The Advantage Continues: Why HR Professionals Are Planning for the 2026 NHRMA Conference & Tradeshow
HR leaders across the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, are already looking ahead to September 9–11, 2026, when the 88th Annual NHRMA Conference & Tradeshow convenes at the Spokane Convention Center. With its 2026 theme—“The Advantage: Leading and Humanizing the Future of Work”—the conference is positioned as a cornerstone professional development event for HR practitioners navigating leadership, technology, and culture in a rapidly evolving workplace.
The 2026 conference program spans three full days of learning and connection, featuring general sessions, concurrent educational workshops, pre‑conference workshops, a tradeshow, and a dedicated HR Leadership Forum for experienced practitioners. Sessions are designed to strengthen leadership capability, support inclusive and resilient cultures, and explore the thoughtful use of technology—including AI—in people‑centered organizations.
At the 2025 NHRMA Annual Conference & Tradeshow in Anchorage, NHRMA similarly promoted professional development opportunities by clearly stating that attendees could earn recertification credit hours through participation in HR‑related educational sessions, without overstating or guaranteeing specific totals in advance. As in prior years, NHRMA is offering multiple registration options—Conference Pass, All‑Access Pass, VIP Pass, and One‑Day Passes—to meet varying professional goals and schedules. Professional development credits are an important consideration for many attendees.
For the 2026 NHRMA Conference & Tradeshow, SHRM and HRCI recertification credits are being applied for, and final credit totals will be communicated once approval is granted. You will then see statements such as these on the Annual Conference site:
The Northwest Human Resource Management Association (NHRMA) is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM‑CP® and SHRM‑SCP® recertification activities. This program has been submitted for SHRM recertification credit; final determinations will be made upon review.
The 2026 NHRMA Conference & Tradeshow has been submitted for HRCI recertification credit. Credit hours will be awarded based on actual educational programming and attendance and are subject to HRCI approval.
Beyond credits, the value of the NHRMA Conference lies in its regional relevance, high‑quality HR education, and community connection. With programming shaped by HR practitioners for HR practitioners—and a focus on leadership, empathy, and practical application—the 2026 conference continues NHRMA’s tradition of supporting the profession with integrity and rigor.
Early bird pricing ends May 15th - take advantage of the pricing: add to your recertification credits through participation in Spokane this September 9th - 11th.
