Forward Motion – Harnessing collective strength to shape change

As trusted business advisors, HR leaders are relied upon to navigate change within their businesses, sectors and communities. Leadership is a behaviour that can inspire change and create a meaningful impact on people. The 2026 Victoria HR Leadership Summit will encourage attendees – people and culture leaders – to examine what change looks like in their organisations and how they can influence decision-making and drive positive change for the benefit of their organisations, workforces, and the communities they serve.

• Leveraging human potential, collaboration, knowledge, and technology – developing a future-ready organisation
• Sustainable people strategy – prioritising employee well-being and engagement as a foundation for long-term success
• Future-ready workforce – upskilling, reskilling, and capability uplift to meet evolving business and community needs
• Retention and engagement – recognising people as a critical driver of success, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, meaningful connection, and collaborative growth
• Responsible AI governance and adoption – empowering HR to champion ethical, secure, and people-focused digital transformation
• Creating a safety-first environment – the interconnection of HR, safety and leadership
• Shifts in leadership mindset and behaviour – emphasising inclusive leadership, workforce agility, leadership accountability, digital transformation, and employee safety and well-being
• Data-driven HR – using analytics to inform workforce planning and strategic decision-making
• From risk to resilience – navigating psychosocial hazards 
• Multigenerational workforce – creating inclusive strategies for collaboration across age groups
• Embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into organisational culture
• What's next? Trends and expectations that might shape the way HR influences business outcomes, inspires future leaders and contributes to a wider ecosystem