As recruitment technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, HR.com's HR Research Institute has unveiled its 2026 Recruitment Technology Advisory Board, comprising respected HR leaders and talent acquisition experts. This board will guide new research and educational programming focused on the technologies reshaping the hiring process, with a particular emphasis on automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
The advisory board's strategic insights will shape the upcoming HR Research Institute study and a virtual event, both designed to examine how organizations are leveraging these technologies to improve hiring outcomes. According to Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, "Recruitment technology is advancing rapidly, creating new opportunities to improve hiring efficiency and the candidate experience. Our Advisory Board will help ensure our research and events deliver practical, data-driven insights that enable HR professionals to make informed technology decisions."
The research and virtual event will delve into the current state of recruitment technologies, including the growing impact of AI, and will identify which solutions organizations are using most successfully. It will also examine how employers measure recruiting performance through technology, highlight emerging best practices, and look ahead at the next generation of recruitment innovations.
The centerpiece of this initiative is the Future of Recruitment Technologies 2026 Virtual Event, scheduled for November 18, 2026. The event is free to attend, and registration is available online.
The newly formed 2026 Future of Recruitment Technologies Advisory Board features distinguished experts from various sectors of the industry. The members include Deb Andrucuk, VP Strategic Growth at Joveo; Brian Fink, Managing Partner at The ReWork Group; Susan Hanold, Ph.D., Vice President OD, People and Change at Plan Z Solutions; Joel Kirk, Director of Talent Engagement at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; Pete Radloff, Senior Technical Leadership Recruiter at DataDog; and Jason Vogel, Senior Manager and Catalyst Executive Recruiter at PWC.
The HR Research Institute regularly releases annual "State of the Industry" reports across a variety of HR topics. This initiative builds on last year's Future of Recruitment Technologies 2025-26 report, providing a foundation for this year's deeper exploration. These and other free research reports and infographics can be downloaded at hr.com/researchinstitute.
The implications of this announcement are significant for HR professionals and organizations alike. As AI and automation become more integral to recruitment, understanding which technologies yield the best results is crucial for staying competitive. The advisory board's diverse expertise ensures that the research will address real-world challenges and provide actionable insights, helping HR leaders make informed decisions that enhance hiring efficiency and candidate experience.
Moreover, the virtual event offers a platform for HR professionals to learn from industry experts and peers, fostering a community of practice around recruitment technology. By identifying emerging trends and best practices, this initiative aims to equip organizations with the knowledge needed to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of talent acquisition.
