The Ultimate List of UK HR Events in 2026 | Human Resources

One of the best ways to advance your HR or L&D career is by getting yourself out into the professional community and networking with like-minded professionals in your industry. 

Looking to stay ahead in 2026? We’ve curated a list of HR events to look out for in 2026. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of industry trends, connect with peers, or learn new insights for your people strategy, there’s something here for you.

CIPD Regional Conferences 2026

In 2026, the CIPD will host three regional conferences across Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, each centred on one shared theme: how HR professionals can deliver business value and real organisational impact.

These conferences will explore the pivotal role HR plays in driving performance, fostering innovation and shaping inclusive, people-focused cultures. Through thought-provoking sessions and real-world case studies, attendees will gain practical tools and strategic insights to elevate their organisation’s impact through effective people strategies.

Whether you join the CIPD in Wales Conference (5 February, Cardiff), the CIPD in Northern Ireland Conference (25 February, Belfast), or the CIPD in Scotland Annual Conference (17 March, Edinburgh), each event offers the chance to learn from experts and connect with peers.

CIPD Student Conference 2026

The CIPD Student Conference is a free virtual half-day event exclusively for CIPD student members happening on 7 March, online. You’ll gain practical knowledge, network with HR professionals and learn more about the trends shaping the future of work.

Included as part of your CIPD membership, this event is your opportunity to hear more from your professional body and how we support you.

HR Minds Summit

On 10-11 March 2026 in Birmingham, the HR Minds Summit brings together HR professionals, industry experts and thought leaders for two days of insightful discussions, networking and innovation showcases.

Focusing on emerging trends, best practices and disruptive technologies shaping the future of HR, the summit is designed to foster innovation, collaboration and continuous learning.

The Workplace Event

Taking place from 28-30 April 2026 in Birmingham, The Workplace Event is the UK’s leading gathering for workplace and facilities innovation. It’s where professionals come together to share best practice, explore new ideas, and discover the suppliers shaping the future of employee experience and organisational performance.

Hosting free to attend content, workshops, live demos and a large-scale exhibition, you will find all your workplace solutions and strategies under one roof.

HR Technologies UK

HR Technologies UK is returning to London on 29-30 of April 2026 to bring together people professionals to explore the latest tech innovations shaping the future of work. It’s the go-to event for discovering new tools, meeting leading technology providers and connecting with emerging startups that are redefining the HR tech landscape.

Across two Keynote Theatres and four Seminar Theatres, attendees can learn from HR leaders, see cutting-edge tech in action, and gain practical advice on everything from AI to everyday best practice.

Learning Technologies

Learning Technologies, Europe’s leading event for workplace learning and learning technologies, takes place on 29-30 of April 2026 in London. Co-located with HR Technologies UK, the event draws over 15,000 visitors each year, offering a unique opportunity to connect with both L&D and HR professionals.

With more than 200 free seminars, over 200 exhibitors, and a world-class L&D conference, Learning Technologies showcases the latest solutions and innovations shaping workplace learning, making it a must-attend for anyone in the field.

HR Leadership Summit

The HR Leadership Summit 2026 will take place on 6-7 May in London, bringing senior HR professionals together to explore new strategies, share practical solutions, and build meaningful connections.
From tackling talent shortages and driving digital transformation to boosting employee engagement, the summit gives leaders the insights, tools, and networks they need to shape the future of work.

UHR Annual Conference

The UHR Annual Conference 2026 takes place virtually from 12-14 May and is designed to provide exceptional value for HR professionals in higher education. Whether you’re new to the sector or an experienced practitioner, the online format makes it easy to engage fully from your own workspace, offering an accessible and cost-effective way to develop your skills.

Over three days, UHR26 features headline speakers, breakout sessions, and specialist workshops, covering the key challenges and opportunities facing HR in higher education. Attendees will gain insights from leading experts and practitioners, learn from peer experiences across UK universities, and enjoy opportunities for networking and collaboration.

CIPD Festival of Work

The CIPD Festival of Work is all about celebrating potential in people, teams, and organisations. Through inspiring talks and practical sessions, event brings together professionals from across sectors to explore how collaboration, communication, and technology can create better working lives.

Through inspiring talks and practical sessions, this event encourages HR and business leaders to break down silos, share ideas, and discover new ways to boost productivity and wellbeing across their organisations. The CIPD Festival of Work 2026 is happening on the 10-11 of June.

University Forum for Human Resource Development (UFHRD) International Conference

Taking place from 17-19 June 2026 in York, the 26th edition of this conference explores the theme “Moral duties of HRD in achieving social justice”, responding to current challenges such as the global pandemic, climate crisis, economic uncertainty and hybrid working. 

The event offers a platform to examine social justice issues in the workplace and organisations through theoretical, empirical and practical lenses.

Participants will benefit from papers and workshops presented by a broad spectrum of professionals and scholars, enabling peer‑to‑peer learning and fresh insights into how HRD can contribute to more equitable workplaces and societies.

CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition

The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition hosts people professionals from around the world to explore HR’s biggest challenges in a modern workplace. Attendees can embrace the latest research and innovation, hear from leading experts, and discover new ideas to put into practice.

Whether you join in Manchester or online on 4-5 November, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers, share experiences, and gain fresh perspectives to take back to your organisation.

Gain the skills you need for the career you want with an online CIPD qualification.