All Aboard the HR Soul Train! The groove pulls into Manhattan, Kansas, September 16–18 for non-stop learning, high-energy connections, and soul-powered inspiration at the 2026 Kansas SHRM Annual Conference.

Whether you’re a platinum-selling HR headliner or just dropping your first single in the profession, this is your stage to find your rhythm, fine-tune your skills, and jam with Kansas’ finest HR talent. You’ll leave energized, in harmony with your peers, and ready to keep Kansas businesses movin’ and groovin’ to the beat of success.

All Aboard the HR Soul Train

Where HR Leaders Come to Connect, Learn, Inspire 

Today’s workplace is a high-energy, ever-evolving dance floor—and HR professionals are the ones keeping the beat. From leading change and strengthening company culture to attracting top talent, staying in step with compliance, and guiding organizations with vision, HR is the rhythm that drives business success.

At this year’s conference, we’re turning up the volume and celebrating the passion, creativity, and dedication that HR brings to every workplace. You’ll gain fresh ideas, valuable connections, and the inspiration to keep your organization moving to the rhythm of progress—with heart, soul, and style.

Headliners That Hit All the Right Notes

Main Stage Headliner – Get ready for show-stopping keynotes from top HR leaders and industry hitmakers, spinning fresh tracks on topics from the SHRM Body of Applied Skills & Knowledge and the HRCI Body of Knowledge. Every session earns you SHRM and HRCI recertification credit—because leveling up your skills is always in tune.

Breakout Tracks – Jam out in sessions on the hottest HR topics—employment law, talent strategy, HR tech, leadership, and more. Each set is designed to sharpen your skills, expand your impact, and keep you moving to the beat of success.

Networking Jams – On Wednesday, September 16, and Thursday, September 17, we turn down the workday lights and turn up the groove. These evening socials are the perfect way to mix, mingle, and keep the rhythm flowing.

Exhibitor Spotlight – Step into the showcase and explore the latest HR tools, tech, and solutions—all in harmony to help your workplace hit the right notes.

Keep Your Credits in Key – Earn up to 12 recertification hours when you attend in person, or up to 22 hours with our On Demand recordings.

A Crowd That Moves You – Join 400+ HR pros—senior practitioners, supervisors, managers, and directors—ready to swap ideas, share wisdom, and inspire the next big HR hit.

Agenda

Time Event Location
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Registration & Information Open Foyer
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Exhibitor Set Up Exhibit Hall
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Optional Workshop with Lunch TBD
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Conference Opening & Welcome Ballroom
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM General Session Opening Keynote Ballroom
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM SHRM Time Ballroom
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Break & Visit Exhibitors Exhibit Hall
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Introduction of Award Nominees Ballroom
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM General Session Employment Law Update - Not So Dry Ballroom
4:45 PM - 6:30 PM Social Event with Exhibitors Exhibit Hall
Time Event Location
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM Registration & Information Open Foyer
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Breakfast Ballroom
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Shannon McKain - Keynote
Rally Mentality for HR Leaders
Ballroom
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Visit with Exhibitors Exhibit Hall
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Breakouts (4 total*) TBA
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Visit with Exhibitors Exhibit Hall
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Award Winner Presentations Ballroom
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Lunch Ballroom
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Jeanne Sparrow - Keynote
The Power of Fearless Authenticity Clarity in Who You Are ...Intention in How You Lead
Ballroom
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Visit with Exhibitors Exhibit Hall
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Breakouts (4 total*) TBA
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Final Vendor Hall Time-Foundation and Vendor Gift Drawings
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Breakouts (4 total*) TBA
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Social at The Museum of Art + Light Exhibit Hall
Time Event Location
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM Registration & Information Open Foyer
7:30 AM Breakfast Ballroom
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM General Session Diversity Keynote Ballroom
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM Transfer Break Ballroom
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Breakouts (4 total*) TBD
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM Break Service Ballroom
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Devin Henderson - Closing Keynote Ballroom
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Conference Closing Ballroom

Keynote Speakers

September 16
Opening Keynote

September 16
Not-So-Dry Employment Law Keynote

September 17
Keynote

September 17
Keynote

September 18
Diversity Keynote

September 18
Closing Keynote

Business Partners That Keep the Rhythm Strong

Get Ready to Groove

As a valued business partner, here’s your chance to turn up the volume—showcase your “greatest hits” solutions, drop fresh tracks of innovation, and jam with hundreds of HR professionals, decision-makers, and workplace leaders. You’ll make connections that don’t just fade out—they’ll stay on repeat.

So, tune up your brand, polish your pitch, and grab your spot on the Soul Train. This is where relationships hit the right notes, your business takes center stage, and the whole HR community gets movin’ and groovin’ toward a brighter future.

IMPACT Senior HR Summit

Join us for an exclusive 1.5-day event created for executive-level and senior HR professionals with 10+ years of experience. This premier gathering features two dynamic speakers and multiple roundtable discussions designed to spark meaningful conversations and provide actionable insights. You’ll connect with peers facing similar challenges, gain fresh perspectives from industry experts, and collaborate on solutions to elevate your HR leadership. Whether your goal is to expand your professional network or strengthen your strategic expertise, this event offers the perfect setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your HR career and make valuable, lasting connections.

Reserve Your Seat All Aboard the HR Soul Train

SuperFly Express Registration (Ends December 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM)

SHRM

  • In-Person – $450
  • On-Demand – $425
  • Pre-Conference Workshop – $150
  • Social – $35

NON-SHRM

  • In-Person – $550
  • On-Demand – $525
  • Pre-Conference Workshop – $200
  • Social – $35

STUDENT

  • In-Person – $200

Early Bird Registration (Ends May 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM)

SHRM

  • In-Person – $525
  • On-Demand – $425
  • Pre-Conference Workshop – $150

NON-SHRM

  • In-Person – $625
  • On-Demand – $525
  • Pre-Conference Workshop – $200

STUDENT

  • In-Person – $250

Regular Registration (Ends August 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM)

SHRM

  • In-Person – $579
  • On-Demand – $425
  • Pre-Conference Workshop – $150
  • Social – $35

NON-SHRM

  • In-Person – $679
  • On-Demand – $525
  • Pre-Conference Workshop – $200
  • Social – $35

STUDENT

  • In-Person – $250

Manhattan: Where the Beat Begins

Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan

410 S. 3 rd Street
Manhattan, KS
PHONE: (785) 532-9116 
$142/night

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manhattan

115 Blue Earth Place
Manhattan KS 66502
PHONE: (785) 320-7454 
$142/night

Keepin’ the Beat

2025 Conference Highlights 

Relive the most energizing HR moments from the 2025 KS SHRM Annual Conference—where ideas, insights, and connections hit their groove.