The SHRM Linkage Institute is the premier experience equipping high-potential leaders with the strategies and insights they need to drive measurable business impact.
This immersive leadership development opportunity accelerates growth for leaders across industries, functions, and levels—while fostering powerful networks and delivering scalable impact for organizations committed to optimizing their talent.
Nov. 15 - 18, 2026 | Nashville, TN and Virtual
Now is the time to blaze a path forward for your workforce. Your top talent will maximize their impact across your organization. Access special packages when you send a team of 5+ attendees.
82% say they & their team are outperforming the company average
75% are more engaged with their work
69% have more personal satisfaction with work
67% are more likely to stay with their company
The Institute equips talent with tools to lead thriving organizations and drive business results. No two development journeys are the same—which is why the experience is facilitated through pre-event sessions and comprehensive assessments, all personalized to meet the needs of your talent pipeline and workforce.
You will receive actionable insights on participant progress to ensure alignment on goals and growth helping you drive maximum business impact. Business leaders that send cohorts to The Institute see an immediate impact on culture and results.
Leaders drawn from both business and culture provide inspiration and thought-provoking insights for all participants. This year's speakers included Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President & CEO of SHRM; Haben Girma, the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School and bestselling author; Mick Ebeling, founder of Not Impossible Labs; and Khaliah O. Guillory, founder of Nap Bar.
SHRM Linkage Institute (The Institute) is a transformational, three-day immersive learning experience that empowers leaders from all stages of their careers with the skills, strategies, and insights to accelerate their individual growth and impact business success. The Institute is designed to unlock potential, drive results, and propel individuals and organizations forward.
The Institute offers two flexible formats: in-person in Nashville, TN, or 100% virtual. Regardless of how you or your team chooses to engage, expect to gain actionable strategies that will advance your workforce through engaging keynotes, data-driven development, and more. Customize the experience with options designed to fit your needs and goals:
If you have questions or need help deciding which experience is best for you and your team, please contact us at linkage-customerservice@shrm.org.
Yes. Our proprietary assessments ensure leadership development is targeted and impactful, tailored to the needs and goals of our partner organizations. Attendees will be measured on their proficiency in key competencies designed for a specific learning journey. By translating assessment data into customized development solutions, we provide valuable insights into each attendee's strengths and growth opportunities—guiding a personalized and effective learning experience.
Unlike a conference, the content of The Institute is designed to build throughout the experience. To get the most out of the all-access pass and cover the entire curriculum, it is on a set schedule during the week of the live event. Your cohort's participation in small-group learning and in-the-moment sessions is critically important.
To maximize the impact of The Institute for your organization, we highly recommend participating live either in-person or virtually. However, every participant will be given extended access to the recorded content, which includes keynotes, some breakout sessions, and other special sessions, for 90 days after the start of the event.
The Institute is hosted and broadcast live in Central Time. Please see the full agenda for timing.
To send a cohort of 5+ attendees-and transform your organization with the impact of The Institute — please fill out this form. We will be in touch to discuss details of the program and opportunities to customize the SHRM Linkage Institute experience to the needs of your team.
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