Follow us on LinkedInHave you ever sat at your desk thinking, “There has to be a better way to do this HR thing?” Or maybe you’ve scrolled through LinkedIn, seen someone at a fancy HR conference in San Francisco, and thought, “How do I get invited to that?”
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you're deep in People Operations, sitting at the Chief People Officer table, or you're the one-person HR team doing it all, the smartest thing you can do this year is get in the room with others facing the same challenges (and wins) you are.
We’ve rounded up the top global HR events in 2026. Whether you’re after better tech, stronger teams, or just want to meet people who get what you do, we’ve got you covered. Think less corporate lecture, more “real talk” with people who get it.
You’ll find events geared toward big-picture strategy for CPOs, operational breakthroughs for People Ops teams, and practical tools you can bring back to your desk the next day.
So, if you’re looking for the top global HR events of 2026, from hands-on learning to world-class networking, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get into it.👇
Why attend HR networking events and conferences in 2026?
You’re busy. We get it. Between onboarding new hires and smoothing over team drama, it’s tempting to skip events altogether.
But here’s the deal: HR is changing fast. The best way to stay ahead? Be where the action is.
So, in case you need to be reminded, here are a few reasons why you should attend at least one HR conference or people-focused event in 2026.
Stay ahead of global HR trends
From AI-powered hiring to flexible benefits to whatever Gen Z is demanding next week, these events help you see what’s coming (and what’s worth paying attention to).
Network with top HR leaders & innovators
This isn’t awkward small talk over stale coffee. These are real conversations with CPOs, people ops pros, and workplace change-makers from around the world. You’ll leave with fresh insights and an even stronger LinkedIn game.
Get hands-on learning from real-world case studies
Forget vague theory. The best HR events share what worked (and what didn’t) inside real organizations, so you can steal smart ideas and apply them to your own teams.
Discover new tools and technologies
If you’re tired of your clunky HRIS or looking to automate the stuff no one wants to do, this is where you’ll find out what’s hot, what’s hype, and what’s worth your budget.
Earn CPD credits to maintain your certifications
Yes, you can check off some professional development boxes while enjoying yourself. Our events offer CPD credits because learning should count for something, especially when it comes with the bonus of being part of a top-tier HR networking event.
Top people leader events 2026
Looking for the best HR networking events, HR conferences, and people leader events in 2025?
Whether you’re leading a people team or just want to stay ahead of what’s next in HR, these are the places where fresh ideas, real talk, and meaningful connections happen.
Here are some of the top ones to check out this year. 🎉
Chief Operations Officer dinner – Washington D.C.
📅 Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM CDT
📍 Location: Washington D.C.
We’re hosting an intimate dinner in Washington, D.C. for COOs who want to connect with other people navigating the same level of responsibility; and do it in a setting that feels easy, not formal.
If you’re interested in meeting other leaders, trading ideas, and stepping out of the day-to-day for a few hours, we’d love for you to join us.
What you’ll get out of it
🧠 Hear how others are approaching today’s biggest operational challenges
🤝 Make meaningful connections with leaders in similar roles
💬 Enjoy a relaxed evening that’s more conversation than conference
People Operations Summit
📅 Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
🕕 Time: 6 am PT | 9am ET | 2pm GMT
📍 Location: Virtual
People leaders today are shaping culture, strengthening performance, and driving growth.
So, we’re bringing the community together for the People Operations Summit on February 19, 2026, a virtual event focused on transforming people functions through inclusion, innovation, and insight.
What you can expect
🧠 Practical insights from forward-thinking people leaders
📊 Real examples of using technology and data to improve people decisions
🌍 Clear strategies for making inclusion a measurable driver of engagement and retention
📈 Lessons on scaling people operations through growth, change, and complexity
You’ll hear from Companies like Ofcom, Warner Bros., and Marshall & Stevens, with sessions available live and OnDemand.
Chief Operations Officer dinner – New York
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 211, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM EST
📍 Location: New York City
In a role as fast-moving as COO, it’s rare to get the space to slow down and speak openly with others who understand the pressure and pace.
Our Chief Operations Officer dinner in New York creates that space with great food and even better conversation.
This is an intimate evening designed for senior operators who want to build genuine connections, exchange ideas, and take part in high-impact discussion with a carefully selected group of 15-20 senior decision-makers.
What to expect
🤝 A highly curated group of senior executives from a range of industries
💬 Honest discussion on the leadership topics that matter most, with no presentation or sales pitch
🍷 A private three-course dining experience built around real connection
Attendance is invitation only, and reserved for senior leaders. Places are limited, so you’ll need to apply.
And best of all: there’s no cost to attend, thanks to the support of our community partners.
People Alliance Silicon Valley – People Happy Hour
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM PT
📍 Location: TBD (Silicon Valley area)
Let’s be honest… some of the best conversations don’t happen in a ballroom or breakout room. They happen over drinks. 🍸
That’s why we're setting up a laid-back evening for VP- and C-suite people leaders who want to connect and have meaningful conversations, ahead of the Chief People Officer Summit.
You're invited if you're already attending the Chief People Officer Summit in Silicon Valley (April 30, 2026), or thinking about it.
Why you should come:
🧠 Share insights on trending topics.
🤝 Grow your network.
💬 Unwind and chat with your peers in a casual setting.
We’d love to see you there. Bring your ideas, your curiosity, and your appetite (and your business card or LinkedIn info).
CHRO and People Leaders dinner – New York
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM EDT
📍 Location: New York City
People leadership can be fast-moving, complex, and often high-stakes, which makes it even more valuable to step back and connect with others operating at the same level.
The CHRO & People Leaders dinner (New York) is an invitation-only evening designed to bring together a select group of senior HR and people executives for meaningful conversation, relationship-building, and a complimentary fine-dining experience.
With only 15–20 senior decision-makers in the room, the dinner is intentionally built for genuine discussion and high-quality networking, without the noise of a large-scale event.
What to expect
🤝 A carefully curated mix of leaders across industries
📈 Discussion focused on responding to shifting market conditions and creating predictable growth
💡 Practical perspectives on building strategies that scale efficiently
As always, there’s no cost to attend, thanks to support from our community partners.
Chief Operations Officer dinner – Silicon Valley
📅 Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM PST
📍 Location: Silicon Valley
Our COO Leaders Dinner in Silicon Valley offers a private evening for senior operators to connect, share perspectives, and build relationships that last beyond the event.
This is an invitation-only dinner featuring a carefully selected group of 15–20 senior decision-makers, built around meaningful discussion and a complimentary fine-dining experience.
What you can expect:
🤝 High-quality networking with senior leaders.
💬 Candid conversations you can only get from a relaxed atmosphere.
📈 Shared insights on adapting to changing markets, driving predictable growth, and scaling efficiently.
Attendance is limited and invitation-only, reserved for senior executives. If you’d like to attend, you can register your interest and the team will follow up.
The dinner is complimentary.
CHRO and People Leaders dinner – Silicon Valley
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM PST
📍 Location: Silicon Valley
Great people leadership doesn’t happen in isolation, and sometimes the most valuable perspective comes from a conversation you didn’t plan for.
That’s why we’re bringing together a select group of CHROs and senior People leaders in Silicon Valley for an intimate evening focused on connection, honest discussion, and a complimentary fine-dining experience.
What to expect
🤝 A carefully selected room of senior executives.
💬 Honest conversations on the leadership topics that matter most.
📈 Fresh insight into how your peers are navigating change.
Attendance is by invitation only.
Chief People Officer Summit – Amsterdam
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
📍 Location: Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre Amsterdam
Big shifts in the people function don’t come from guesswork, but from hearing what’s actually working.
That’s why we’re bringing the community together in Amsterdam for the Chief People Officer Summit.
This event is designed to help senior people leaders elevate the people function from operational to transformational, with insights from those actively revolutionising the function.
The goal is simple: skip years of trial-and-error and walk away with practical ideas you can apply right away to unlock more strategic impact from your people team.
What you’ll explore at the summit
🤖 How to accelerate AI integration across every level of the organisation without compromising trust or culture.
🧠 How to optimize leadership development to build a future-ready, resilient workforce.
📊 How to boost retention with data-driven employee engagement strategies.
If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your people team as a driver of strategic growth and enablement, we’d love to see you there.
People Operations Summit – Amsterdam
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
📍 Location: Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre Amsterdam
Staying ahead means learning from the conversations shaping HR across Europe.
So, we’re bringing the community together in Amsterdam to focus on the evolving people leader.
Built around real-world learning (from case studies to actionable takeaways), this event will make you ready to drive change in your company with confidence.
What you can expect from the day
🤝 Connect with forward-thinking HR leaders to exchange insight and strategic advice that strengthens people outcomes.
🚀 Explore emerging trends and cutting-edge innovations to elevate your impact as a key people partner.
🧰 Build leadership capability with the tools, knowledge, and transformative technology needed in today’s shifting business environment.
People Operations Officer dinner – London
📅 Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM GMT
📍 Location: London
Strong operational leadership is built on sharp decisions, and the kind of peer insight you only get in the right room.
That’s why we’re hosting the People Operations Officer dinner in London, bringing together senior operators for an evening of meaningful discussion, relationship-building, and a complimentary fine-dining experience.
This dinner is designed for a curated group of 15–20 senior decision-makers, creating space for candid conversation and high-impact networking with industry peers.
What you can expect
🤝 Connect with a curated group of senior leaders from diverse industries.
💬 Engage in honest conversations you may not be able to have anywhere else.
📈 Discover new perspectives and strategies from top leaders.
Attendance is by invitation only, and the evening is complimentary.
🏅 Earn CPD credits while you learn
Professional development shouldn't feel like homework, and at these events, it doesn’t. By attending one of our summits, you can earn up to 8 continuing professional development (CPD) or education (CPE) credits - just by showing up, learning, and engaging with your peers.
Here’s how it works:
- Attend the summit – That part’s easy. Pick the event that fits your goals and show up ready to learn.
- Request your certificate – After the event, just let us know you’d like a certificate of attendance.
- Submit to your accrediting body – Share your certificate with the organization that manages your CPD or CPE credits.
Ready to take the next step?
Don’t just read about the best events, join them.
Check out our full People Alliance Events Calendar to see where we’re headed next. Whether you're after bold ideas, real connections, or practical takeaways, there's an event waiting for you.
