With the awards night around the corner, are you ready for it?
The Australian HR Awards is just around the corner! And while the glittering ceremony is reason enough to attend, there is plenty more to gain from the evening than watching trophies change hands.
Here is how to get the most out of the night at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney on 4 September.
Network with intention
The Australian HR Awards will draw together some of the sharpest minds in the profession, with HR directors, people and culture leaders, as well as emerging talent all under one roof.
This makes it one of the best networking opportunities of the year, but only if attendees come prepared. Setting a loose goal before arriving is a good place to start: perhaps making three new connections, or reaching out to someone from a specific sector worth learning more about.
Making an introduction to finalists in categories relevant to one's work, or striking up a conversation with a sponsor representative about what they are seeing across their client base, can go a long way. A business card or a LinkedIn connection request sent the next morning can open more doors than a cold outreach ever would.
Learn from the room
Listening to winners deliver their acceptance speeches might seem like a passive activity, but there is real value in paying attention.
When a finalist from a large enterprise describes how they overhauled their wellbeing strategy, or another employer explains how they attracted top talent on a tight budget, attendees are getting a quick masterclass in what actually works.
Relax and reconnect
Most importantly, the night is also simply a chance to have fun. HR professionals spend much of their working lives supporting others through difficult moments, including restructures, performance conversations, and compliance headaches, so an evening of celebration is a rare and deserved breather.
The 2026 event promises plenty to keep spirits high, including the attendance of comedian and long-time radio and television personality Dave Hughes as the MC, while vocalist Teegan Bishop will deliver a world-class performance as the night's featured entertainer.
The cocktail hour and the dinner table also offer the perfect opportunity to catch up with peers not seen in a while, share a laugh about the challenges of the past year, and be reminded of why this profession is worth showing up for every day.
The Australian HR Awards takes place this Friday, 4 September, at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
