HR TECH Innovation Summit 2026: A preview of the conferences and masterclasses
- Jean-Baptiste Audrerie

- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Everything you need to understand AI and the success of your HRIS projects in 2026
The Montreal HR Tech Innovation Summit 2026, to be held on February 12, is shaping up to be a must-attend event for human resources professionals in Quebec.
Here is an overview of the 8 conferences and 4 masterclasses that will shape the future of the HR function that we have prepared for all participants in this new edition.
The 8 Conferences
1. Using AI in HR in Quebec and Canada: what does the very first barometer on emerging practices reveal?
Presenters: Jean-Baptiste Audrerie (Nexa RH), Valérie Fichelle (Nexa RH)
This conference is of paramount importance for HR in 2026. It will offer an exclusive glimpse into the first consolidated data on the adoption of artificial intelligence in HR departments in Quebec and Canada.
For both SMEs and large companies, this session will provide an opportunity to benchmark their position in the market, identify underlying trends, and understand how AI can be a driver of performance. It's a unique opportunity to align your strategy with evidence-based data and prepare your HR function for the transformations ahead.
2. Modernizing the employee experience: how to add a layer of engagement without changing your systems?
Presenters: Mathieu Boulard-Monarque, Director, Payroll and HR Digital Transformation (BELL) and Steven McNair (SERVICENOW)
By 2026, employee experience will be more central than ever to talent retention strategies. This conference is for all Quebec companies looking to improve team engagement without replacing their existing HR systems.
For CHRO and HRD, this is an opportunity to discover practical solutions for creating a more seamless and engaging work environment. The session will explore how a technological overlay can unify and simplify employee interactions with HR services, a key factor for productivity and well-being at work.
3. Activating a skills-based strategy: what concrete levers can be used to build an agile and resilient organization?
Presenters: Éric Beaudoin (PwC Canada) and Sonia Boisvert (PwC Canada)
Skills management has become a cornerstone of organizational performance. This conference is essential for HR decision-makers who want to transform their company into a learning and adaptive organization.
She will present concrete levers for implementing an effective skills strategy, from identifying needs to succession planning. For Quebec businesses, this is a crucial step to remain competitive in a constantly evolving economy, by ensuring that the right skills are in the right place at the right time.
4. Innovating in time and absence management: how does a dedicated platform improve the experience of frontline employees?
Presenters: Sayon Keita, IT Project Manager (GARDAWORLD) and Mathieu Diab (WORKAXLE)
Managing schedules and absences is a constant challenge, especially for companies with a frontline workforce. This conference will demonstrate how a specialized platform can not only optimize these processes but also significantly improve the employee experience.
For HR teams, this is an opportunity to see how technology can simplify their teams' lives, reduce absenteeism, and increase job satisfaction. In 2026, with labor shortages, taking care of frontline employees is a strategic investment.
5. Transforming HR for frontline employees: what lessons can be learned from the deployment of SuccessFactors at Olymel?
Presenters: Philippe de Villers, Senior Director of Business Practices - Human Capital, Talent and Culture (OLYMEL) and Sylvain Deguire (SAP SuccessFactors)
The Olymel case is an inspiring example of HR transformation for frontline employees. This conference will offer valuable feedback on the deployment of a major HR solution in a complex industrial context.
For HR leaders, this is a unique opportunity to learn from the successes and challenges of a large-scale project. The lessons learned from this experience will be particularly relevant for Quebec companies considering modernizing their HR systems to better serve all their employees.
6. Forecasting jobs and skills: what data can be used with the PSMO?
Presenter: Layla Nasr (MAKILA AI)
Strategic workforce planning (SWP) is a powerful tool for anticipating skills and job needs. This conference will explain how to leverage data to make SWP more predictive and effective.
For HR decision-makers and HR data professionals, this is an opportunity to discover how artificial intelligence can help them make more informed decisions regarding recruitment, training, and talent development. In a tight labor market, the ability to anticipate needs is an undeniable competitive advantage for companies of all sizes.
7. Moving from Excel to real-time: how the Meloche Group revolutionized its HR function with an integrated SaaS solution?
Presenters: Andrée Patenaude (GROUPE MELOCHE) and Viviana Benitez (HR PATH)
The transition from Excel to an integrated HR solution is a major transformation for many companies. This conference, using the Meloche Group as an example, will illustrate the tangible benefits of such a transition.
For HR leaders in SMEs, this is a source of inspiration for modernizing their HR function and gaining efficiency and agility. The session will highlight how a SaaS solution can not only automate administrative tasks but also provide real-time data for more strategic human resource management.
8. Integrating AI Responsible in HR: how to lead with integrity in the age of automation?
Presenter: Samer Saab (EXPLORANCE)
Artificial intelligence in HR raises ethical and accountability questions. This conference is essential for HR professionals who want to integrate AI into their practices while respecting the principles of fairness and transparency.
She will address the challenges of responsible AI and provide guidance on leading with integrity in the age of automation. For Quebec companies, this is a matter of reputation and compliance, but also a question of trust with employees and candidates.

The Masterclasses
1. Managing change in the age of AI: What are the specific and concrete aspects of integrating AI into HR and payroll functions?
Presenter: Stéphan Séguin (INNOOVA)
This masterclass is a practical dive into managing change related to AI. It is aimed at HR professionals who are currently integrating or planning to integrate AI into their HR and payroll processes.
The session will focus on the practical aspects of change, from communication to team training. It's an opportunity to acquire tools and methods to support the transformation and ensure buy-in from all stakeholders within the company.
2. Creating AI agents for HR: how to automate key tasks?
Presenters: Antoine Riquiez (HALFSERIOUS) and Stéphan Séguin (INNOOVA)
Automation is one of the promises of AI in HR. This masterclass will show how to create AI agents to automate key tasks, such as sorting resumes, answering employee questions, or scheduling interviews.
For HR leaders, this is an opportunity to see how to free up time for higher-value tasks. The session will be decidedly practical, with concrete examples and demonstrations.
3. Successfully implementing your HRIS: what needs to be planned before, during and after the project?
Presenters: Slim Ben Bahloul (BDO) and Jean-Marc Faes (BDO)
Implementing an HRIS is a complex project that requires careful preparation. This masterclass will provide a comprehensive roadmap for successful project implementation, from defining needs to deployment and beyond.
For Chief Habilitation Officers and HR Directors, this is an opportunity to benefit from expert experience and avoid common pitfalls. The session will cover all phases of the project and provide practical advice to ensure successful implementation.
4. Transforming skills management: how to use AI to target the skills that matter?
Presenter: Marc-André Nataf (CEGID)
This masterclass will delve deeper into the topic of skills management by showing how AI can help identify the skills critical to the future of the company.
For HR Directors and Talent and Culture Directors, this is an opportunity to discover innovative approaches to skills mapping, identifying gaps, and implementing targeted development plans. The session will explore how AI can analyze internal and external data to anticipate skills needs and align talent strategy with business strategy.
Take advantage of our discount code
The discount code can be applied at any time to your registration, whether individual or team.
Quebec's HR Tech Innovation Summit 2026: A lever for your growth
The HR TECH Innovation Summit 2026 is much more than just an event.
It is a strategic platform for any HR professional wishing to transform their HR function, whether in SMEs or large companies.
The conferences and masterclasses presented offer concrete solutions and valuable feedback for navigating a rapidly changing world of work.







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