With bold keynotes, AI-powered innovation, and a decade of impact, the world’s leading HR event continues to inspire people leaders to connect, recognize, and transform the future of work
Workhuman®, the world’s leading employee recognition company, wrapped the tenth instance of its flagship event Workhuman Live, in Denver, where thousands of HR leaders gathered to reimagine what it means to create thriving workplace cultures. This year’s Workhuman Live wasn’t just a look ahead—it was a mirror held up to the profession. It asked HR leaders not just to adapt to change, but to own it. To stop supporting from the sidelines and start architecting the future of work with data, dignity, and bold decisions.
From May 12–15, thousands of HR leaders, practitioners, and executives from around the globe gathered. The mainstage came alive with headlining speakers like Trevor Noah, Adam Grant, and a who’s who of industry trailblazers, offering fresh insight into leadership, workplace culture, and the human experience at work. Workhuman customers shared how they're using recognition not as a perk, but as a performance strategy—showing measurable impact on engagement, retention, and inclusion.
“Workhuman Live has become more than a conference—it’s an entire movement,” said Tom Libretto, President of Workhuman. “It’s where people leaders come to recharge, rethink their impact, and return to their organizations with the tools and momentum to build better workplaces.”
And this year’s event proved that the work of the HR industry has never been more important. Among the many highlights, Workhuman and The Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute announced the launch of the inaugural CPO Council—a first-of-its-kind coalition bringing together visionary Chief People Officers to elevate the role of HR in shaping strategic business outcomes. The Council represents a bold step forward in redefining the impact of people leaders at the highest levels of the enterprise.
Innovations in Human Intelligence: Turning Recognition into a Live View of Workplace Culture
Another defining moment of this year’s event was the debut of Workhuman Topics™, the newest addition to Workhuman’s Human Intelligence™ suite. Topics uses advanced AI to turn recognition moments into a living, breathing map of how strategic priorities—like inclusion, innovation, or leadership behaviors—are actually showing up in the culture. No forms to fill out. No added workload. Just continuous, real-time insight into how values and strategies are being reinforced across every team, function, and geography.
Topics is the newest innovation in Workhuman’s launch of Human Intelligence—new AI-powered tools that help companies understand what’s really happening in their culture. While others focus on giving rewards, Workhuman leverages recognition data to help leaders see who’s making an impact, how teams are working together, and where support is needed.
Workhuman Live 2026
The next frontier of business isn’t digital, it’s human. In a world driven by AI and automation, Workhuman is calling HR to lead with purpose, insight, and recognition as a growth lever. HR leaders are encouraged to enhance their learning, networking, and professional growth at Workhuman Live 2026, which will take place April 27–30, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Early registration is now open at www.workhumanlive.com, and code WHL26PRESS will provide a 20% discount.
As attendees head back to their organizations, the message is clear: Workhuman is leading the next era of HR. One where recognition fuels performance, culture becomes a competitive advantage, and human intelligence drives business growth.
About Workhuman
Workhuman® is the world’s leading recognition and rewards platform, serving organizations of all sizes—from the Fortune 500 to fast-growing mid-market companies—across more than 180 countries. With over 25 years of category leadership, we support 7 million employees worldwide and have facilitated more than 100 million moments of connection that elevate culture and drive performance.
With over a decade of consistent profitability, Workhuman® stands as proof that investing in people delivers lasting business value. Our pioneering Human Intelligence™ technology transforms recognition into strategic insight, empowering organizations to unlock the full potential of their people while driving measurable business impact and culture transformation.
Learn more at www.workhuman.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250515574779/en/
