HR Tech 2026: The essential attendee playbook

A well-planned week in Las Vegas for the HR Tech conference will give you time to evaluate AI-powered HR solutions, compare vendors, book meaningful demos, and build relationships with peers tackling many of the same workforce challenges. You'll head home with a clearer technology shortlist, stronger industry connections, and practical next steps that support your HR strategy long after the conference ends.

What is HR Tech 2026 and who is it for?

HR Tech (also known as the HR Technology Conference) is the leading annual gathering where HR leaders, practitioners, and technology providers evaluate workforce technology side by side, produced by LRP (Arc Network).[1] This year's event takes place Oct. 20–22, 2026, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, with optional pre-conference programming on Monday, Oct. 19.[1][2]

HR Tech brings together the people shaping the future of work, from CHROs and HR executives setting AI strategy to HRIS, people analytics, talent acquisition, and total rewards leaders evaluating the technology that supports it. You'll also meet consultants, analysts, investors, and hundreds of solution providers, making it one of the year's biggest opportunities to compare platforms and hear directly from the teams building them.

For 2026, organizers expect more than 7,200 HR and business leaders, 400+ global solution providers, 275+ speakers, and 200+ sessions. The program centers on the theme “From Change to Transformation,” with a strong focus on AI's effect on people, culture, and HR operating models.[1][3]

If you're building the business case for attending, focus on measurable outcomes. Validate two or three finalist HCM or talent platforms before renewal season, learn how peers are implementing AI in HR, and evaluate vendors against a consistent scorecard so you leave with a shortlist your team can confidently review.

What makes HR Tech 2026 worth the trip

HR Tech compresses months of product research into three days of side-by-side comparison, bringing established market leaders and emerging innovators together in one place while HR practitioners share what worked (and what didn't) in real-world implementations.[1]

You'll find strategic keynotes and educational sessions alongside direct access to more than 400 exhibitors, making it easier to evaluate platforms, ask detailed questions, and compare solutions before your next technology investment.

Beyond the conference sessions, leave time for the experiences happening across the Expo floor:[2][4]

• Pre-conference programs (Oct. 19-20): Add the HR Executive Strategy Summit, HR Tech Intensives, or “Women in HR: Building Influence” to your itinerary. (Separate registration is required.)
• Pub Crawl and Happy Hour (Oct. 20-21): Connect with attendees and exhibitors during informal networking events on the Expo floor.
• HR Tech Expo (Oct. 20-22): Explore more than 400 solution providers, watch product demonstrations, and connect with other attendees during breakfasts, lunches, and happy hours across the show floor.
• AI Playground (Oct. 20-22): Test AI-powered HR tools and explore how they could fit into real HR workflows.
• Startup Pavilion (Oct. 20-22): Meet early-stage HR technology companies and discover emerging products in one dedicated area.
• Pitchfest (Oct. 20-22): Watch startups present their solutions and receive live feedback from investors and HR practitioners.
• Demo Theater (Oct. 20-22): Attend short product demonstrations scheduled throughout Expo hours.

The value of the trip comes from what you can do with what you learn, whether that means recommending a prioritized vendor shortlist, shaping an AI roadmap, advising a client, or building relationships with peers you can turn to throughout the year. Booking your hotel and transfers early and protecting time for Expo meetings and demonstrations makes those outcomes easier to achieve.

Where to stay for HR Tech 2026

Your hotel affects how much time you spend walking to keynotes, whether you can reset between Expo sessions, and how late you can stay out after the Pub Crawl or client dinners without a long rideshare. Mandalay Bay sits on the South Strip, and indoor connectors mean you can reach much of the convention center without stepping into midday heat.

Hotels by distance to Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Compare neighborhoods by walk time, Strip character, and typical HR Tech-week rates:

Staying at Mandalay Bay, Delano, or W Las Vegas gives you the shortest walk to morning keynotes, Expo appointments, and networking events. Luxor and Excalibur offer a little more breathing room in your hotel budget while keeping you within easy walking distance of the convention center.

If those options are sold out, Park MGM and New York-New York are solid alternatives, though you'll want to factor in a longer walk or a short rideshare, especially after a full day on the Expo floor.

HR Tech hotel pricing

Navan analyzed anonymized hotel booking patterns near Mandalay Bay during the same week in 2025 to provide context for hotel pricing. Use these benchmarks while planning your trip:

• Median hotel rate: During conference week, the median nightly rate was $222.[12]
• Stay length: Business travelers stayed an average of 2.4 nights.[12]
• Booking window: Median nightly rates fell from $280 more than two months out to $194 during the final week, but last-minute rooms can be unpredictable.[12]
• Check-in pattern: Tuesday was the most common check-in day, and Thursday was the typical checkout day. For HR Tech 2026, plan to arrive on Monday, Oct. 19.[12]
• Late bookings: Roughly 43% of bookings were made within two weeks of arrival.[12]

If staying within walking distance of Mandalay Bay is your priority, book through Connections Housing before the Sept. 25 housing deadline or whenever your travel policy allows. If you're comfortable staying farther up the Strip, comparing official housing with public hotel availability closer to your travel dates may uncover lower rates.

HR Tech flight trends

The primary airport serving HR Tech 2026 attendees is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Navan flight data from the October 2025 conference week in Las Vegas shows 2,153 business flights into Las Vegas, with 7.6% from international origins.[12] The busiest origin cities were San Francisco, New York, Newark, London, and Chicago.[12]

How Navan Edge helps you book your conference travel

Navan Edge – the personal assistant for business travel – helps you plan and book your HR Tech 2026 trip in one conversation. Compare flights, hotels, and restaurants using live availability and the amenities you need, then book everything without juggling multiple apps or websites.

Continue earning your usual airline miles and hotel loyalty points, receive your credit card points, and earn 5% back in Amazon Gift Cards on eligible hotel stays. If needed for anything, human travel support is available to help 24/7 and will step into the same chat thread with full context of your trip. See our travel rewards on business trips guide for how it works.

Set your Las Vegas budget before traveling

Before you register or book travel, estimate the total cost of attending HR Tech. Your budget should include the conference pass, conference-week hotel rates, meals outside conference programming, airport transportation, client dinners, and other business travel expenses.

Federal per diem for Las Vegas

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) sets federal per diem rates by city and season. At the time of publication, the following FY2026 rates apply to Las Vegas:

• $212 per day combined: Includes $126 for nightly lodging plus $86 for daily meals and incidental expenses (M&IE)[4]
• M&IE breakdown: Includes $22 for breakfast, $23 for lunch, $36 for dinner, and $5 for incidentals (reduce your meal allowance for any catering at the event)[4]
• First and last travel days: Includes M&IE allowance of $64.50 (i.e. 75% of the daily M&IE rate)[4]

Updated rates for FY2027 (October 2026–September 2027) are expected to be published in mid-August 2026 at gsa.gov. During conference week, hotels on the Strip often exceed the federal lodging rate ($126 per night), so budget for the difference or confirm with finance before booking.

Additional expenses

Be sure to account for these line items before booking so approvals, reimbursement, and expense reporting go smoothly.

• Conference pass: A full conference pass starts at $1,295 during the Super Saver registration period and increases to $1,995 after Oct. 12. Check the official event website for current pricing before you register.[3]
• Expo-only pass: An Expo-only pass starts at $95 during the Super Saver registration period. Check the official event website for current pricing and included access before you register.[3]
• Pre-conference programs: HR Tech Intensives cost $150 each, Women in HR: Building Influence costs $25–$50, and the HR Icons Awards Evening costs $165 per ticket. Advance registration is recommended because space is limited.[3][4]
• Conference food and drink: Expo breakfasts and lunches on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Thursday, Oct. 22, can help reduce your meal expenses during the conference.[4]
• Airport transfer: A rideshare from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Mandalay Bay typically costs $20–$35, depending on demand. The RTC Deuce bus costs about $6–$10, depending on the pass you purchase.[6][8]
• Client dinners: Steakhouses and private dining rooms around Mandalay Bay typically cost $75–$175 per person.
• After-hours networking: The Pub Crawl, Happy Hour, and partner-hosted events provide additional networking opportunities, but it's worth setting aside a small budget for activities outside the conference's hosted hospitality.

Read our guide on how to book a conference trip to get the most out of planning for HR Tech 2026.

Plan your HR Tech 2026 agenda

HR Tech's agenda includes more than 200 educational sessions, keynote presentations, Expo programming, and optional pre-conference events.[4] As you build your schedule, leave room between sessions for Demo Theater presentations, Ask the Experts conversations, AI Playground experiences, and the vendor meetings that often become the most valuable part of the week.

Here are some key experiences to build into your agenda:

• Monday (Oct. 19): Attend the HR Executive Strategy Summit or the HR Icons Awards Evening. Both require separate registration.
• Tuesday (Oct. 20): Pre-conference intensives and Women in HR: Building Influence take place before the conference officially opens. The Opening Keynote kicks off the event, followed by the HR Tech Expo, Demo Theater, Pitchfest, AI Playground, Startup Pavilion, and the Pub Crawl.
• Wednesday (Oct. 21): Keynotes, concurrent sessions, and a full day of Expo programming continue, followed by the Expo Happy Hour.
• Thursday (Oct. 22): The conference concludes with concurrent sessions, Expo programming, and the Closing Keynote.

Build a plan based on priorities and flexibility

Start with the published agenda and identify the sessions most relevant to your current projects. The full session catalog and scheduler will continue to expand before the conference, so prioritize your must-see sessions early while leaving time for networking, product demonstrations, and unplanned conversations on the Expo floor.[4]

Use these tips as you finalize your plans:

• Sessions: Save your must-see keynotes and educational sessions as the scheduler is updated. AI and workforce technology sessions are often among the most popular.[4]
• Meetings: Reach out to vendors, customers, analysts, and peers about two weeks before the conference to schedule short Expo or coffee meetings.
• Logistics: Confirm your hotel reservation, set your out-of-office message, plan time for badge pickup before Tuesday's opening sessions, and review the Expo floor plan before you arrive.
• Contacts: Decide whether you'll exchange QR codes, NFC contact cards, or LinkedIn details, and jot down a quick note after each conversation so you remember why it mattered.

Check out our business trip planning guide for checklists covering your flights, hotel, and departure day.

What to pack and wear at HR Tech

Business casual is the norm at HR Tech. Think collared shirts or polished blouses, chinos or slacks, and comfortable closed-toe shoes, with a blazer or sport coat for executive meetings, client dinners, or networking events. Vendor teams often wear company-branded apparel on the Expo floor, while HR executives attending leadership sessions and evening events tend to dress a bit more formally.

Las Vegas in mid-October is typically warm during the day, with afternoon highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and cooler evenings that can dip into the 50s later in the month.[9] You'll move between air-conditioned meeting rooms, the Expo floor, and outdoor walks along the Strip, so breathable layers are your best bet.

Conference essentials

• Two pairs of comfortable shoes: You'll spend hours walking around the convention center and Expo floor, and rotating shoes can help you stay more comfortable.
• Portable charger: Between the conference app, note-taking, and networking, your phone battery will die before you know it.
• Reusable water bottle: The dry climate plus air-conditioned conference rooms make it easy to get dehydrated quickly.
• Hand sanitizer and throat lozenges: Several days of handshakes, conversations, and crowded meeting spaces can take a toll.
• Light sweater or jacket: Meeting rooms and breakout spaces are often much cooler than the weather outside.
• Earplugs and eyemask: If you're staying in a busy resort or heading to bed before the Strip quiets down, earplugs and an eyemask are a must-pack item.

Getting from the airport to the HR Tech venue

Attendees fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), which is around 4 miles from Mandalay Bay.[5][6] If possible, fly in the day before the event so you can collect your badge ahead of opening events and get a jump on networking. There are a few options to get from LAS to the Strip:

For weekday business arrivals with checked bags, a taxi or rideshare is usually the fastest door-to-door choice. The RTC Deuce works when you're staying on the Strip near a stop and aren't on a strict timeline.

Beyond sessions: Make time for the HR Tech Expo and hallway conversations

Some of the most valuable conversations at HR Tech happen outside the session rooms. Leave time to explore the Expo floor, watch product demonstrations, ask detailed questions, and connect with other attendees facing many of the same HR challenges.

• HR Tech Expo: Explore more than 400 solution providers, attend Demo Theater presentations, and take advantage of Solution Snapshots and Ask the Experts programming throughout Expo hours.[4]
• AI Playground and Startup Pavilion: Test AI-powered HR tools and discover emerging companies before they become widely adopted.[4]
• Pitchfest and Investor Sessions: Watch startups present new ideas and hear discussions about investment, partnerships, and the future of HR technology.[4]
• Expo networking: Breakfasts, lunches, the Pub Crawl, and Happy Hour are all opportunities to continue conversations outside formal meetings.[4]
• Evening events: The HR Icons Awards on Monday, Oct. 19, and partner-hosted dinners across the south Strip provide additional networking opportunities. Watch the official event channels for locations and RSVP deadlines.[4]

Network with intention

A little planning before the conference makes it much easier to have meaningful conversations once you're on the Expo floor.

• Before you travel: Make a list of the people you'd like to meet, whether they're HR leaders tackling similar challenges, analysts whose work you follow, or founders exhibiting in the Startup Pavilion. Reach out about two weeks before the conference with a short message suggesting a coffee or Expo meeting.
• During the conference: Start conversations with the business challenge you're trying to solve instead of asking for a product overview. After each conversation, jot down a quick note about the person or discussion so it's easy to follow up later.
• Each evening: Spend a few minutes organizing your notes and drafting follow-up messages while the conversations are still fresh. Sending a quick thank-you and a clear next step within a day or two makes it much easier to continue the conversation after the conference.
• After you return: Set aside time on your calendar for follow-ups before your inbox fills up with post-conference work. It's much easier to reconnect while everyone still remembers the conversation.

One more thing: Don't schedule every minute of your day. Leaving room between sessions gives you time for unexpected conversations, product demonstrations, and a quick break when you need one. A little flexibility often leads to the most valuable connections of the week.

What to eat at HR Tech 2026

Three days on the Expo floor, on your feet between Demo Theater sessions and south Strip walks, takes more fuel than desk-bound Zoom blocks. Eat the Expo breakfasts when your pass includes them and keep protein snacks in your bag for when hunger strikes. Client dinners and team outings fill the gaps around provided service, and you can reserve restaurants with Navan Edge using the same chat thread where you booked your hotel and flights.

For sit-down meals, these Strip venues fit different HR Tech moments:

• Client dinner: STRIPSTEAK by Michael Mina inside Mandalay Bay handles business dinners with private dining rooms steps from the convention center.[10]
• Team meal: Border Grill between the Shark Reef and the convention center offers two floors of patio dining for group meals without white-tablecloth formality.[11]
• Executive lunch or one-on-one: Orla, Chef Michael Mina's Mediterranean restaurant at Mandalay Bay, works for sit-down lunches and pre-keynote dinners; request a quieter table away from the casino floor.[11]
• Quick fuel between sessions: Mandalay Bay food court and café options inside the resort keep you fed without a long off-property detour when the Expo schedule is tight.

Finish strong on departure day

Your HR Tech experience doesn't end when the conference wraps up. Before you head home, take a few minutes to wrap up the details that will make it easier to put what you learned into action.

• Pack the night before: Charge your devices, lay out your travel clothes, and double-check your room for conference swag, chargers, business cards, and anything else you may have left behind.
• Confirm late checkout: If you need extra time before heading to the airport, check with the front desk or have Navan Edge coordinate it for you.
• Arrive early at the airport: Expect longer lines at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) after the conference. Plan to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international departure.
• Submit expenses early: Upload receipts before they pile up, and flag any hotel costs that exceed your company's travel policy or per diem.
• Visit the airport lounge: If you have lounge access, use the quiet time to organize your notes, sort receipts, or catch up on email before boarding.
• Schedule a follow-up: Block an hour on your calendar to review your notes, reconnect with new contacts, and summarize key takeaways while everything is still fresh.

Make your HR Tech 2026 trip count

HR Tech 2026 rewards attendees who arrive with a plan. Book a hotel near Mandalay Bay or through the official housing block, build a realistic Las Vegas budget, protect time for the Expo and AI Playground alongside your must-see sessions, and start your follow-up before you head home. A little planning makes it easier to leave with a stronger vendor shortlist, new industry connections, and practical ideas you can put to work right away.

If you're planning your trip to HR Tech 2026 in Las Vegas, book your flights, hotel, and partner dinners in Las Vegas with Navan Edge.

Sources

• HR Technology Conference, “HR Tech Las Vegas 2026,” hrtechnologyconference.com, 2026
• HR Technology Conference, “Learn About HR Tech 2026,” hrtechnologyconference.com, 2026
• HR Technology Conference, “Registration,” hrtechnologyconference.com, 2026
• HR Technology Conference, “Agenda At-A-Glance,” hrtechnologyconference.com, 2026
• HR Technology Conference, “Hotel & Travel,” hrtechnologyconference.com, 2026
• Harry Reid International Airport, “Ground Transportation,” harryreidairport.com, accessed 2026
• GSA, “Per Diem Rates,” FY2026
• Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, “Deuce on the Strip,” rtcsnv.com, accessed 2026
• Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, “Weather,” vegasmeansbusiness.com, accessed 2026
• STRIPSTEAK, “Mandalay Bay,” stripsteaklasvegas.com, accessed 2026
• Mandalay Bay, “Restaurants,” mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com, accessed 2026
• Navan, anonymized analysis of hotel booking and flight data for business travelers on the Las Vegas Strip, October 2025 conference week (Money20/20 USA proxy; internal data)

Navan is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by HR Tech or their organizers, and this guide is not an official LRP (Arc Network) publication. LRP (Arc Network) and HR Tech are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here for identification and descriptive purposes only. All schedules, pricing, venue details, and program information are subject to change; verify current details with the official organizers before you travel.

Navan publishes this guide as part of its Navan Edge content series. Navan Edge is a Navan product referenced throughout this post. Card benefits, fees, loyalty program thresholds, earning structures, reward values, and AI capabilities described in this article are subject to change and were accurate as of the date of publication. Verify current terms with your card issuer, loyalty program operator, or the relevant program's website before making decisions. Amazon Gift Card rewards are subject to Navan Edge Terms and Conditions for eligible hotel bookings.

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