This year's event features an impressive line-up of international and Australian speakers spanning workforce strategy, economics, recruitment technology, AI, offshoring and organisational transformation.
Opening the conference is Kevin O'Neill, Technology Research Director at Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), who will deliver a global perspective on workforce trends, technology disruption and the future direction of the recruitment and staffing sector.
Attendees will also hear from Besa Deda, Chief Economist at William Buck, who will provide an expert analysis of the Australian economy, labour market conditions and the factors influencing hiring demand and business confidence.
The growing impact of offshore workforce solutions will be explored by Amit Somaiya, CEO and Co-Founder of IMS Group, while industry leaders from organisations including Hays, The Network, BREXA ANZ, WorkPro, Goheadhunt, Impellam Group, Morson Edge Australia and The Precision Group will join panel discussions examining workforce ecosystems, business transformation and future capability requirements.
Artificial intelligence will be a major focus of the afternoon agenda.
Jordan Betteridge and Lee Whittaker, Co-Founders of HyperAutomate, will lead a practical AI workshop demonstrating how staffing and recruitment businesses can leverage technology to improve decision-making, operational efficiency and growth.
Adding a real-world perspective, Monique Richards, Managing Director of Aquent Australia, will share Aquent's evolving AI journey, offering insights into how the business is embedding AI into everyday recruitment workflows while managing organisational change.
Returning by popular demand is The Big Rec Quiz, hosted by renowned recruitment trainer and industry commentator Ross Clennett, providing a lively conclusion to a day of learning, discussion and industry connection.
APSCo Australia Managing Director Lesley Horsburgh said Emerge is designed to help recruitment leaders navigate a rapidly changing market environment.
"Much of the industry conversation today centres on AI, but the bigger story is the transformation of the workforce ecosystem itself. Service models are converging, client expectations are shifting, and new opportunities are emerging across areas such as SOW, offshoring and specialist talent solutions. Emerge is about bringing those conversations together and helping industry leaders understand where they fit in this evolving market."
The conference concludes with networking drinks, providing attendees with opportunities to connect with peers at Parliament House.
Tickets are now on sale, with individual and corporate package options available here
Event: Emerge 2026
Date: Tuesday July 28
Location: Parliament House, Sydney
Hosted by: APSCo Australia