SHRM Talent Conference & Expo 2026 brings together talent acquisition leaders, HR professionals, recruiters, and workforce strategists to explore how organizations can attract, hire, and retain the right talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Hosted by the Society for Human Resource Management, this event focuses on practical strategies, emerging technologies, and evolving workforce expectations that are reshaping talent management across industries.
Where Talent Strategy Meets Real Hiring Challenges
Hiring has changed.
Candidate expectations are different. Skills are evolving faster than job descriptions. And competition for talent is no longer local.
The SHRM Talent Conference is built around this reality. It focuses on how organizations can rethink hiring strategies, improve candidate experience, and build sustainable talent pipelines.
The event is designed to move beyond theory and focus on execution. What actually works in today’s hiring environment.
What to Expect at SHRM Talent Conference & Expo 2026?
The conference delivers a mix of learning, networking, and hands-on exploration.
Keynotes and Expert-Led Sessions
Industry leaders share insights on talent acquisition, recruitment marketing, and workforce planning.
Program Overview with Multiple Learning Tracks
Sessions are organized across key focus areas including recruiting strategy, candidate experience, employer branding, and HR technology.
Extensive Session Catalog
Attendees can explore a wide range of sessions, workshops, and discussions tailored to different aspects of talent management.
Expo and Solution Providers
The expo floor showcases tools and platforms that support recruiting, onboarding, and workforce analytics.
Networking Opportunities
The event creates multiple touchpoints for professionals to connect, share insights, and build relationships within the talent community.
Also Read: HR Automation Software in 2026: How Intelligent Tools Are Streamlining HR Operations and Driving Efficiency
Key Themes Driving the 2026 Program
The program reflects the evolving priorities of talent leaders.
Modern Talent Acquisition Strategies
Organizations are moving beyond traditional hiring methods and adopting data-driven and skills-based approaches.
Candidate Experience and Employer Branding
Focus on building strong employer brands and delivering meaningful candidate journeys.
AI and Recruitment Technology
Exploring how automation and AI are transforming sourcing, screening, and hiring decisions.
Workforce Planning and Skills Development
Sessions address how companies can prepare for future skill requirements and workforce shifts.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Hiring
Strategies for building more inclusive hiring processes and diverse teams.
These themes highlight one shift. Talent is no longer just about hiring. It is about building long-term capability.
Featured Speakers and Talent Leaders
The SHRM Talent Conference features a diverse lineup of HR leaders, recruiters, and industry experts who bring real-world experience into the conversation.
Some of the featured speakers include:
- Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. – President and CEO, SHRM
- Scott Pulsipher – President, Western Governors University
- Joy Rothschild – CHRO, Omni Hotels & Resorts
- Mary Beth DeNooyer – CHRO, Keurig Dr Pepper
- Njsane Courtney – VP of HR, American Bureau of Shipping
Full speaker lineup: https://registration.events.shrm.org/flow/shrm/talent2026/public-speaker-catalog/page/catalog
The SHRM Talent Conference Experience
This is not just a learning event. It is a working environment for talent professionals.
You are not just attending sessions. You are exploring tools, testing ideas, and exchanging strategies with people facing the same hiring challenges.
The combination of sessions, expo, and networking creates a space where ideas move quickly from discussion to application.
Why SHRM Talent Conference & Expo 2026 Matters
Talent has become one of the biggest competitive advantages for organizations.
Companies that hire better, faster, and smarter outperform those that do not.
The SHRM Talent Conference helps leaders rethink how they approach hiring in a market defined by change.
Attendees gain:
- Practical hiring and talent acquisition strategies
- Insights into emerging recruitment technologies
- Exposure to new tools and platforms
- Connections with talent professionals and leaders
- A clearer understanding of how to build future-ready workforces
For HR and talent leaders who want to move beyond outdated hiring practices, this conference offers a focused and actionable experience.
Explore more at: www.conference.shrm.org/talent-conference
