HR FESTIVAL Europe 2027 – Human Resources Switzerland

What to expect in 2027

HR FESTIVAL Europe 2027 will bring together the Swiss HR community for two days focused on the future of work, people management, technology, workplace culture and organisational transformation. The official event is scheduled for 6–7 April 2027 at Messe Zürich, with more than 6,000 HR professionals expected and exhibition areas for HR technology, services and workplace solutions.

The 2027 edition will continue the festival’s combination of keynote speeches, panels, content stages, startup pitches, speed meetings, networking and an exhibition featuring HR technology and service providers.

Event dates

HR FESTIVAL Europe 2027 takes place on 6–7 April 2027 at Messe Zürich.

• 6 April 2027: 8:30 am–5:00 pm
• 7 April 2027: 8:30 am–4:00 pm
• Networking Party: 6 April 2027 from 5:30 pm at the Main Stage in Hall 6

The organiser has confirmed the 2027 dates and opening hours on its official visitor information page.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & event site

The festival takes place at Messe Zürich, one of Switzerland’s major exhibition and event venues.

Address: Messe Zürich, Wallisellenstrasse 49, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland.

The 2027 hall plan includes multiple exhibition and content areas, while the Main Stage in Hall 6 hosts the major keynote and panel programme.

Full technology programme

HR FESTIVAL Europe combines traditional HR topics with a strong technology and digitalisation programme. The 2026 programme provides a useful indication of the subject areas continuing into 2027.

Key technology areas include:

• AI & Automation: Artificial intelligence, automation and practical AI applications in HR.
• HR Digitalisation: Digital HR transformation, HR technology strategy and digital employee processes.
• HR Software: Modern HR platforms and specialised software solutions.
• Data & Analytics: Workforce analytics, dashboards and data-driven HR decisions.
• Data Protection & Compliance: Privacy, compliance and responsible management of employee information.
• Recruiting Technology: E-recruiting, applicant tracking systems and digital talent acquisition.
• Employee Experience: Digital employee journeys, workplace technology and engagement.
• Learning Technology: Digital learning, workplace learning and corporate development platforms.

These areas correspond closely with the festival’s established HR Digitalization programme and exhibitor categories.

Key speakers & industry leaders

The complete 2027 speaker programme has not yet been published. The previous edition featured senior HR leaders, business executives, technology experts and prominent keynote speakers.

The 2026 keynote speakers included Doris Leuthard, former President of Switzerland; Leo Martin, former secret agent and criminologist; and Sascha Lobo, a digitalisation and AI expert, author and podcast host.

The wider 2026 speaker line-up included professionals from companies and organisations such as Avenir Group, Galenica, Ricoh, MaxBrain, Tellco Bank and other HR, technology and business organisations.

Technology sectors & themes

The technology programme covers the intersection of people, business and digital transformation.

Major themes include:

• Artificial intelligence and automation
• Digital HR transformation
• HR software and platforms
• Workforce analytics
• Data protection and compliance
• Recruiting and e-recruiting
• Employee experience
• Talent management
• Learning and development
• Workplace technology
• Corporate health technology
• New Work concepts
• Payroll and expense management
• Time tracking and workforce administration

Sessions, talks & presentations

The festival programme uses several formats, allowing visitors to choose between large keynote sessions and more focused presentations.

The 2026 programme included keynote speeches, panel discussions, input presentations, startup pitches, live HR Today podcasts, speed meetings and the networking party. Many standard programme sessions could be attended with a valid festival ticket without additional registration.

For 2027, visitors can expect content addressing AI in HR, workforce analytics, digital employee experiences, talent management, corporate health, learning, recruitment and the future of work.

Workshops & demonstrations

Practical learning is an important part of HR FESTIVAL Europe. Exhibitors and content-stage speakers demonstrate HR platforms, digital tools, AI solutions, recruitment technology and workplace services.

The Speed Meetings offer particularly focused demonstrations in small groups of up to 25 participants. Each meeting lasts 15 minutes and gives visitors an opportunity to discuss specific HR challenges directly with specialists and discover relevant solutions.

Ticket types & registration

The official 2027 ticket prices have not yet been announced. The organiser currently states that information about purchasing HR FESTIVAL Europe 2027 tickets will be provided in due course.

For reference, the 2026 ticketing system provided festival admission covering both event days, with no separate day passes. Speed Meetings could then be added separately at no additional charge, subject to advance registration.

The organiser has not published a confirmed 2027 visitor price, so no unconfirmed admission price is presented as a 2027 ticket price.

Startup & investor opportunities

HR FESTIVAL Europe provides opportunities for HR startups to introduce new products and services to a large professional audience. The 2027 exhibitor programme specifically includes a Start-up Package with a 4 m² stand, exhibition infrastructure and one pitch per day on the HR Today stage.

The 2027 startup package is listed at approximately $2,250 USD, based on the published CHF 1,800 price and an exchange rate of approximately CHF 1 = $1.25.

The event is not primarily an investor-only conference, but its audience includes HR decision-makers, executives, technology providers and potential business partners. The organiser states that more than 50% of visitors are decision-makers and executives.

Exhibitors & technology companies

HR FESTIVAL Europe brings together HR technology companies, consulting firms, recruitment providers, employee-benefit specialists and workplace solution providers.

The exhibitor categories include:

• AI & Automation
• HR Digitalization Consulting
• HR Software
• Digital HR Transformation
• Data Protection & Compliance
• Recruiting & E-Recruiting
• Employee Experience
• Employer Branding
• Talent Management
• Mental Health
• Corporate Health Management
• Compensation & Benefits
• Payroll & Expense Management
• Workplace Design

The 2026 edition reached more than 200 fully booked exhibitor booths, with sponsors and participants including HiBob, SAP SuccessFactors, Alixio, Hays, Workday and tts.

Networking & business meetings

Networking is one of the central elements of HR FESTIVAL Europe. Visitors can meet HR leaders, technology providers, consultants, exhibitors and other professionals throughout the exhibition and content areas.

The 2027 Speed Meetings provide a structured networking format, with short expert meetings designed around specific HR challenges. Visitors can book up to five Speed Meetings after purchasing their regular festival admission.

The Networking Party on the evening of 6 April provides an additional opportunity to meet attendees, speakers and exhibitors in a more informal environment.

Event rules & visitor information

Visitors need a valid festival admission ticket to enter the event. The organiser’s terms and conditions govern electronic ticket purchases and participation.

Speed Meetings require separate advance registration, while many standard programme sessions are available on a walk-in basis with a valid festival ticket. Visitors should also note that the 2027 Content Stages are designed as Silent Stages, requiring visitors to collect headphones before selected sessions and return them afterwards.

Main Stage keynotes and panels will have simultaneous German, French and English translation. Visitors should bring their own headphones and download the Syntax Translations app in advance.

How to get there

Messe Zürich is located at Wallisellenstrasse 49 in the Oerlikon area of Zurich. It can be reached from Zurich Main Station and Zurich Airport using S-Bahn, tram and bus connections.

Tram 50 runs directly from Zurich Main Station to the Messe/Hallenstadion stop. Visitors arriving at Oerlikon Station can walk to the exhibition centre within a few minutes.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is one of the easiest ways to reach the festival.

• Tram 50: Direct connection from Zurich Main Station to Messe/Hallenstadion.
• Oerlikon Station: Short walk to Messe Zürich.
• S-Bahn: Multiple services connect Zurich Airport and central Zurich with Oerlikon.
• Car: Follow the “Z” signs to the Messe Zürich exhibition grounds.

The official event parking facility is Messe Zürich Car Park, Hagenholzstrasse 48, 8050 Zürich.

Accommodation areas

Visitors can choose accommodation around Messe Zürich or in central Zurich depending on their priorities.

• Oerlikon: The most convenient area for quick access to the venue.
• Seebach: Close to Messe Zürich and Zurich Airport connections.
• Zurich city centre: Suitable for visitors combining the festival with business meetings and sightseeing.
• Zurich Main Station area: Convenient for rail connections and city access.
• Airport area: Practical for international visitors with early or late flights.

Accessibility

Messe Zürich is a major professional exhibition venue designed to accommodate large numbers of visitors. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should contact the venue or event organiser before arrival to confirm suitable entrances, seating and assistance.

The event’s central location and public transport connections also provide several options for visitors arriving by train, tram or bus. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the exhibition halls.

Previous year’s highlights

The 2026 edition set a new attendance record with more than 6,500 participants and more than 200 fully booked exhibitor booths at Messe Zürich. The organiser described the event as a major meeting point for the Swiss HR community, with keynote speeches, practical panel discussions and extensive conversations on the exhibition floor.

The 2026 programme featured prominent keynote speakers including Doris Leuthard, Leo Martin and Sascha Lobo, alongside a broad professional speaker programme covering HR digitalisation, AI, automation, mental health, talent management, corporate health and the future of work.

Official registration & tickets

The official website has confirmed the 2027 event dates, but visitor ticket pricing is still to be announced. The organiser states that ticket purchase information will be provided in due course.

Exhibitors and startups can already find 2027 participation information. The published startup package is approximately $2,250 USD, while the standard 10 m² lounge is approximately $7,250 USD based on the published CHF prices and an approximate CHF-to-USD conversion.

Official website: https://hrfestival.ch/

Email: info@hrfestival.ch