Six themes, one day in Melbourne, and plenty for HR leaders to take back to work
HR's old playbook is running out of pages.
Between winning over the C-suite, staying on top of psychosocial risk, finding talent in a tight market and working out what AI is actually good for, people leaders are being asked to do more than ever.
That's why this year's HRFest Australia is all about "rewriting the rules of HR" and doing it together.
On 18 November, HR professionals will gather at The Timber Yard in Melbourne for a day of fresh ideas, practical takeaways and conversations with peers who know the challenges first-hand. Here's what's on the agenda:
- Strategic HR & Executive Leadership
This theme is about turning HR insight into real influence, because, as the organisers put it: "The C-suite doesn't need more data from HR, it needs conviction." Expect practical advice on winning executive buy-in quickly and leading your team confidently through disruption.
- Wellbeing, Safety & Psychological Risk
Psychosocial risk has moved to the top of the agenda as the rules are changing fast. This theme helps you get ahead of the curve and build a workplace culture that genuinely looks after people, rather than one that just ticks compliance boxes.
- Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
If your usual recruitment channels have gone quiet, you're not alone. This theme looks at how leading organisations are widening the net to find great people, and how they're planning now for the skills they'll need in the years ahead.
- AI & Technology
AI is on almost every HR team's agenda, but turning that interest into real results is another matter. This theme is about putting AI to practical use, with tools and workflows that take work off your team's plate rather than adding to it.
- DEI & Inclusive Hiring
Real inclusion takes more than a policy and a few targets. This theme looks at how hiring processes can unintentionally overlook strong candidates, and how to design training that keeps people engaged from start to finish.
- Learning & Development
A training session is only as good as what people still remember a week later. This theme explores how to create learning that lasts, equipping your people with the skills to adapt and giving your organisation the resilience to handle what's next.
Whether you're a CHRO setting strategy or a practitioner looking for ideas you can put to work on Monday morning, there's something on the programme for you. And beyond the sessions, HRFest is a chance to swap notes with peers facing the same pressures and leave with a few new connections.
Check out the full agenda and speaker line-up on the HRFest Australia website, and register now to secure your place in Melbourne.
