Handelsblatt Work in Progress (HR summit)

Overview

Work in Progress is Handelsblatt’s annual HR summit for CHROs and other HR decision-makers. It covers HR technology, artificial intelligence, leadership, future skills, organizational transformation, and the changing nature of work. The event is positioned as a business-media conference rather than a standalone HR technology or learning-software company.

The 2025 and 2026 editions were associated with the Handelsblatt Media Group venue in Düsseldorf. Its distinctiveness comes from combining Handelsblatt editorial participation with executive speakers, professional networking, interactive sessions, and commercial partners from the HR and consulting ecosystem.

History

Work in Progress is an annual Handelsblatt HR conference focused on the future of work, including artificial intelligence, leadership, skills, and organizational change. The event was held in Düsseldorf on July 10–11, 2025, and the 2026 edition is scheduled for July 9, 2026. Handelsblatt editorial and management figures participate in the program, while event administration uses Euroforum contact details. The available event material does not identify a separate founder or a precise launch year.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Not applicable. Work in Progress is a professional conference produced in connection with Handelsblatt GmbH and the Handelsblatt Media Group, with programming, speakers, networking, and partner activities rather than physical products.

Notable Products

• Work in Progress annual conference - Annual HR leadership conference addressing AI transformation, changing leadership, and skills-based organizations.
• Main-stage and interactive program - Conference program featuring keynotes, discussions, interactive sessions, and networking for CHROs and HR decision-makers.
• Partner and sponsor program - Commercial and knowledge-sharing participation opportunities for companies active in HR, technology, and workplace transformation.

Reputation

The event is presented as a professional forum for senior HR leaders and is supported by Handelsblatt’s business-media context. Its relevance comes from access to executive speakers and discussion of current topics such as AI, future skills, and organizational change. Publicly available material provides limited independent evidence about attendee satisfaction, pricing, or critical reception, so claims about market impact should be treated cautiously.