The value of HR events and conferences
Staying up to date with HR compliance, technologies and trends is no small feat. Specialised conferences and events can help HR professionals stay up to date with the advancements of the field. If you still need convincing, here are the main reasons why you should consider attending HR events.
HR events provide introductions to new solutions
HR products evolve at fast pace. Attending HR events means accessing vendors’ exhibitions and getting to know their products. New HR tools and technologies tend to streamline HR processes and bring efficiency to the function. As such, they are essential to improving productivity.
HR events provide an opportunity for continuous professional development
Professional development is essential for your HR staff. They need to stay on top of emerging trends and best practices in the industry. Through HR conferences, the team can enhance their skills and stay current.
Related: 5 steps to creating an effective training and development programme
HR events provide networking opportunities
Sharing experiences or even challenges with peers brings a lot of value. Through HR events, employees can meet with mentors, share ideas and build essential relationships through networking.
HR events contribute to peer support and problem solving
Some challenges can only be solved through brainstorming and exchanging with peers. At HR events, HR staff have the opportunity to share experiences, learn about the challenges their colleagues are facing and seek advice. Together, they are likely to find the best solution for the issues that they are facing.
HR events open a forum for personal growth
It is common for HR events to include sessions on development. Topics such as leadership skills or work-life balance are sessions that can help improve the well-being of your HR team members.
HR events provide an opportunity to not forget to have fun
We spend a lot of time at work and therefore, it is essential that it is a place where people feel comfortable and able to relax. HR events are a social experience, so they can be used as entertainment for your team and to allow them to take a break from the daily routine. They will feel more energised when they return to their daily tasks.
Related: Six simple steps to create your employee wellness programme
If you are looking to continuously develop your human resource management teams, HR events are a good way to expand their knowledge, ensure they are up to date with the latest technologies and keep them motivated. They are a great investment in your people.
Top HR events to consider throughout 2024
There are many events dedicated to human resources throughout the year. We have created a shortlist of those we feel are most relevant. The details of these events were correct at the time of writing.
HR Vision
HR Vision takes place on 5–6 March 2024 in London. For this event, expect discussions on the latest trends and best practices in HR. The event will include panel discussions and feature various speakers who will elaborate on topics such as HR technology, talent development, employee experience and much more.
HR Strategy Forum
This event is a classic and takes place from 28 February to 1 March 2024 in Gloucestershire. It is designed for senior HR leaders. The focus of the event is human resource strategies and an overall approach to HR.
Health and Wellbeing at Work conference
Taking place on 12–13 March 2024 in Birmingham, this conference is essential if your focus is employee well-being and happy workplaces.
Employee Engagement Summit
This event will be taking place on 1 May 2024 in London. It is a one-day event packed with experts on employee engagement. If your HR teams need a boost on how to motivate and engage the workforce, this event is a must.
HR Technologies conference
The HR Technologies conference is a two-day event dedicated to HR professionals. Taking place on 17–18 April 2024 at the ExCel in London, the focus is technology and how innovation impacts the HR function.
CIPD Festival of Work
The Festival of Work is the largest event in the UK. This year, it takes place on 12–13 June at the ExCel in London. You are sure to find what you are looking for in this large HR event that includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions and an expo hall with over 200 exhibitors. HR specialists can also work with their network to find solutions to the HR challenges that they may be facing.
HR Summit
This year, the HR Summit will take place in Canary Wharf on 2 October 2024. It is a one-day event that takes wider look at HR and provides best practices and general trends in the industry. The event also features more than 100 suppliers.
HR Analytics Summit
Analytics and human resources go hand in hand. The HR Analytics Summit makes sure to highlight the dependencies between the two and demonstrates how HR can benefit from analytics. The event demonstrates how data can be used in HR to drive better decisions. It takes place on 4 September 2024 in London.
Employee Benefits Live
This event is dedicated to directors or senior managers in the HR field. The seniority of the attendees means that topics such as team rewards and HR strategies are at the centre of the event. It will take place on 8–9 October 2024 at the ExCel in London.
CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition
This annual event takes place in Manchester and runs over two days on 6–7 November 2024. It gives attendees the chance to meet with a wide range of exhibitors.
Future of Work Europe
The future of work is a hot topic as our work environment has evolved rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic. This event takes place on 13–14 November in London and elaborates on strategies that are shaping the future of work. It is the go-to to stay up to date with HR transformation and culture and touches on employee engagement.
CIPD Talent Management and Workforce Planning
This is the largest event in December 2024 and takes place in London. If you are looking to futureproof your workforce, this event is the one that will provide you with the best practices on that topic.
This list of events is by no means exhaustive. When it comes to HR conferences in the United Kingdom, there is a wide choice of events available throughout the year. Attending these events can be highly beneficial for the entire HR team. Whether they are new to their role or senior professionals, they will capitalise on their knowledge and continue to evolve in their career. The investment is worth it and will help your HR department to adopt best practices, implement helpful technologies and gain in efficiencies.
Please note that none of the events in this article are affiliated with Indeed.