The countdown is on for the HR Tech Conference 2025, returning to Las Vegas from September 16–18 at Mandalay Bay. In HRchat episode 849, I spoke with Katie Achille, Managing Partner at The Devon Group and a key communications leader behind the event. Katie shared why this year’s conference promises to be one of the most dynamic yet.
A Packed Agenda
The 2025 program has been streamlined into a Tuesday-through-Thursday schedule, ending with a closing keynote from Josh Bersin. Along the way, attendees can expect a mix of mega sessions, think tanks, case studies, demo theaters, and interactive Ask the Expert discussions spread across the packed agenda
hrtechnologyconference.com.
One of the biggest introductions to HR Tech Conference this year is the HR Strategy Summit, designed exclusively for leaders of large enterprises. Another marquee addition is the HR Icons Awards Gala, which will honor excellence across six categories, celebrating standout achievements in HR leadership and innovation.
Where Community Meets Technology
Katie described the event’s vibe as a “town hall” for the HR technology ecosystem, where practitioners, vendors, investors, analysts, and media come together. Networking is woven throughout—from expo pub crawls and HR Happy Hours to fishbowl-style live podcast recordings hosted by HR Executive/WRKdefined, allowing attendees to listen in with headphones on the expo floor.
Adding a dose of pop culture, William Tincup will moderate a panel featuring TikTok influencers, exploring how viral engagement can translate into job applications—a sign of HR Tech’s willingness to embrace emerging channels for talent attraction.
Women in HR Tech and the AI Conversation
The Women in HR Tech Summit returns for its eighth year, consistently one of the most sought-after tracks. This year, the sessions promise not only inspiration but also practical, actionable takeaways for leaders building inclusive strategies.
Another highlight is Lydia Wu’s session on AI as a career advancement tool, shifting the conversation from entry-level use cases to how HR leaders can leverage AI for strategic growth and leadership development.
Innovation at the Expo
The Startup Pavilion will host 50–60 emerging companies, showcasing cutting-edge solutions. The Pitchfest competition, reimagined for 2025, offers startups a high-profile stage to compete for attention from investors and HR leaders alike.
Meanwhile, the AI Playground remains a hotspot for attendees wanting hands-on experience with the latest intelligent HR solutions.
A Literary Surprise
Perhaps the most unexpected highlight is the appearance of James Patterson, the legendary novelist, who will preview his first-ever business book alongside Dr. Patrick Leddin in a special keynote.
Why It Matters
HR Tech has always been about more than tools—it’s about ideas, connections, and progress. As Katie reminded us, the conference continues to serve as a gathering place for HR leaders navigating rapid change while staying grounded in the human side of work.
With a refreshed format, bold new content, and opportunities to connect with the brightest in HR and work tech, HR Tech 2025 promises to be a can’t-miss experience.
