HR Tech’s Can’t-Miss Sessions

Heading to Amsterdam for HR Tech next week? So are we! Next Tuesday and Wednesday, the premier HR technology event of the year is taking place at RAI Amsterdam – and you better believe we’ll be there!

Be sure to come and say “Hi!” at booth 10-230, where our HR and payroll experts will be standing ready to help you expand your business and simplify your payroll. Once you’ve received your little gift (you’ll have to stop by the booth to find out what it is!), there are a ton of fantastic talks waiting on the agenda. With AI being a scorching-hot topic this year it’s all a lot to take in, so we’ve put together a brief list of the best of the best, not-to-be-missed sessions and keynotes to help you plan your time at HR Tech. 

1. Josh Bersin 

Josh Bersin needs no introduction, but we’ll do him the honor anyway. Analyst, author, educator and thought leader, Josh Bersin has been one of the leading voices in HR for over 20 years. He founded the Josh Bersin company and now serves as Dean of the Josh Bersin Academy, the world’s first global development academy for HR and talent professionals.  

 
A true HR whisperer, Bersin’s books and speeches shape the evolving world of work, which means his sessions at this year’s HR Tech are an absolute must-see. If you only have time to attend one or two talks, make sure you’re at the Main Stage’s Hall 11 on Tuesday at 10:00 for HR Technology 2025: The AI Era Has Arrived. In his kick-off keynote Bersin will share his insights on major AI shifts in HR, how they’re changing jobs, roles, and organizations, and why AI is not just a technology, but a business-model shattering evolution. You’ll learn how to evaluate your HR technology stack, strategically review your business ops for AI-led improvements, and redefine roles to incorporate AI. If you can’t make it that early, don’t miss his other talk at 13:45 about The AI-First Enterprise at the Snug in Hall 10, where Bersin will be joined by the president of Sana Labs, an AI company building enterprise knowledge tools.

 

2. Jan Laurijssen 

Moving on with the topic of AI, our next can’t-miss session is our own Jan Laurijssen’s round table on the new era ushered in by algorithmic AI.  
 
AI is transforming HR as we know it—revolutionising work, employment relationships, and HR models. Join Jan, our HR evangelist, in a thought-provoking roundtable discussion to hear insights on how AI is changing HR structures and strategies, learn more about the opportunities & challenges of algorithmic HR management, and attend a forward-looking conversation on HR in an AI-driven world.  
 
Don’t miss Reinventing HR: Embracing the Algorithmic AI Revolution at the Round Table Zone on Wednesday at 12:00 sharp (that’s noon!) - you’re sure to meet a friendly SD Worx face! 

 

3. Therése Götsten 

Therése Götsten is IKEA’s Chief People Officer, where she leads and supports organisational changes driving IKEA’s transformation from a cash & carry to an omnichannel retailer. With her extensive experience in Human Resources and Transformations across Europe, India, China and the US, Therése is a treasure trove of insights – and we can’t wait to hear what she has to tell us.  
 
Her first keynote is all about meeting the challenges of the AI era while maintaining compassion and a people-first approach. Therése will take us through their journey of creating a more affordable, accessible, and sustainable IKEA by employing digital experiences to innovate customer engagement, empower co-workers, and fulfill customer orders.  
 
Empowering People, Transforming Retail: IKEA’s Digital Vision is at the Main Stage’s Hall 11 on Wednesday at 10:00. We’ll be there, and so should you! 

4. Global Talent 2030: Architecting Future-Ready Organizations in an Age of Continuous Change 

This all-star lineup from PwC, OECD and the University of Maastricht, among others, will teach us an incredibly future-forward skill – how to identify, hire, and develop skills that don't even exist yet. 

A big question these days is how to ensure people’s employability in the light of AI and automation. In this cross-sector session, the panelists will discuss how global organizations are currently reimagining roles in response to AI adoption, dive into strategies for future-proofing both careers and organizational capability, and examine what it means to lead when every position – including your own – is being redefined.  

It’s all taking place on Monday at Hall 11 on the Main Stage, at 15:30. Don't forget to add it to your calendar!

5. Purpose-Driven Leadership in the Digital Age 

Another star-studded lineup, this session features industry trailblazers Wouter Hol, CHRO of Netflix, and Uzair Qadeer, CHRO of BBC discussing the future of technology and leadership.  
 
Learn how to unlock innovation, improve work culture, and shape the role of technology by aligning leadership with purpose on Tuesday at Hall 11 on the Main Stage, at 14:45. See you there!

And that’s our top 5 for HR Tech this year, we hope to see you at the sessions! If our paths don’t cross there, we’ll be at the SD Worx booth (remember, it’s 10-230) where we’ll be giving out some cool surprises on top of our regular payroll insights and expertise – don't forget to swing by! 
 
See you in Amsterdam!