18 Best Recruiting and Staffing Events in 2026

These 2026 recruiting and staffing events offer the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and connect with industry leaders. So mark your calendars and prepare to make the most of these incredible staffing events!

UK Recruiting and Staffing Events

1. HR Summit

• 11 February
• Manchester
• With both buyers and suppliers attending, this is a stellar opportunity for networking. Former attendees specifically mention how useful it is to have so many chances for one-to-one meetings.

2. In-House Recruitment Expo

• 24 February
• London
• This national HR and recruitment event connects recruitment leaders with industry suppliers, providing insights into talent sourcing strategies.

3. Early Careers Conference 2026

• 26 February
• London
• Designed for in-house recruiters, this is the event to go to for information about early career recruitment so you can attract talent that will grow with your business. Expect keynotes, interactive discussions, and routables focused on attracting, engaging a,d retaining new talent.

4. Recruitment Agency Expo

• 17-18 March
• London
• This is one of the UK’s leading events for recruitment agency leads and offers over 30 hours of CPD-accredited sessions, expert speakers, and networking opportunities. If you’re an agency owner or director, this is a great event to help you grow and innovate.

5. HR Technologies UK ExCel London

• 29-30 April
• London
• Any HR professional interested in technology will find something of interest at this conference, as this event covers all types of tech from small-scale tools to comprehensive software solutions. The focus is on tools that improve workflow and efficiency.

6. Diversity & Inclusion Conference

• 30 April
• London
• Focused on D&I strategy and practice, this event brings together HR professionals committed to inclusive hiring and workplace culture.

7. d&i Leaders Global Forum

• 12-13 May
• London & online
• Practical sessions and strategic insights guide HR professionals on creating inclusive talent practices and measurable change.

8. Job Boards Connect Unplugged

• 14 May
• London
• For those wanting to develop their knowledge regarding job boards, they can register to this event for insight from experts.

9. Digital Job Advertising Excellence Awards (DJAx Awards)

• 14 May
• London
• If you are looking to see the best examples of techniques to attract candidates, this awards dinner could be a great opportunity.

10. In-House Recruitment Live Manchester

• 14 May
• Manchester
• This expo presents experts on contingent labour, DEI, employer branding, and the latest trends in salary.

11. CWS Summit Europe

• 19-20 May
• London
• With people attending from all over Europe, this event will cover all the recent digital evolutions in staffing, in addition to how to leverage a contingent workforce.

12. CIPD Festival of Work

• 10-11 June
• London
• This flagship festival attracts thousands of people to discuss employee engagement, the new ways of working, and what the future of recruiting holds.

13. Training & Development Summit

• 15-16 June
• London
• This festival caters to senior professionals charged with L&D requirements, talent acquisition and more. Attendees will discover training technologies, learning strategies, and skill development, with the aim of bettering employee retention.

14. RecFest UK 2026

• 2 July
• Knebworth
• This festival caters to talent acquisition and more, offering 13 stages with various specialists sharing their expertise.

15. HR Analytics Summit

• 3 September
• London
• Specialising in in-house recruitment, this event provides information on best practices and new technology that can optimise the candidate experience.

16. IHR Live London 2026

• 22 September
• London
• Specialising in in-house recruitment, this event provides information on best practices and new technology that can optimise the candidate experience.

17. Job Boards Connect Annual Conference

• 8 October
• London
• If you are looking to learn more about job boards, this event brings both large and small boards together to discuss the latest.

18. HR Vision

• 17-18 November
• London
• This expo will cover a variety of topics ranging from candidate and employee experience, the future of work, new technology, and more.

Top tips to get the most out of a recruiting and staffing event

Now that you have a list of exciting recruiting and staffing events, it's time to make the most out of your experience. Here are some tips to maximise your participation at these events:

1. Plan ahead. Research the event agenda and create a schedule of sessions and workshops you want to attend. Prioritise your time and focus on areas of interest that align with your professional goals.
2. Network. Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with industry peers, speakers, and exhibitors. Engage in conversations, exchange business cards, and follow up with contacts afterward to build lasting relationships.
3. Be prepared. Bring plenty of business cards, copies of your resume, and any other relevant material to share with potential employers or contacts. Dress professionally to make a positive impression.
4. Attend workshops and presentations. Make sure to attend workshops and presentations that align with your interests and professional growth. Take notes, ask questions, and actively participate to gain valuable insights and knowledge.
5. Utilise social media. Stay active on social media platforms during the event. Follow event hashtags, share highlights, and engage in conversations with fellow attendees. This can help you expand your network and stay connected even after the event concludes.
6. Follow up. After the event, follow up with the people you connected with. Send a personalised email or LinkedIn message expressing your gratitude for their time and reinforcing the connection you made.

Participating in these events can undoubtedly boost your professional growth and open doors to new opportunities. So be sure to make the most of every event by implementing these tips and strategies. The year 2024 is bound to be an excellent year for recruiters and staffing professionals in the United Kingdom, filled with inspiration, knowledge sharing, and professional development. Get ready to be a part of the thriving staffing and recruitment community and make a lasting impact in the industry.

Recruiting Events FAQ

Are recruiting events worth it?

Career fairs or recruiting events provide opportunities to network with peers and learn from experts in your field.You'll be able to get insight into the latest trends in your industry, as well as pass out your resume or schedule interviews.

What is a recruitment event?

A recruitment event offers the chance to connect with potential candidates and employers, get an idea of a company's culture and norms, and find out about open roles. This is an early stage of recruitment and is a great way to make contact for the first time and leave a good first (in-person) impression.

What are the benefits of recruitment events?

Recruitment events offer attendees several benefits.

• Attract candidates to your business that are a good fit for your business
• Allows you to build your company's employer brand
• Develop your talent pool by collecting candidate resumes
• Creates an opportunity for an initial screen and analysis of candidates

What is the ASA staffing index?

The ASA staffing index is a measurement of the weekly changes in temporary and contract employment. This index provides a nearly real-time indication of the short-term labour market because updated results are provided about nine days after any given work week.

Published on November 26, 2024.