2021

Recruiting talent and managing people require learning and development, regardless of closed offices — meaning that even after a year-long-plus Covid-19 pandemic, HR professionals should seek opportunities to learn, either by walking in or logging in.

Even if many events only take place virtually this year, it's important to attend for the latest and greatest in HR from the best thought leaders around.

Here at Phenom, we believe living and working with a purpose provides amazing benefits. A big part of that principle is finding happiness and motivation, and in this case, we've come up with the top 10 conferences of 2021 to help you learn, connect with others, and further your HR career!

1. #TheCandEs Virtual Conference: Diverse & Inclusive Recruiting, Hiring & Candidate Experience

Talent Board's well-known conference will air live on a computer or mobile device near you. To be held May 19-20, 2021 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. EDT, #TheCandEs will include at least nine speakers and two keynotes. The virtual event is free to attend, and donations are welcome. Attendees can earn SHRM and HRCI credits.

Covid-19 has increased and emphasized focus on inequity and inclusion gaps at work, and sustainable solutions will require transformations in recruiting, hiring and retention practices, according to Talent Board. HR leaders and talent acquisition teams will learn how to start making change and positively impact their companies.

2. Gartner ReimagineHR Conference

Set to return to an in-person event, Gartner's conference will take place Nov. 8-10, 2021 in San Diego.

While specific details have yet to become available, Gartner says ReimagineHR is the "premier conference for CHROs and HR executives from leading organizations."

Attendees can expect to learn about improving trust in the workplace, redesigning jobs and delivering a greater business impact. Anyone interested in ReimagineHR should sign up with their email address to get conference updates.

3. Workday Rising: Conversations for a Changing World

The folks of Workday Rising have decided not to hold the 2021 event as planned; but instead, to host a two-day online event on Sept. 28-29. With safety being a priority, Workday Rising will take place as a digital experience for a global audience.

"As leaders, it's our job to think beyond the bottom line. To reimagine what's possible in business and in the world. And to act with boldness and purpose in preparation for whatever comes next," according to Workday.

Attendees will hear from business influencers and leaders on overcoming challenges and making an impact, as well as Workday innovations to help teams with agility.

Registration will open in July.

4. SAP SAPPHIRE NOW Americas (Regional)

To be held virtually June 7-10, 2021, SAPPHIRE NOW is available globally at no cost to attendees. SAP says the event "combines equal parts inspiration, insight, how-to learning, and proven digital event technology."

SAPPHIRE NOW is held on different dates per region, starting with June 7-10 (EMEA) and concluding July 12-15 (Japan). Each event will include eight dedicated topic tracks.

More details will become available online, and anyone interested should sign up here to be notified of updates.

5. Human Capital Institute (HCI): Redefine Onboarding for a Virtual World

No travel required for HCI's one-day virtual conference, set for May 12, 2021, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. EDT.

Onboarding is the key to connect with new hires in the employment lifecycle as they transition from candidate to employee. When onboarding shifted to a virtual experience as a result of Covid-19, organizations had to figure out a new way to engage and empower new talent. and prepare them to perform.

Redefine Onboarding for a Virtual World, according to HCI, will teach leaders to "connect new hires with people, performance and purpose.”

Using a desktop or mobile device, attendees can meet peers and presenters during online networking, and access a resource center with on-demand keynotes and presentation slides.

A conference pass runs $195, and can be purchased online.

6. HR Tech Conference and Exposition, produced by Human Resource Executive Magazine

One of the most recognizable HR conferences of the year, HR Tech 2021 is set to welcome attendees Sept. 28 - Oct. 1 at Las Vegas's Mandalay Bay. Passes range from $1,845 to $445, with rates to increase on Aug. 1

HR Tech's event producers say the conference will benefit HR and IT professionals, specifically those interested in optimizing HR systems. Information and insights provided at HR will cover HR tech and system solutions best fit for organizations' unique needs.

Registration is open, and in-depth event info is available online, where attendees can save their seats.

7. SHRM Annual Conference and Expo 2021

Taking on a new location, SHRM2021 is planned for the Las Vegas Convention Center, Sept. 9-12. The conference will also air live online for virtual attendees.

SHRM2021 will focus on information HR professionals need to know to make a better workplace for the future. With 11 learning tracks to choose from, attendees can dive deeper into topics such as compensation, benefits and wellbeing, leadership and growth potential, culture, HR tech and data analytics, and more.

In-person and virtual conference passes are available online, with prices increasing as we get closer to Sept. 9.

8. ADT 2021 International Conference and Exposition

ADT says it's doing things differently this year by offering three ways to join their annual event: in person, regionally and virtually.

The in-person conference (ADT21 HR), set for Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, 2021 in Salt Lake City will be capped to a reduced attendee count, but there will be no limit to the virtual access (ADT21 @home). ADT21 Regional will allow people to attend a smaller, more intimate event at various locations around the globe.

This year, it's all about leadership, growth, learning and collaboration. The event, according to ADP, is held to spark innovation and creativity, and to help talent professionals in their critical roles to shape "the future of work and the future workforce."

9. The HRSouthwest Conference: Embrace The Future, powered by DallasHR

Registration opens soon for the in-person HRSouthwest Conference, to take place Oct. 10-13, 2021 in Fort Worth, Texas. Running for 78 years, the conference is among the regional largest for educational and networking.

HRSouthwest allows for SHRM and HRCI recertification, unveiling of the latest HR products and services, and extra networking for attendees to have fun, the event team says. Topics to be covered in 2021 include employment law, healthcare, and talent management.

"The Conference evolves every year through feedback and survey data. But the work doesn't just happen as a result of the efforts of the small staff employed by the Conference," according to HR Southwest.

Until registration opens, anyone interested should join the email list for updates by entering their name, email, and (optional) company and job title.

10. IMPACT 2021 Human Capital Conference: Making work better for humans and humans better at work, by Deloitte

The 14th annual IMPACT will take place virtually in 2021, May 10-13.

During the event, leaders and solution providers will reveal the newest tech, trends, research, insights, and strategies driving the future of HR. Attending the online event will get you "networking opps, wellness sessions and intelligent matchmaking," as well as a 3D exhibition gallery for chats and special offers.

The virtual experience can be personalized for each attendee, with 30 days of on-demand access to presentations and recorded sessions.

On deck for keynotes are bestselling author Dan Pink and emotional intelligence expert Shawn Achor. Registration is open online!