Empiric Business Media — We commit to deliver

3rd Edition · HR Tech

Next-Gen HR Tech Summit & Awards

Mumbai, India

About this edition

HR leaders today are operating in an environment defined by constant disruption—AI acceleration, shifting workforce expectations, hybrid work models, rising compliance demands, and an intense focus on productivity and retention. The role of HR has evolved from operational support to a strategic driver of business resilience and growth.

Beyond talent acquisition and retention, HR leaders are now tasked with navigating large-scale digital transformation, embedding data-driven decision-making, and building future-ready organizations that prioritize skills, agility, inclusion, and continuous learning. Legacy systems and fragmented processes often limit speed, visibility, and employee experience—making technology modernization a business imperative rather than a choice.

To meet these challenges, HR functions must adopt intuitive, scalable technologies that streamline core operations while enabling smarter workforce planning and personalized employee experiences. AI and automation are increasingly reshaping recruitment, performance management, workforce analytics, and employee engagement—helping HR teams reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and deliver measurable business impact.

The Next-Gen HR Tech brings together HR leaders, technology providers, and industry experts to exchange practical insights and real-world use cases that address today’s most pressing workforce challenges. The forum focuses on how technology, when aligned with HR strategy, can simplify complexity, enhance employee experience, and enable organizations to build agile, future-ready workforces.

Who attends

CXO / VP / Director of

  • Human Resources
  • Talent Management
  • HR Strategists
  • Employee Engagement
  • People Officer
  • Talent Acquisition

Join us in shaping the future through innovation, excellence, and meaningful collaboration across industries.

Agenda

The themes below are published for this edition; the session-by-session running order follows once speakers are confirmed.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower HR leaders and organizations with next-generation technologies, actionable insights, and collaborative platforms that drive measurable business impact. We aim to streamline HR operations, enhance employee experiences, and enable data-driven decision-making through innovation, automation, and knowledge exchange that prepares enterprises for the evolving future of work.

Our Vision

Our vision is to become the leading catalyst for HR transformation by shaping future-ready workplaces where technology and human potential work in harmony. We envision agile organizations built on inclusivity, continuous learning, and intelligent systems that elevate productivity, resilience, and sustainable growth across industries worldwide.

Our Goal

Our goal is to create a high-impact ecosystem that connects HR leaders, technology providers, and industry experts to share real-world strategies, inspire innovation, and accelerate digital transformation. We strive to equip businesses with scalable solutions, foster meaningful partnerships, and deliver measurable outcomes that strengthen workforce effectiveness and organizational success.

What the day includes

  • Keynotes & panels

    Practitioners presenting real work, not product decks.

  • Roundtables

    Small-format, chaired discussion under Chatham House convention.

  • One-to-one meetings

    Matched on stated requirement, scheduled on the day.

  • Awards & recognition

    Category awards judged on submitted evidence.

  • Hosted networking

    Breaks, lunch and the evening reception, hosted by sponsors.

  • Exhibition floor

    Solution partners on the main circulation route.

Key Focus Area

Key focus points that redefine HR excellence.

  • Redefining HR Roles for a Dynamic Workforce

    Modern HR is evolving beyond administration into a strategic function that drives innovation, adaptability, and long-term organizational growth in fast-changing business landscapes.

  • Leveraging Analytics & AI for Smarter HR Decisions

    Data-driven tools and AI enable accurate hiring, workforce forecasting, and performance insights—reducing manual effort while improving precision and efficiency.

  • HR Leadership in a Rapidly Changing Business Environment

    Effective leadership empowers HR teams to navigate hybrid workplaces, compliance shifts, and digital transformation with confidence and clarity.

  • Building a Diverse, Equitable, and Skilled Workforce

    Inclusive hiring practices and continuous skill development help organizations create balanced teams that reflect diversity and promote equal growth opportunities.

  • Well-Being as a Cornerstone of Employee Experience

    Prioritizing mental health, engagement, and work-life balance builds motivated employees, stronger loyalty, and sustainable productivity across teams.

  • Redefining Performance Management for a Dynamic Organization

    Continuous feedback systems replace annual reviews, encouraging transparency, accountability, and measurable performance improvement throughout the year.

Why Attendees Love This Experience

  • Interact With Senior HR Leaders

    Gain valuable insights into emerging industry trends and proven best practices.

  • Acquire Future-Ready Skills & Strategies

    Learn innovative approaches you can immediately apply within your organization.

  • Expand Your Professional Network

    Connect with experts and peers to build collaborations and share knowledge.

17 speakers

Our previous speakers

Introducing the expert speakers joining our event

  • C K (CKK) Kumaravel

    Chairman and Managing Director & Co-Founder

    Naturals Salon & Spa

  • Ganapathi Subramanian

    Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sundaram Home Finance Official

  • Lakshmi S

    Chief Human Resources Officer

    Apollo Sindoori Hotels Limited

  • Dr. Mahendran Chandrasekaran

    Chief Human Resources Officer

    Fuso Glass India

  • Anil Karthikeyan

    Chief Human Resources Officer

    Loyal Textile Mills Ltd.

  • Priya Venkataraman

    Group Chief Human Resources Officer

    Bahwan CyberTek

  • Prakash Ranganathan

    Chief Human Resources Officer

    Novac Technology Solutions (A Shriram Group Company)

  • Merlin Imtha Louis

    Group COO & Vice President HR

    NatWest Group

  • Archana Grover

    Global Head – Capabilities, Transformation & Culture

    Standard Chartered

  • Sethumadhavan Raman

    Director – People & Culture

    Accor

  • Laisa Jinan

    Head HR – India Region

    Danfoss

  • Capt. Partha Samai

    Head Human Resources & Vice President

    Jio

  • Fabian Figredo

    Head of Human Resources

    Shell

  • Charu Sharma

    Head of Talent Acquisition – India

    Tecnicas Reunidas

  • Ganesh Balasubramanian

    Head – HR

    Apollo Tyres

  • Vivek Vijayan

    HR Director

    Cognizant

  • Huma Tariq

    Director – People & Culture

    CohnReznick Professional

44 categories

Excellence in HR Awards 2026

Individual Categories

  • HR Innovator of the Year
  • Digital HR Leader of the Year
  • Talent Engagement Champion
  • Learning & Development Trailblazer
  • People Analytics Leader
  • Future Workforce Strategist
  • HR Tech Evangelist
  • Employee Experience Champion
  • Diversity & Inclusion Leader
  • Recruitment Technology Expert
  • HR Data & Insights Leader
  • Leadership Development Champion
  • Employee Wellbeing Advocate
  • HR Transformation Leader
  • AI & Automation in HR Leader
  • Performance Management Innovator
  • Talent Retention Strategist
  • HR Start-up Star (Young Professional)
  • Workforce Planning Innovator
  • HR Compliance & Risk Leader
  • HR Thought Leader of the Year
  • Next-Gen HR Communicator

Corporate / Organizational Categories

  • Best HR Tech Implementation
  • Best Digital Workplace Experience
  • Excellence in Talent Acquisition
  • Best Learning & Development Transformation
  • Best Employee Engagement Program
  • Best People Analytics Initiative
  • Future-Ready Organization
  • Best Diversity & Inclusion Program
  • Best Employee Wellbeing Program
  • Best AI / Automation Adoption in HR
  • Best Performance Management Strategy
  • Best Recruitment Technology Usage
  • Best Onboarding Experience
  • Best Leadership Development Program
  • Best HR Digital Transformation Initiative
  • Best Talent Retention Strategy
  • Best Employee Recognition Program
  • Best Use of HR Startups / Innovative Tools
  • Best HR Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Best Workforce Planning & Strategy
  • Best Change Management in HR
  • Best Employee Communication Platform

Why sponsor us?

Put your brand in front of this room.

  • Targeted Brand Visibility

    Showcase your brand directly to HR leaders, decision-makers, and business professionals who are actively looking for innovative HR solutions and services.

  • Access to Industry Leaders

    Connect with top HR executives, influencers, and organizations who are shaping the future of workforce management and digital HR transformation.

  • Product & Solution Promotion

    Demonstrate your tools, technologies, and services to a highly relevant audience, increasing qualified leads and long-term business opportunities.

  • Strategic Networking & Partnerships

    Collaborate, brainstorm, and build relationships with leading brands and professionals to unlock new partnerships and growth channels.

Talk to the team running this edition

The tour

7 cities, one 3rd edition

The same agenda, speaker roster and awards programme travel to every city on this list. Register for whichever leg suits you. Legs marked provisional are planned but not yet contracted — dates and venues can still move.

  1. Mumbai

    Venue to be announced

  2. Bengaluru

    Sheraton Grand Bengaluru

  3. Chennai

    Venue to be announced

    Provisional
  4. Hyderabad

    HICC Novotel, Hyderabad

  5. Pune

    Venue to be announced

    Provisional
  6. New Delhi

    Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity

  7. Kolkata

    Date to be announced

    Venue to be announced

    Provisional

Looking for a particular city? Browse every city on tour

Other HR Tech editions