Quicklinks:
Top Conferences Practitioners Are Attending in 2025
The first question we asked respondents was "Which conferences are you planning to attend in 2025". The responses were varied as the conference circuit is diverse, but there were a few standouts! We've rank ordered the top five responses below:
1. Local People Analytics Meetups
Attending: 42% of respondents (up from ~33% in 2024)
Why It’s Popular: You can’t beat a meetup. This year’s survey proved that meetups have taken hold in the People Analytics space, springing up across the US from their start in NYC to the Bay Area to many other cities like Columbus and Salt Lake City. Globally there’s also been an explosion of new events from Sweden to Brisbane and Nigeria to Latin America. These grassroots gatherings are the heart of community-driven professional development. With minimal costs and maximum networking opportunities, meetups are perfect for both early career professionals looking to enter the field and seasoned practitioners looking to share experiences and ideas.
About This Conference: While each meetup is run locally by a different volunteer team, People Analytics meetups generally offer a community feel and collaborative space for People Analytics professionals to exchange practical insights. They’re especially beneficial for those who may not have the budget or time to attend larger, national conferences. Communities in NYC and the Bay Area lead the pack in maturity and tenure (10+ years running for some!), but many other cities have run with the format and meetups are spreading rapidly to other cities worldwide.
Repeat or New: Local meetups saw a surge in attendance on our 2024 survey and continued that growth in 2025.
More info: Make sure to visit SPA’s meetup list to see if there’s a meetup in a city near you. And if you can’t find one, reach out to me (Richard) and I’d be happy to connect you with some friends in the area. People Analytics people are everywhere now.
2. SIOP 2025 - Denver
Attending: ~30% of respondents
Why It’s Popular: In terms of “official” conferences, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) annual conference continues to draw the attention of respondents to this survey from People Analytics professionals with its robust mix of academic research and practical insights. Known for fostering connections between IO Psychology and People Analytics, this conference is a must-attend for leaders seeking evidence-based approaches to workforce challenges.
About This Conference: Scheduled this year from 4/2 to 4/5 in Denver, Colorado, SIOP is a massive gathering of over 5,000 attendees. Sessions span diverse topics, from AI ethics to leadership assessments. The format includes as many as 10 concurrent sessions per hour, along with posters to see, masterclasses to attend, and people to meet – all of which creates an atmosphere of exciting FOMO. For People Analytics professionals, SIOP bridges academic rigor and workplace application, making it an unparalleled learning experience.
Important note:Everyone can attend SIOP! There’s a rumor that it is only for IO Psychology PhDs and that’s just not the case. I’ve got an MBA background and have attended for two years running now (and they haven’t thrown me out yet). I can’t recommend this conference enough to anyone interested in deep conversations about applications of analytics to the workplace.
Repeat or New: SIOP was the most attended conference in 2024, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
More info: SIOP Annual Conference
Bonus info: My 2023 SIOP travelogue
3. People Analytics World NYC & People Analytics World London
Attending: ~26% of respondents
Why It’s Popular: People Analytics World (PAW) has been the premier stage in Europe for People Analytics for ten years running and, with groundfall in NYC in 2024, the event has officially gone global. This event is the true home for practitioners in People Analytics and has the feel of a family reunion and a team brainstorm all mixed together. It’s the perfect blend of networking, learning, and practical applications for People Analytics.
About This Conference: The events are scheduled for London (4/29 to 4/30) and New York City (10/15 to 10/16). The PAW conference is run by the Tucana team (who additionally run some fantastic SWP events globally). People Analytics World NYC and London both combine global thought leadership with practitioner-led insights. Known for their deep dives into storytelling with data, scaling analytics, and cross-functional collaboration, this event caters to mature analytics teams who want to stay in touch with what’s going on across the industry.
Repeat or New: PAW London had a great showing in last year’s event survey and the NYC conference debuted in late 2024, building on Tucana’s strong legacy with its London event.
More info: People Analytics World
4. TALREOS Chicago
Attending: 21% of respondents
Why It’s Popular: Cited as a “hidden gem” in 2024, TALREOS Chicago (Talent Analytics Leadership Roundtable & Economic Opportunity Summit) had a breakout year with People Analytics professionals. Praised for its round-table “Chatham House Rule” approach to dialogue and strong controls over vendor involvement, this conference has quietly become a must-attend destination for People Analytics leaders of advanced teams who want to meet peers and dive deep into analytics and the future of work.
About This Conference: Scheduled for June 4-6 in Chicago, TALREOS has been running for over 10 years out of Northwestern as part of the Workforce Science Project. It offers a balance of practical workshops and thought-provoking keynotes. The smaller size and invite-only nature of the event fosters meaningful networking and provides attendees with actionable frameworks they can implement immediately.
Repeat or New: TALREOS appeared on the radar in last year's survey and has quickly gained momentum. With more practitioners prioritizing it in 2025, it’s transitioning from a “hidden gem” to a recognized pillar of the People Analytics community.
More info: TALREOS
5. Wharton People Analytics Conference
Attending: 17% of respondents
Why It’s Popular: Led by Matthew Bidwell and a team of renowned academics, the Wharton People Analytics Conference offers a unique blend of strategic insights for HR leaders and groundbreaking academic contributions. Consistently ranked as a favorite among People Analytics professionals, the conference is known for its rigorous content and engaging sessions. A standout feature is the annual People Analytics Case Competition, which continues to be a highlight for participants and attendees alike.
About This Conference: Scheduled for April 10-11, 2025 at the University of Pennsylvania, this two-day event features a diverse lineup of speakers, including experts from academia and industry. The conference offers sessions on the latest advances in People Analytics, complemented by networking opportunities with students, academics, and industry professionals. Highlights include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and competitions that showcase innovative research and applications in the field.
Repeat or New: Wharton was a top wish-list event in 2024, and this year’s data shows its appeal has only grown. I hope to see you there this year!
More info: Wharton People Analytics
What’s on the Wish List?
Even when budgets are tight, practitioners still dream big. Here are the events topping their aspirational lists (where they wish they could attend if budget wasn’t an issue):
1. People Analytics World NYC & People Analytics World London
Wish List Interest: 31% of respondents
Why It’s Desired: As covered above, People Analytics World (PAW) is a tremendous event series. After a sold-out and breakout year in New York City, PAW has swept up the People Analytics space with excitement. I was delighted to see this one top the charts this year and I hope all of you who wanted to attend are able to get your budget approved!
About This Conference: The London event is scheduled for 4/29 to 4/30 and New York City from 10/15 to 10/16. The PAW conference is run by the Tucana team (who additionally run some fantastic SWP events globally). People Analytics World NYC and London both combine global thought leadership with practitioner-led insights. Known for their deep dives into storytelling with data, scaling analytics, and cross-functional collaboration, this event caters to mature analytics teams who want to stay in touch with what’s going on across the industry.
Repeat or New?: This conference was a top wish-list item in 2024 and has proven to be highly sought-after in 2025.
More info: People Analytics World
2. Wharton People Analytics Conference
Wish List Interest: 27% of respondents
Why It’s Desired: Covered above as well! For the second year running, Wharton appears prominently on the wish list for People Analytics leaders. The history and long-running presence of this conference has firmly established it in the People Analytics world as a pillar of the conference circuit.
About This Conference: Scheduled for April 10-11, 2025 at the University of Pennsylvania, this two-day event features a diverse lineup of speakers, including experts from academia and industry. The conference offers sessions on the latest advances in people analytics, complemented by networking opportunities with students, academics, and industry professionals. Highlights include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and competitions that showcase innovative research and applications in the field.
Repeat or New?: A repeat favorite from 2024, Wharton remains one of the most highly sought after conferences in the field.
More info: Wharton People Analytics
3. HR Technology Conference
Wish List Interest: 19% of respondents
Why It’s Desired: The HR Technology Conference (HR Tech) stands out as a pinnacle event for those looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving realm of HR tech. From AI-driven talent management solutions to cutting-edge analytics platforms, the showcase of emerging trends draws both tech-savvy HR leaders and People Analytics professionals alike. It’s a one-stop-shop for learning everything you need to know to stay on top of HR technology advances or, if you’re feeling bold, to purchase your entire HR Tech stack.
About This Conference: Scheduled for September 16-18, 2025 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the HR Technology Conference offers hands-on access to the latest technologies from over 500 leading and emerging providers. With over 200 sessions, attendees can discover industry trends and gain actionable strategies to leverage technology for success in various HR functions. The conference also provides numerous networking opportunities with peers and industry experts.
Repeat or New?: HR Tech featured as a must-attend conference in the 2024 survey and repeats here in 2025
More info: HR Technology Conference
4. HR Analytics Summit London
Wish List Interest: 17% of respondents.
Why It’s Desired: The HR Analytics Summit London has become a pivotal event for professionals eager to harness the power of data in HR. With a focus on practical applications of People Analytics, the summit addresses critical areas such as employee engagement, HR operations, and the future of work. Attendees are drawn to its comprehensive agenda, featuring inspiring keynotes, interactive panels, and deep-dive workshops led by industry thought leaders.
About This Conference: Scheduled for September 4, 2025 in London, the HR Analytics Summit offers a turbo-charged day of learning and networking. The conference brings together over 300 HR and workforce leaders from a variety of industries with 20+ expert speakers. Sessions delve into innovative approaches to workforce analytics, empowering strategic decision-making processes to tackle pressing issues in human capital management. The event also emphasizes the ethical use of AI in HR, balancing data-driven insights with human empathy. Notably, 5% of all ticket sales are donated to the charity Mind, reflecting the summit's commitment to mental well-being.
Repeat or New?: A newcomer to the list for 2025 and an exciting one to watch going forward!
Website: HR Analytics Summit London
5. Insight222 Global Executive Retreat
Wish List Interest: 15% of respondents
Why It’s Desired: The Insight222 Global Executive Retreat is highly coveted among HR executives and People Analytics leaders for its exclusive, invite-only format. Offering meticulously curated sessions, the retreat offers deep dives into strategic topics, fostering an environment where executives can "Think, Reflect, and Plan" their future initiatives. Participants value the opportunity to engage with top-tier business speakers and peers in a distraction-free setting, enhancing their leadership journey.
About This Conference: The retreat is held annually at spectacular venues, such as the historic Duin & Kruidberg estate near Amsterdam. It features a select number of in-depth discussions and workshop-style activities led by world-class speakers. The 2024 theme, "The Changing Role of the People Analytics Executive," focused on the evolving influence of People Analytics leaders within organizations (2025 theme TBD). Attendees gain strategic insights, engage in peer learning, and develop actionable plans to drive value in their roles.
Repeat or New: A consistent favorite on the wish list for many People Analytics leaders, the Insight222 Global Executive Retreat continues to attract senior leaders seeking a premier, immersive experience in the People Analytics domain.
More info: Insight222 Global Executive Retreat
And these are just the top 5 from each category! The survey was close and there are MANY more incredible events in our space. Please jump to the end of the blog to see the full list of conferences included in the study. Each one represents incredible community, sessions, and exciting ideas and experiences.
New (and Noteworthy) Conferences for 2025
As the People Analytics conference landscape continues to expand, 2025 introduces some exciting developments, from fresh additions to reimagined formats. These events stand out as either brand-new opportunities or evolving platforms that are reshaping the way HR and People Analytics professionals engage with the community.
RedThread Research's ELEVATE Conference
New for 2025: This year marks the debut of ELEVATE, a highly anticipated conference led by industry thought leaders Stacia Garr, Dani Johnson, and the team at RedThread Research. Known for their influential insights and industry research on talent, learning, and People Analytics, this event is going to be incredible.
Why Attend: ELEVATE aims to deliver an intimate, invite-only, high-value experience by bringing together industry thought leaders, actionable insights, and forward-thinking strategies with an emphasis on a Director+ audience.
About the Conference: Scheduled for June 17–19, 2025 at Snowbird, Utah, Elevate promises a mix of interactive sessions, collaborative problem-solving, and exclusive research findings. The conference is deliberately designed to spark innovation and build stronger bridges between data, decision-making, and people.
Learn More: Find details and join the waitlist HERE!
SIOP Leading Edge Consortium (LEC): People Analytics
New for 2025: Chaired by Cole Napper and Stephanie Murphy, this year’s SIOP LEC focuses on People Analytics, providing a deep dive into the strategic and operational challenges facing today’s analytics teams.
Why Attend: The LEC’s smaller, specialized format encourages targeted conversations and emphasizes practical applications. Attendees can expect to engage directly with experts, participate in robust discussions, and leave with actionable strategies tailored to their unique challenges.
About the Conference: Scheduled for Oct 23-24th in Atlanta, Georgia the LEC combines SIOP’s academic rigor with emerging trends in People Analytics. The event brings together researchers and practitioners for a collaborative exchange of ideas, making it an essential gathering for teams looking to refine their approaches and elevate their impact.
Learn More: Keep an eye on SIOP LEC
Cole Napper shares, "The SIOP Leading Edge Consortium is focused on People Analytics this year. It has a stellar lineup of speakers (soon to be revealed), and is welcome to I/O psychologists and non-I/O psychologists alike. It should be one of the most practical, scientific yet fun conferences to date - chaired by myself and Stephanie Murphy."
UT Austin Voice Conference 2025
New for 2025: Making its debut this year, the Employee Voice Conference at UT Austin is an exclusive, invite-only gathering led by Ethan Burris. Hosted at the McCombs School of Business, this inaugural event brings together leading academics, VP Talent/CHROs, and People Analytics leaders to explore cutting-edge employee voice research and practice.
Why Attend: Compared to other conferences, there is significant focus on building bridges across boundaries. Attendees will participate in intimate roundtables, thought-provoking discussions, and carefully curated sessions designed to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. With a highly targeted attendee list, participants gain unparalleled access to peers and thought leaders who are driving innovation in employee voice strategies.
About the Conference: Scheduled for April 17–18, 2025 in Austin, Texas, the event focuses on understanding methods and advances in employee feedback and innovations around employee listening. A joint-effort founding team of academics and leaders from across the space have come together to innovate within this conference ensuring actionable insights and meaningful relationship-building opportunities.
Learn More: Follow announcements from UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business or reach out to Ethan Burris for updates. A few seats are remaining, so if you have a passion for employee listening, be sure to reach out!
These events offer unique opportunities to gain fresh insights, connect with leading thinkers, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of People Analytics. Whether you’re attending for the second iteration of a rising star or diving into a brand-new experience, these conferences are set to make a lasting impression in 2025.
Insights from Practitioners: Enhancing the Conference Experience
This year, we also included two new questions in our survey to uncover deeper insights into why professionals attend conferences and how organizers can improve the overall experience.
1. Why do professionals attend conferences?
2. What do you wish conference organizers knew (from practitioners)
Here’s what we learned from the responses:
Why Do Professionals Attend Conferences?
Networking emerged as the dominant reason for attending conferences, with respondents emphasizing the value of connecting with peers, exchanging ideas, and learning from others in the People Analytics community. Beyond that, learning and staying on top of industry trends were also top priorities.
Here’s a breakdown of the common themes:
- Networking and Collaboration: Many professionals highlighted the importance of meeting others in the field to exchange ideas, build relationships, and discover potential collaborators. Conferences provide unique opportunities to engage with peers facing similar challenges and working on similar initiatives.
- Learning and Staying Current: Respondents consistently mentioned the need to stay informed about the latest trends, research, and technologies in People Analytics. Many seek practical solutions, detailed use cases, and innovative ideas to bring back to their organizations.
- Sharing Knowledge and Giving Back: Several practitioners also view conferences as a platform to share their expertise, present their work, and contribute to the growth of the field.
- Professional Growth and Inspiration: The excitement of gaining new perspectives and sparking fresh ideas was another frequently cited reason. Attendees look for moments of inspiration that push their thinking and help them grow professionally.
- Discovering Emerging Tech and Best Practices: Keeping an eye on emerging technologies, methodologies, and strategies remains a key goal for many attendees.
Key Takeaway: Conferences are not just about presentations—they are critical hubs for community building, knowledge sharing, and inspiration. Make sure to build in time for networking sessions or conference organized networking events.
What Practitioners Wish Conference Organizers Knew
When asked how conferences could improve, attendees provided thoughtful and candid feedback. These insights highlight areas where organizers can refine the experience to better serve the needs of the People Analytics Community
Here’s a breakdown of the common themes:
- Networking is Key
- Similar to above, respondents want more intentional, well-designed networking opportunities. Suggestions included planned 1:1 matchups, structured group discussions, and color-coded badges to help identify peers with similar roles or goals.
- Longer lunch breaks, dedicated networking periods, and informal social activities were also suggested to facilitate meaningful connections.
- Balance Content with Connection
- Many participants expressed a desire for fewer sessions and more opportunities to connect with others. "Less content and more connection" was a recurring theme.
- Hands-on interactive sessions and workshops were highly valued over traditional panels or theory-heavy presentations.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity
- Virtual attendance options were a popular request, with many noting the value of hybrid formats for professionals with limited budgets or travel constraints. Suggestions included offering livestreams, post-conference breakout access, or on-demand recordings at a reduced cost.
- Respondents also emphasized the need for conferences to cater to neurodivergent attendees, introverts, and individuals from underrepresented groups through thoughtful design, diverse speakers, and accessible content.
- Thoughtful Vendor Participation
- A common frustration was the prevalence of vendor-led presentations that felt like sales pitches. Attendees vastly prefer sessions, even from vendors, that focus on sharing insights, research findings, and practical applications rather than direct product promotion.
- Demonstrations that show rather than tell, along with panels featuring practitioner voices, were seen as more effective.
- Content Design and Variety
- Respondents want more practical case studies, detailed use cases, and real-world examples, especially from industries like manufacturing and low-margin businesses.
- There was also a desire for broader representation in speakers, both in terms of backgrounds and company sizes, to better reflect the diversity of the field.
- Pre-Conference Resources
- Pre-shared attendee lists, session itineraries, and other preparatory materials were highlighted as valuable tools for more intentional networking and better conference planning.
- Acknowledge Real-World Constraints
- Budgeting challenges were frequently mentioned, with many participants noting that their organizations approve conference budgets the year prior. Providing earlier information on dates, costs, and speakers would help attendees secure funding.
- Some respondents also mentioned a sense of "conference fatigue," suggesting that organizers consider consolidating events or ensuring differentiation in their offerings.
Key Takeaway: Conference organizers have an opportunity to create more inclusive, impactful, and engaging experiences by prioritizing networking, balancing content, and addressing accessibility and budget challenges.
Conclusion: Building a Better Conference Experience
The feedback from this year’s survey offers a roadmap for conference organizers looking to elevate their events. By focusing on community building, providing diverse and practical content, and addressing accessibility concerns, conferences can better serve the evolving needs of People Analytics professionals.
For practitioners, these insights reinforce the importance of carefully selecting events that align with their goals—whether it’s connecting with peers, learning about the latest innovations, or gaining inspiration for new challenges.
Takeaways for 2025
The People Analytics conference circuit is more dynamic than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or a practitioner just starting your analytics journey, there’s a conference tailored to your needs.
From the academic rigor of Wharton to the accessibility of local meetups, these events offer a mix of inspiration, networking, and actionable insights. If your budget is tight, prioritize meetups and virtual sessions; if you’re looking for deeper insights, conferences like SIOP and People Analytics World are worth the investment.
What’s Next?
If you’re attending any of these conferences, we’d love to connect and hear about your experiences. And if you’re still deciding which events to prioritize, I hope this guide can be your roadmap for 2025. And if you’re on the fence, reach out to me (Richard) and let me know what you’re thinking and hoping to achieve! I’d be happy to weigh in with experiences from the field.
See you out there!
Connect with us in person in 2025?
Tell us which events you plan to attend and let's meet up!
What to stay in the loop?
Events list from Survey (non-vendor specific events that were included in the survey or mentioned in survey results)
- People Analytics Summit Toronto - February 26-27, 2025 - Toronto, Canada - Link
- HR Data Analytics and AI Summit - March 4, 2025 - Atlanta - Link
- HR West 2025 - March 11-12, 2025 - Oakland Marriott City Center, Oakland, CA, USA - Link
- Transform US - Las Vegas - March 17-19 - Link
- SHRM Talent Conference & Expo 2025 - March 24-26, 2025 - Music City Center, Nashville, TN, USA - Link
- SIOP 2025 Annual Conference - April 2-5, 2025 - Denver, CO, USA - Link
- Wharton People Analytics Conference - April 10-11, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA, USA - Link
- UT Austin Voice Conference - April 17–18 - Austin, TX, USA - Link TBD
- People Analytics World - London (Tucana) - April 29-30, 2025 - London, UK - Link
- Unleash America - May 6-8, 2025 - Las Vegas, NV, USA - Link
- TALREOS Chicago - June 4-6 - Chicago, IL, USA - Link
- RedThread Research: ELEVATE - June 17-19 - Snowbird, Utah, USA - Link
- People Analytics Exchange (Minneapolis) - June 24-25, 2025 - Minneapolis, MN, USA - Link
- SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2025 - June 22-25, 2025 - San Diego - Link
- AHRI National Conference - August 19-21, 2025 - Sydney, Australia - Link
- HR Analytics Summit London - September 4, 2025 - London, UK - Link
- HR Technology Conference (Las Vegas) - September 16-18, 2025 - Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV, USA - Link
- HR L&D Tech Fest - September 22-23, 2025 - Sydney, Australia - Link
- Gartner ReimagineHR Conference (London) - October 7-9, 2025 - London, UK - Link
- People Analytics World - NYC (Tucana) - October 15-16, 2025 - New York City, NY, USA - Link
- Unleash World (Paris) - October 21-22, 2025 - Paris, France - Link
- SIOP Leading Edge Consortium: People Analytics - October 23-24, 2025 - Atlanta, GA - Link
- Gartner ReimagineHR Conference (Orlando) - October 27-29, 2025 - Orlando, FL, USA - Link
- Nordic People Analytics Summit - November 2025 (Exact dates TBA) - Stockholm, Sweden - Link
- Gartner ReimagineHR Conference (Sydney) - November 17-18, 2025 - Sydney, Australia - Link
Dates TBD:
- CIPD People Analytics - UK - TBD - London, UK - Link
- Insight222 Global Executive Retreat - TBD - TBD - Link
- Learning Forum People Analytics Council - TBD - TBD - Link
Which events did we miss? Send Richard an email at Richard.Rosenow@onemodel.co
(Note: we do not include single vendor (hosted by one vendor) or tech sales events in this review of conferences)
2025 People Analytics Meetup Groups
And now time for the meetups! These meetups happen frequently throughout the year, so the best way to be involved and stay involved is to connect with their local site / meetup / LinkedIn group. Where we can, we’ve included some details about how to connect and when there was not a site yet available, we’ve added in local organizers.
Definitive list from the Society for People Analytics: https://societyforpeopleanalytics.org/meet-ups
- Brisbane (AU): (Link to event)
- New York: https://lnkd.in/gbfu_Mjc (Jeremy Shapiro / Stela Lupushor)
- Bay Area: https://lnkd.in/gnrgRBnH (Annika Schultz / Mariah Norell)
- Chicago: https://lnkd.in/ghgc3EDb - (Chris Broderick)
- Philadelphia: https://lnkd.in/g-bWmX5y - (Fiona Jamison, Ph.D.)
- Pittsburgh: https://lnkd.in/eCdP7KFC (Ken Clar / Richard Rosenow)
- Minneapolis: https://lnkd.in/eS2aUH3W (Stephanie Murphy, Ph.D. / Mark H. Hanson)
- Seattle: Bennet Voorhees / Marcus Baker / Philip Arkcoll
- Denver: Kelsie L. Colley, M.S. ABD / Zach Williams / Gabriela Mauch
- Boston: Hallie Bregman, PhD / Noel Perez, PMP
- Dallas: Jordan Hartley, MS-HRM / Cole Napper
- Austin: Ethan Burris / Roxanne Laczo, PhD
- Houston: Amy Frost Stevenson, PhD / Jugnu Sharma, SHRM-CP
- Atlanta: Sue Lam
- Nashville: Dan George
- Orlando: James Gallman / Danielle Rumble, MBA
- Omaha: Justin Arends
- Salt Lake City: Willis Jensen
- Toronto: Danielle Bushen / Konstantin Tskhay, PhD
- Washington DC: Rewina Bedemariam
- Portland: Rosanna Van Horn
