HR Technology Conference 2024: Rebrands, AI & What’s Next for Work Tech

If we had a dollar for every time someone asks us, “Seen anything new or interesting?” during the HR Tech , we’d have enough to sponsor a really sick exhibitor lounge. (Oh, wait… ??)

It’s a fair question, though. HR Tech is where companies pull out all the stops to show off what’s next, from bold rebrands to booths designed to drop jaws. Every year, the chatter kicks off with: Who’s got the coolest booth? Who has the most space? And—more importantly—was it worth it?

But beyond the show floor gossip, there are real trends taking shape that will define Work Tech for the next year. Here’s what The Starr Conspiracy expects to see at HR Tech 2024:

1. What’s New: Rebrands and New Booths. Lately, it feels like entire categories are rebranding every 18 months. If you’re in L&D or coaching, you’ve probably already noticed, but we’re expecting some surprise moves from other corners of the industry. Keep an eye out for new looks and bold booth experiences.

2. AI in HR: What to Automate, What to Humanize. AI is still the darling of HR tech, but the real question will be how to balance automation with that all-important human touch. Companies are trying to figure out what should run on autopilot and where they need to lean in on the human connection.

3. The DEI Question: Where Does It Fit Now? With some companies pumping the brakes on DEI, it’s not clear where diversity and inclusion fit into today’s HR priorities. Expect some tough conversations around whether DEI is evolving or just getting lost in the shuffle.

4. Employee Experience: What’s Next in the Hybrid World? Hybrid and remote work are here to stay, but the real focus is going to be on the digital employee experience. HR tech will keep pushing the envelope on how to make that experience smoother and more engaging. We’re expecting some slick new tools to hit the scene that make managing it easier.

5. People Analytics: Ready for Prime Time. AI runs on data, and people analytics is about to have its moment. What was once a niche area is getting supercharged, thanks to AI’s need for insights. This could be the year that people analytics really steps into the limelight and shows what it can do.

6. Skills-Based Talent Management: Planning for the Unknown. Layoffs? Old news. Smart companies are shifting their focus to skills-based talent management—investing in their current teams instead of just cutting jobs and hiring new people. We’re curious to see how companies handle this shift and prepare their workforce for whatever comes next.

Bottom line: HR Tech 2024 isn’t just another conference—it’s the proving ground for who’s leading the charge and what trends will dominate the work tech landscape. Expect big launches, bold booths, and a lot of competition as companies try to claim the spotlight.

See you in Vegas,

The Starr Conspiracy

Got questions? Wanna chat? Catch us in the exhibitor lounge next week (hosted by Yours Truly) and grab some drinks while you’re at it. ??

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About The Starr Conspiracy

The Starr Conspiracy is an Experience Agency for enterprise technology companies that are shaping the way people work. Our passion is creating defining moments to transform your business across the Customer Experience spectrum — Brand, Marketing, Sales, Product, and Customer Success.

A special thanks to Jonathan Goodman , Lance Haun , Nancy (Pummill) Crabb & Kevin Mangum for their contributions to this article.