Get ready for AHRI’s National Convention & Exhibition 2026—where bold leadership and unwavering courage take centre stage.
Inspired by this powerful theme, AHRI’s National Convention & Exhibition 2026 promises to empower HR to boldly step forward as strategic players, challenge the status quo through insights from global thought leaders, and leave with practical, actionable takeaways.
Delegates can again expect an exceptional conference experience, with a carefully curated program designed to meet the evolving demands of the HR profession, unparalleled networking opportunities, and an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations transforming HR.
Returning to Brisbane from 4 – 6 August 2026, save the dates in your calendar and join us in the sunny state for three days of learning and connection.
2000 +
Attendees
50 +
Speakers
(local and international)
80 +
Sponsors
and Exhibitors
Keynote Speakers
Ashley Fell
Demographer, Social researcher and generations futurist
Sessions:
- Day 2 – Closing Keynote
Read bio
Ashley Fell is a social researcher, author and TEDx speaker delivering visually engaging, research-based presentations on future trends, leadership and communication. Author of Work Wellbeing and Generation Alpha, she equips leaders to connect across generational divides and achieve cut-through in message-saturated times and today’s business environments
Elatia Abate
Futurist and Strategist – Advancing Human Leadership in the Age of AI
Sessions:
- Day 1 – Opening Keynote
- Day 3 – Masterclass 1
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Elatia Abate is an entrepreneur, educator and future-forward strategist who helps organisations, from Fortune 500s to start-ups, turn disruption into tangible results. A sought-after speaker, facilitator and TEDx presenter, she previously held senior HR and talent roles, teaches at Stanford and Toronto, and was named a female futurist by Forbes.
Jason Fox
Wizard-Philosopher & Leadership Advisor
Sessions:
- Day 1 – Closing Keynote
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Dr Jason Fox is a wizard-philosopher, Hall of Fame keynote speaker and leadership advisor who helps executive teams find meaningful progress amidst complexity, ambiguity and change. A bestselling author and once upon a time Australia’s Keynote Speaker of the Year, Jason works particularly well with smart and sceptical audiences who’ve seen it all before.
Michael Bungay Stanier
Author, The Coaching Habit
Sessions:
Day 2 – Opening Keynote
Day 3 – Masterclass 2
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Michael Bungay Stanier helps people bring out the best in others. Author of The Coaching Habit, the best-selling coaching book this century, and How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, he also hosts the Change Signal podcast. An Australian Rhodes Scholar, he now lives in Toronto after Oxford, London and Boston.
Rabia Siddique
International humanitarian lawyer, author, leadership consultant, advocate
Sessions:
- Day 1 – Deep Dive
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Rabia Siddique is an international human rights lawyer, former military officer, bestselling author and keynote speaker focused on leadership, justice and trust. After surviving a hostage crisis in Iraq, she won a landmark discrimination case, was honoured by Queen Elizabeth II, and now advises organisations on trust, courage and integrity.
Aisling Smith
CEO, NeuroEmpowerment Solutions
Sessions:
- Day 2 – Deep Dive
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Aisling Smith is CEO of NeuroEmpowerment Solutions, a recognised workplace neuroinclusion specialist, keynote speaker and corporate trainer. Drawing on lived AuDHD experience and parenting an autistic ADHDer, she helps organisations turn neurodiversity into practical capability, strengthening psychological safety, inclusive leadership, communication, retention, engagement and performance for government and private-sector clients.
Lisa Leong
ABC Radio Broadcaster, Award-Winning Author, Facilitator & Innovator
Sessions:
- Event MC / Host
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Lisa Leong is an acclaimed ABC radio broadcaster, author and facilitator known for curiosity, creativity and delivering key messages through song. A former lawyer, she now presents Sundays on 774 ABC Melbourne and hosts ABC Radio National’s This Working Life, bringing design thinking, mindfulness and rich career experience to conversations and connection with audiences.
Save up to $1,391 on NCE 2026 as an AHRI member
Why attend?
Learn
Learn through a program curated for HR professionals, featuring international and local keynote speakers, expert perspectives and in-depth sessions designed to deepen your HR knowledge and elevate your impact within your organisation.
Connect
Connect with industry leaders and peers through tailored networking opportunities in the member lounge, our spectacular gala dinner and networking drinks on days one and three of the convention. Each designed to foster meaningful conversations.
Explore
Explore the exhibition and discover the latest innovations, solutions and services shaping the future of the industry. Engage with leading organisations and uncover new ideas and technologies designed to support and elevate your organisation.
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
AHRI’s National Convention & Exhibition 2026 returns to Brisbane from 4 – 6 August 2026, taking placing at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in the heart of Brisbane. Discover more about the venue and explore accommodation options to plan your stay.
Address
Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Proudly supported by our sponsors
Principal Partner
Principal Sponsor
