Description

Presented by SHRM-Atlanta and Kaiser Permanente, the 2026 HR Excellence Awards Gala is an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, teams, and organizations redefining the future of work.

As Atlanta’s premier celebration of HR leadership, innovation, and organizational impact, the gala honors the professionals transforming workplaces, elevating culture, developing talent, and driving meaningful business results through people-first leadership.

This signature event brings together HR executives, emerging leaders, consultants, business professionals, and community partners from across the region for a night of recognition, inspiration, and connection. From groundbreaking workplace initiatives to transformational leadership and community impact, the HR Excellence Awards spotlight the achievements shaping today’s workforce and tomorrow’s workplace.

Throughout the evening, guests will experience:

• An elevated awards celebration recognizing outstanding HR and people leaders
• Networking with influential professionals and business decision-makers
• Inspiring stories of innovation, leadership, and organizational transformation
• Recognition of finalists and winners across eleven distinguished award categories
• A memorable night celebrating the impact of the HR profession across Atlanta

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Award categories include:

• HR Executive of the Year
• Rising People Leader of the Year
• Rising HR Star Award
• HR People Leader Impact Award
• HR Consultant of the Year
• HR Team of the Year
• People Innovation Award
• Culture & Employee Experience Award
• Talent & Workforce Development Award
• Social Impact & Community Award
• Strategic HR Partner of the Year

Whether you are attending to celebrate a colleague, support your organization, connect with peers, or recognize the incredible work happening across the HR community, the 2026 HR Excellence Awards Gala promises to be a powerful and inspiring evening dedicated to excellence in people leadership.

Celebrate the leaders shaping workplaces, strengthening organizations, and making a lasting impact across Atlanta and beyond.