Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
HR-X Live!
is a premier HR conference taking place from June 27-30, 2027, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.
This event focuses on enhancing HR capabilities through structured credentialing journeys and hands-on learning experiences.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: HR-X Live! runs June 27-30, 2027, at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is expected to attract over 20,000 HR professionals and features 650+ exhibitors.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by SHRM, a leading authority in HR.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include HR decision-makers and business executives from various industries.
- 5Entry / Access / Programme Hook: Registration is open now, with early bird pricing available until November 19, 2026.
Why visit
HR professionals attend SHRM HR-X Live! (formerly the SHRM Annual Conference and Expo) for certification-aligned education, practical sessions on talent, total rewards, workplace compliance and HR technology, and direct access to the Expo floor where HR software, employee training platforms and services are demonstrated. The programme is organised by SHRM, the professional body behind the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credentials, and support resources such as the Convince Your Boss page exist for teams seeking employer approval to attend.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors reach a concentrated audience of HR buyers at McCormick Place: practitioners evaluating HR management software, employee training and development platforms, recruitment services and benefits providers. SHRM publishes Expo booth rates and a sponsorship guide, plus tiered sponsorship opportunities for suppliers that want visibility beyond the stand, and a dedicated group registration path for HR teams.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
HR executives and CHROs setting people strategy for large employers
Talent acquisition and recruiting leaders
HR technology and HRIS decision-makers
Learning and development and training managers
Compensation and benefits specialists
Employee relations and compliance professionals
Diversity, equity and inclusion practitioners
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
HR software and technology companies
Training and development providers
Consulting firms specializing in HR
Employee benefits and compensation specialists
Recruitment agencies
Workforce analytics firms
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
HR management software and tools
Employee training and development programs
Recruitment and talent acquisition solutions
Employee engagement and retention strategies
Diversity and inclusion resources
HR analytics and reporting tools
Location & Facilities
Venue
McCormick Place
2301 S Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616
Facilities
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: McCormick Place in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at McCormick Place for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Individual Pass
2095Group Pass
1895
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Current edition
20,000 visitors · 650 exhibitors
Forecast — not final
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Chicago, US
Why it matters
Attending Society for Human Resource Management - SHRM on 2027-06-27 to 2027-06-30 in Chicago lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Top 20 Employee Development Software Platforms for 2026
engagedly.com/blog/best-employee-development-softwares/ 2026-03-21T00:00:00.0000000
Learning & Development - SHRM
www.shrm.org/topics-tools/topics/learning-development
38 Best Employee Training Software: Reviewed & Compared
peoplemanagingpeople.com/tools/best-employee-training-software/ 2026-09-21T00:00:00.0000000
10 Best Training Management Software Of 2026 - People Managing People
peoplemanagingpeople.com/tools/best-training-management-software/ 2026-09-04T00:00:00.0000000
20 Best Employee Training Software for 2026 (Reviewed) - Valamis
www.valamis.com/blog/best-employee-training-software 2026-04-08T00:00:00.0000000
10 Best Learning and Development (L&D) Software Tools (2025)
www.hrfuture.net/employee-lifecycle/skills-learning-coaching-mentoring-training-development/10-best-learning-and-development-ld-software-tools-2025/
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
ORD is Chicago's primary international gateway and the most common arrival point for SHRM Annual Conference attendees; the CTA Blue Line plus a transfer, or a taxi or rideshare, reach McCormick Place. Confirm live traffic and rail schedules before travel.
approx. 30-35 km (19-22 mi) from McCormick Place
to venue
approx. 35-60 min by road depending on traffic
by car
Chicago Midway International Airport
MDW is Chicago's second commercial airport and sits closer to the city's South Side; the CTA Orange Line plus a transfer, or a taxi or rideshare, serve McCormick Place. Confirm live schedules.
approx. 20-24 km (12-15 mi) from McCormick Place
to venue
approx. 30-50 min by road depending on traffic
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
The Loop / downtown ChicagoUSD 55–95 / night
About 2.7 km from McCormick Place; shared and private budget rooms. Rate band is indicative for late June conference dates — confirm before travel.
Mid-range
Michigan Avenue / South LoopUSD 180–270 / night
Aparthotel with in-room kitchen, useful for longer stays. Prices spike during large McCormick Place conventions — confirm before travel.
Premium
Attached to the McCormick Place campusUSD 300–480 / night
Closest full-service options, roughly 170 m from the halls; check official SHRM room blocks for negotiated rates. Confirm before travel.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
CTA Blue Line (train)
Estimated costUSD 2.50–5.00 one way (CTA fare, Ventra card)
Best forChicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to McCormick Place
Roughly 60-75 min door to door with one transfer. Confirm live rail schedules and fare changes before travel.
CTA Orange Line (train)
Estimated costUSD 2.50–5.00 one way (CTA fare, Ventra card)
Best forChicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to McCormick Place
MDW is the closer airport; roughly 45-60 min with a transfer. Confirm live schedules before travel.
Metra Electric District (commuter rail)
Estimated costUSD 4.00–7.00 one way depending on zone
Best forMillennium Station (downtown) to McCormick Place station
Fastest rail option for downtown hotels; runs less frequently on weekends. Confirm timetable before travel.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 45–75 from ORD; USD 30–50 from MDW (metered, plus tolls and tip)
Best forORD or MDW to McCormick Place
Journey time varies widely with Chicago traffic; allow extra time at peak hours. Confirm before travel.
rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Estimated costUSD 40–85 from ORD; USD 25–55 from MDW (dynamic pricing)
Best forORD or MDW to McCormick Place
Pick-up zones are signposted at both airports; surge pricing is common during convention weeks. Confirm before travel.
Airport Express / shared shuttle
Estimated costUSD 20–40 per person one way
Best forORD or MDW to downtown and McCormick Place hotels
Frequency varies by operator; book ahead during SHRM week. Confirm before travel.
Weather
June in Chicago is warm and humid, with approximate daytime highs of 27-29 C (80-85 F) and overnight lows near 17-19 C (63-66 F). Short afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and lakefront breezes can make mornings cooler. Confirm the live forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks run on GSM/LTE/5G, so check your roaming plan or buy a local eSIM or prepaid SIM for data during the conference. McCormick Place venues generally provide Wi-Fi, but confirm capacity and login details on arrival, and bring a power bank for long Expo days.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
SHRM Annual Conference attendees typically wear business casual to business professional, and exhibitors usually wear branded attire. Session halls and Expo space at McCormick Place are air-conditioned, so bring a light layer.
Tipping
US service norms expect roughly 15-20% gratuity at restaurants and a few dollars for hotel housekeeping; check your bill in case a service charge is already applied.
Navigating the venue
McCormick Place is a large multi-hall campus on Chicago's Near South Side; allow 10-15 minutes to walk between halls and use published shuttle or rail links between downtown hotels and the campus.
Networking style
HR practitioners often exchange business cards and LinkedIn contacts; a short, specific introduction about your HR focus area works better than a generic pitch.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ORD
Book into ORD for the widest choice of international and domestic connections, and compare MDW only if fares are materially lower since the downtown transfer takes longer. June is a busy Chicago travel period, so book early and check the SHRM travel and room-block information on annual.shrm.org.
Hotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2027-06-27
Check-out (recommended)
2027-06-30
Areas to stay
Attached to the McCormick Place campus · Michigan Avenue / South Loop · The Loop / downtown Chicago
budget
USD 55-95/night
mid range
USD 180-270/night
premium
USD 300-480/night
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): approx. 35-60 min by road depending on traffic; Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): approx. 30-50 min by road depending on traffic. Allow road or rail time to McCormick Place; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near McCormick Place: The Loop / downtown Chicago: HI Chicago, The J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel; Michigan Avenue / South Loop: Sentral Michigan Avenue Chicago Hotel; Attached to the McCormick Place campus: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago / Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across Chicago, including pick-ups at ORD and MDW and designated drop-off zones at McCormick Place. Expect surge pricing around conference opening and closing times; confirm live availability in the app.
Public transit: The CTA rail and bus network and Metra commuter rail serve the McCormick Place area. The CTA Green Line stops at Cermak-McCormick Place and Metra Electric District serves the McCormick Place station, useful from downtown hotels. Fares are paid with a Ventra card or contactless payment. Confirm live schedules and fares before travel.
Parking: McCormick Place operates on-site parking garages serving its halls, with daily rates that vary by lot and event. Confirm current rates and the recommended garage for the SHRM halls on the venue or organiser site, and arrive early on high-attendance days.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: June
Temperature: Approx. 17-29 C (63-85 F) from overnight lows to daytime highs; confirm the live forecast before travel.
Seasonality: June is one of Chicago's wetter months, with short afternoon thunderstorms possible and lakefront breezes that can make mornings cooler.
Packing: Pack light layers, a compact umbrella or rain shell, comfortable walking shoes for the McCormick Place campus and business casual attire; indoor halls and session rooms are air-conditioned.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Society for Human Resource Management - SHRM usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Networking spots
2Society for Human Resource Management - SHRM registration concourse
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$110.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$260.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · Individual Pass
USD 2095 / per person
unknown
visitor_ticket
visitor · Group Pass
USD 1895 / per person
unknown
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Individual Pass | USD 2095 / per person | unknown | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Group Pass | USD 1895 / per person | unknown |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Society for Human Resource Management - SHRM fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- HRIS (Human Resource Information System)
- Core software that stores employee records, payroll inputs, benefits elections and org data; often the system of record that HR tech vendors at the SHRM Expo integrate with.
- ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
- Software used to post roles, screen resumes and manage candidate pipelines through hiring; a common exhibitor category on the SHRM Expo floor.
- HCM (Human Capital Management)
- An integrated suite combining HR, payroll, talent and workforce management modules, typically sold to mid-size and enterprise HR teams.
- Total Rewards
- The combined package of compensation, benefits, wellbeing and recognition an employer offers; a recurring theme across SHRM Annual Conference programming.
- FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act)
- US federal law setting minimum wage, overtime and recordkeeping rules; a core compliance topic for US HR practitioners.
- FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)
- US federal law granting eligible employees unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons; a standard leave-administration topic.
- ACA employer reporting
- US Affordable Care Act requirements including employer shared responsibility and 1094/1095 reporting; a benefits compliance area covered in HR sessions.
- DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging)
- Workforce strategies and metrics aimed at fair access, representation and belonging; a long-running SHRM programming track.
- People Analytics
- Using workforce data and dashboards to inform hiring, retention and productivity decisions; a fast-growing HR technology category.
- Employee Experience (EX)
- The sum of an employee's interactions with an employer across the lifecycle, from recruiting and onboarding to offboarding.
- SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP
- SHRM's professional certifications (Certified Professional and Senior Certified Professional); recertification credits are typically available through SHRM Annual Conference programming.
- Talent Acquisition
- The function covering employer branding, sourcing, recruiting and hiring at volume or for specialist roles.
- Compensation Benchmarking
- Comparing pay against market survey data to set competitive salary structures and ranges.
- Learning and Development (L&D)
- The function covering training, upskilling and reskilling programmes that keep employee skills aligned to business needs.
- HR Tech Stack
- The combined set of software tools an HR function uses across payroll, benefits, talent, learning and analytics.
- Workforce Planning
- Forecasting the skills, headcount and mix an organisation needs against its business strategy.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Society for Human Resource Management SHRM
- SHRM 2027
- SHRM Chicago 2027
- SHRM annual conference
- HR-X Live 2027 Chicago
- HR management software expo Chicago
- employee training and development conference
- recruitment and talent acquisition solutions expo
- employee engagement and retention strategies event
- diversity and inclusion resources conference
7 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
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SHRM
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.