A Look Back at Workhuman Live Venues: From Orlando to Denver and Beyond

From the first time we sat down to talk about the event that would become Workhuman Live, we knew we needed it to be more than a conference. We wanted it to be an experience. That meant choosing a Workhuman Live venue that would be just as remarkable.

And if we were going to ask you to travel and spend time with us, we wanted every city, every venue, and every detail we included to reflect the energy and purpose of the event. Our promise to you has always been that Workhuman Live is a place where HR professionals and business leaders can recharge, connect, and leave with renewed inspiration. 

So from local music, artists, and food trucks – and from deserts to beaches to mountain vistas – each host city and venue we picked has been chosen in the hope it will bring something unique to the journey. And we hope you’ve enjoyed them as much as we have!

It’s been 10 years of events now, and we’ve gathered in seven stunning cities. As we gear up for Workhuman Live 2025 in the Rockies, perhaps our most stunning venue yet, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at where we’ve been and how each place helped shape the incredible movement we share to make work more human.

2015 – Orlando: The beginning of the Workhuman movement

Orlando’s sunny optimism and world-class hospitality made it the ideal launchpad for Workhuman Live. It was the perfect place to start what would become a global movement. 

Why we chose Orlando for our debut:

As the birthplace of Workhuman Live, Orlando’s lively energy and reputation for hospitality provided a solid foundation for what would become the best HR conference. Its sunny weather and family-friendly attractions made it a welcoming destination for the first attendees.

Local flair:

• Manifesto walls invited attendees to share what “Workhuman” meant to them, sparking a sense of community and purpose.
• Sunrise connections – outdoor yoga and a morning run.
• ‘‘Walk & talk’ chats showcased the tropical beauty of the area. 
• We introduced the Workhuman Bookstore, which has gone on to feature local writers and products every year since. 

Spotlight on the venue:

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress was an intimate space that balanced elegance and fun, offering attendees a chance to connect in a vibrant, inspiring environment. And of course, its proximity to Disney and other attractions added a sense of fun to the inaugural event, where many attendees brought their families.

2016 – Orlando: Crafting a more human organization in the sunshine

Returning to Orlando made perfect sense for year two. Its energy and world-class attractions gave attendees the opportunity to connect deeply while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere.

Why we chose Orlando (again):

Orlando, known for its welcoming atmosphere and world-famous attractions, set the stage for a memorable event in Workhuman Live 2016. We’d all had a fantastic experience here in 2015, so as we expanded the event to welcome more people in 2016, we decided to keep the location consistent. Orlando’s blend of entertainment and hospitality made it an ideal choice for creating lasting memories.

Local flair:

• Getting into the Florida sunshine – we continued our yoga and walk & talks.
• Our candy booth, water stations, and a playful donut wall captured Florida’s sunny, lighthearted spirit.
• Our much-loved #naphuman pillows tapped into Florida’s laid-back, relaxed vibe.

Spotlight on the venue:

We did need a bigger venue for a larger crowd, however, and the Orlando World Center Marriott wowed us. With expansive meeting spaces, pools, and a golf course, it offered a unique mix of conference spaces and places to relax.

2017 – Phoenix: An oasis of strategy and inspiration

Phoenix’s serene desert landscapes offered attendees a tranquil space to reflect, recharge, and engage with cutting-edge ideas.

Local flair:

• A local T-shirt vendor came on-site to help people create “Me-shirts”, where attendees were able to customize their own unique souvenir to commemorate their experience.
• The Workhuman Gratitude Bar made its debut, supporting local Arizona charities and tying the event to the community.
• Our candy bar became a rock-candy table, paired with a beautiful Geode keepsake to reflect the Arizona landscape. 

Spotlight on the venue:

The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge combined luxury and inspiration with stunning outdoor spaces and top-notch amenities.

2018 – Austin: The frontier of employee insight and creativity

Austin’s reputation as a hub of innovation and creativity aligned perfectly with the Workhuman Live spirit. The city’s energy inspired fresh perspectives and bold ideas.

Why we chose Austin:

Austin’s thriving creative community welcomed attendees, reinforcing the city’s alignment with Workhuman Live’s spirit of innovation. The city’s collaborative energy and eclectic food scene make it an inspiring place to share ideas and build connections.

Local flair:

• Airbrush tattoo artists let people express their unique selves.
• An Austin-themed drive-in hosted our lightning talks, and our bookstore featured pieces from local artists.
• Local food trucks brought Austin’s creative and culinary energy to life.

Spotlight on the venue:

The Austin Convention Center provided flexible, accessible spaces that encouraged meaningful connections in the heart of downtown Austin.

2019 – Nashville: A music-filled celebration in good company

Nashville’s vibrant music scene and growing tech community made it a dynamic setting for bold conversations about the future of work.

Why we chose Nashville:

Nashville, the heart of country music, brought an undeniable vibrancy to Workhuman Live 2019. Beyond its music scene, the city is home to a growing tech and entrepreneurial community, making it a fitting choice for a forward-thinking event.  

Local flair:

• Local musicians adorned the air with the sounds of Music City.
• Filled with treasures created by local artisans, the Automat invited participants to share a piece of themselves in return for an original artwork.
• We incorporated Nashville-themed street art and graphics throughout the event, and the famed Hatch Show Print provided custom letterpress prints for attendees.

Spotlight on the venue:

The Gaylord Opryland Resort is a destination in itself. With stunning indoor gardens, a riverboat experience, and luxurious amenities, it provided an unforgettable setting for the event.

2020-2021: Virtual, yet connected

Although in-person plans for our Denver conference in 2020 were sadly canceled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of keeping everyone safe – the virtual conference this year and the year following did have some silver linings.

For one, it brought Workhuman Live to a global audience, setting the stage for the later introduction of Workhuman Live Forum in London. Virtual sessions spotlighted global cultural diversity, keeping our shared connection alive. Everyone got to attend the incredible online talks from the safety and comfort of their own living room – and in their yoga pants. Overall, the resilience and adaptability showcased by attendees and speakers during this time underscored the values at the heart of the gathering. 

2022 – Atlanta: Southern hospitality and class

With its rich history and vibrant energy, Atlanta was the ideal place to explore themes of inclusivity and connection.

Why we chose Atlanta:

Atlanta is a city of contrasts – steeped in history yet buzzing with innovation. Known as the heart of the South, it welcomed Workhuman Live 2022 with warm hospitality and a diverse cultural scene. The city’s rich history of civil rights leadership added depth to conversations about creating a more inclusive workplace.

Local flair:

• Southern cuisine offered a true taste of Georgia.
• Unique gratitude moments embodied the city’s warm, welcoming spirit.

Spotlight on the venue:

The Georgia World Congress Center is one of the largest conference centers in the U.S., offering unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Its central location in downtown Atlanta gave attendees easy access to the city’s vibrant attractions, from Centennial Olympic Park to world-renowned dining options.

2023 – San Diego: Coastal creativity and community

San Diego’s laid-back energy and stunning coastline gave attendees the chance to unwind and recharge while engaging in forward-thinking discussions.

Why we chose San Diego:

With its idyllic weather, stunning beaches, and laid-back culture, San Diego was a natural choice for Workhuman Live 2023. As a city known for innovation and connection, it embodied the values of the conference. Attendees could unwind by the ocean after engaging in thought-provoking sessions, making it a truly rejuvenating experience.

Local flair:

• Aura photography and local art installations celebrated the city’s creative vibe.
• SewLoka, a local slow fashion clothing brand, shared their upcycled creations. 

Spotlight on the venue:

The San Diego Convention Center is a world-class venue with breathtaking views of the bay. Its iconic architecture and expansive waterfront location provided a stunning and functional setting for the event, making it as visually inspiring as it was logistically efficient.

2023 – London: The first sign of a new tradition

After more than eight years of success with Workhuman Live, we decided to share the love and establish our Workhuman Live Forum in London to welcome leaders and HR practitioners across Europe. 

Why we chose London:

London, a global hub for culture, commerce, and connection, was the perfect city to expand Workhuman Live’s international presence in 2023. With its rich history and vibrant modernity, London brought a global perspective to the future of work, connecting HR leaders from across Europe. Steeped in tradition, we thought this was a fantastic place to kick off our new tradition.

Local flair:

• Situated in the heart of London, attendees enjoyed stunning views of Big Ben and the Thames River. 
• The event embraced London’s cultural diversity, offering globally relevant themes and insights.

Spotlight on the venue:

Held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, this venue combined contemporary design with an unbeatable location near iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye. Its conference facilities offered a seamless blend of style and functionality, ideal for fostering connections and exchanging ideas.

2024 – Austin: Revisiting the taste of Texas

Austin’s mix of creativity, culture, and community made it a favorite destination for Workhuman Live. So great we went there twice!

Why we chose Austin (again):

Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is a cultural hotspot where creativity thrives. With its unique blend of music, technology, and culinary innovation, it provided an inspiring backdrop for our 2024 conference. The city’s friendly atmosphere and vibrant downtown make it an ideal place for HR professionals to connect and exchange ideas.

Local flair:

• Live performances by local musicians in our bookstore/cafe captured the city’s vibrant energy.
• Food trucks were brought in to showcase Austin’s incredible culinary diversity.
• Mosaics throughout the event paid homage to Austin street art. 

Spotlight on the Venue:

The Austin Convention Center is centrally located and boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Its proximity to local music venues, restaurants, and outdoor attractions allowed attendees to immerse themselves in everything Austin offers. The eco-friendly design of the center aligns with Austin’s reputation for sustainability and forward thinking.

2024 – London: Next stop: A human workplace

Following the success of the 2023 forum, Workhuman Live Forum 2024 returned to London to welcome HR and business leaders in the UK and across Europe. 

Why we chose London:

The city’s role as a center for business innovation and its multicultural vibrancy made it an inspiring place for HR professionals to gather from all over, not just in Europe but even further.  Steeped in tradition, we thought this was a fantastic place to kick off our new tradition.

Local flair:

• The elegant venue tied together London Underground and Covent Garden themes to reflect London’s unique mix of tradition and modernity.
• TV personality and body builder James Crossley and his group led a uniquely relaxing morning gong bath.
• To ease the stress of a London afternoon commute, attendees experienced a local-led silent disco meditation.

Spotlight on the venue:

This time, the event moved to the London Hilton on Park Lane (visit their website). Known for its stunning views of Hyde Park and the London skyline, the venue provided an elegant and dynamic space for exploring the latest in HR trends and technology.

Want to experience Workhuman Live Forum in 2025? Join us at the Hilton Park Lane on March 19!

2025 – The Rockies: Peak opportunity

2025 is a big year for our conference – it’s the culmination of a decade-long movement. Under the theme Elevate, this year’s event will invite attendees to (literally) rise above daily challenges and gain clarity, purpose, and perspective. It’s a call to action: to lead with vision, resilience, and humanity as we enter a new era of work.

Why we chose the Rockies:

Call us kitschy, but we figured if we are inviting people to level up, why not do it literally? The clean, refreshing air of the Rockies symbolizes both natural beauty and limitless potential. It’s a place to rejuvenate and reflect – exactly what HR leaders need as they tackle the future of work.

Spotlight on the venue:

The Gaylord Rockies is a stunning facility just outside Denver. It offers breathtaking mountain views, luxurious accommodations, and spaces designed for collaboration and inspiration. We think it’s the perfect place to recharge and reimagine the future of HR – and perhaps our best location yet. 

Celebrating the past and future of Workhuman Live

From Orlando’s sunshine to the Rockies’ breathtaking vistas, every host city has contributed something unique to this remarkable annual conference. As we prepare to gather in the mountains for 2025, we celebrate the journey so far – and the exciting future ahead. 

Join us in Denver in May as we rise higher, together. 

About Darcy Jacobsen

Darcy is a passionate storyteller and champion of workforce transformation, human connection, and recognition-driven culture. As an author on the Workhuman Live Blog, she loves to connect deep research insights with modern workplace dynamics to uncover what really drives engagement, belonging, and happiness at work. With a background in communications and a master’s in medieval history, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, taking deep dives into all topics around organizational psychology and the science of gratitude.