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HRD NeXT 2026: The Future of Human Resource Management

HRD Corporation, based in Minato, Tokyo, has unveiled the complete session table and speaker lineup for its annual conference, HRD NeXT 2026, set to take place on January 30, 2026, at the Toranomon Hills Forum. This year’s theme, "Emotions and Science in Strategic HR Management," aims to explore the latest insights in organizational development, talent management, and behavioral change.

The conference will feature a total of seven sessions where expert speakers from frontline HR and talent development will discuss the intersection of data and emotions. Attendees can expect presentations, interactive dialogues, and opportunities to engage with the speakers, equipping them with actionable insights directly applicable to strategic HR practices.

Session Highlights

The event will present varied topics, including:

• - Introduction to Everything DiSC® Catalyst: Experts from Wiley will provide a comprehensive overview of this innovative organizational transformation platform and share practical knowledge from early adopters.
• - Organizational Change through Catalyst: Follow firsthand experiences from companies that have implemented the Catalyst program, discussing the mechanisms behind behavior change and the role of the platform.
• - Next Steps in Talent Strategy: Learn how data-driven tools like ProfileXT® and CheckPoint 360°™ shape future talent strategies by connecting personal, HR, and management realms.
• - Leadership and HR Evolution: Leaders will reflect on HR’s evolution and essence, drawing on both historical insights and future directions.
• - Networking Opportunities: At the end of the sessions, there will be an opportunity for participants to engage in relaxed networking over light refreshments.

Early Insights from the Japanese Freestyle Ski Team

As part of the conference, HRD will present an advance report featuring the Japanese Freestyle Ski Team’s experience with the Catalyst pilot program. This involved eight coaches and fourteen athletes leveraging the program to visualize behavioral styles and enhance mutual understanding through focused dialogue sessions. Key insights include:

• - The ability to identify structural communication misalignments among team members.
• - Comments from head coach Kentaro Tsuda regarding significant shifts in perception as issues long felt were finally given a name.

This experience showcases how HRD's theme of integrating emotions and science can be applied in various contexts, providing a lens through which HR professionals can understand team dynamics and discussions.

Conference Details

• - Date: January 30, 2026
• - Time: 13:00-18:00 (Doors open at 12:30)
• - Location: Toranomon Hills Forum, Hall B, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Capacity: Limited to 300 participants, with some spots still available – early registration is encouraged to secure a place.
• - Participation Fee: Complimentary for invited guests, and a fee of 15,000 yen (excluding tax) for general participants. Free entry for those referred by current HRD users.
• - Organizer: HRD Corporation

HRD NeXT is a prestigious annual conference that has celebrated innovation in HR since 1994, providing a platform for the latest research and case studies on organizational and talent development practices. As the HRD community continues to grow, the conference also seeks to foster connections and shared learning experiences among attendees.

For more information and registration, visit the special conference site. Join us for HRD NeXT 2026 and contribute to shaping the future of strategic HR management!