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A Look Back at Kaonavi's Face to FES '26 Conference

On February 10, 2026, Kaonavi hosted its annual large-scale conference, "Face to FES '26 — A Place to Create the Next Step in HR," which drew more than 1,000 attendees. This was the third iteration of the event, and this year's focus was on fostering connections among speakers, HR professionals, and participants, making it an exclusively offline gathering.

Highlighting Innovations in HR

The conference featured engaging sessions that showcased the latest trends in HR management. On the Blue Stage, young leaders from prominent corporations, including Japan's youngest publicly traded company, Yutori, and notable entrepreneur Ranmaru Kishitani, discussed how to create an environment that fosters independence, especially for the Gen Z workforce. Additionally, high-level executives from companies such as YKK AP and DeNA shared insights on revising hiring and evaluation methods through the use of AI. They discussed how the merger of management and HR can lead to meaningful investments in human capital, enriching the overall discussion around modern approaches to talent management.

The Q&A sessions often transformed into lively debates, with participants engaging directly with the speakers. Topics such as "Generation Z Management," "AI in HR," and "Human Capital Management" offered valuable insights that were well-received by attendees looking to innovate within their organizations.

Learning from Peers

At the Yellow Stage, representatives from various companies, including Ryohin Keikaku, Monogatari Corporation, and Kadokawa, shared their experiences. Participants took part in workshops that began with organizing the roles of AI and humans in HR tasks and continued with discussions on measuring the success of talent management, engagement strategies, and developing middle managers. This was not just an opportunity to listen but also a platform to consider actionable practices that could be implemented in their own organizations.

Networking and Collaboration

One of the intriguing features introduced this year was the Mentorou Square, where Kaonavi users collaboratively organized and operated a section aimed at enhancing networking among HR professionals. This initiative created a vibrant atmosphere where participants could connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a community spirit.

Attendees also had access to several exhibition booths, where they could learn about Kaonavi's Talent Management System and the pre-existing management system Yoje Tactics, alongside 25 partner companies presenting diverse solutions related to HR practices, employee development, and environment enhancements.

In the evening, the "Kaonavi Campus Appreciation Festival" was held, where the company expressed gratitude to its users. This was an excellent venue for participants to connect based on shared challenges in the HR landscape. Direct interactions with the Kaonavi development team occurred here, where the 2026 development roadmap was also revealed, generating excitement about the future.

Event Feedback

Feedback from participants showcased the success of the event. Many expressed satisfaction with the opportunities for interaction and insight gained from industry peers. Attendees commented on how the engaging format allowed them to solve problems collaboratively, lead meaningful discussions, and appreciate the focus Kaonavi places on peer connection and collaboration.

About Kaonavi, Inc.

Established in May 2008 and headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, Kaonavi is a leading company in the talent management system sector. Our mission is to integrate technology into the realm of work to transform individual strengths into societal changes. With our vision of "Talent Intelligence™", we aim to usher in a new era of talent management by leveraging data and AI to enhance our understanding of human capital. Our ultimate goal is to evolve talent management systems and continue to drive both organizational and societal innovation.

Check out more about our mission and systems at Kaonavi's Official Website.