Want to keep a finger on the pulse of the newest HR trends and grow your network? The 21st edition of the Vlerick HR Day is a unique opportunity for HR practitioners to connect with leading HR academics and experienced professionals – this is where HR practitioners and HR academy meet.
Our 50+ academic speakers and practitioners will give you plenty of food for thought by sharing insights and experiences – and, of course, there’ll be networking opportunities abound.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn and share!
Want to get a flavour for the Vlerick HR Day? Watch the video to get a feel for the energy, atmosphere and connection you’ll experience at this must-attend event. Join us for expert insights, networking, new approaches – and fun. You’ll leave energised, and ready to make an even greater impact in your organisation.
Keynote speakers
Prof Dr Koen Dewettinck
Vlerick Business School
HR Day 2026: Setting the scene
Prof Dr Nicky Dries
KU Leuven
Reimagining the future of work: Rejecting the frame
A provocative keynote that challenges cost-driven narratives about AI and invites value-led imaginaries for the future of work.
Prof Dr Katleen De Stobbeleir
Vlerick Business School
Cracking the productivity-wellbeing equation in leadership
How does AI reshape the way leaders think and act? In this keynote, Professor Katleen De Stobbeleir explores how leaders can stay grounded, rely less on digital comfort zones and rediscover the link between productivity, growth and genuine wellbeing.
Steve Head
Inspirational Speaker, Trainer and Performance coach to England Wheelchair Rugby League World Champions
Making the 1% difference: A positivity toolkit
You’ll discover the importance of practising positivity - the best kept secret for human motivation!
Detailed programme
9.30 AM
Registration & welcome coffee
10.10 AM
10.40 AM
11.30 AM
12.00 PM
1.30 PM
Lunch & networking
3.00 PM
3.00 PM
3.45 PM
Coffee break
5.15 PM
5.15 PM
Reception & networking
Lunch & Learn
Optional: participate in a sponsored lunch & learn session!
Session 1 (Loyens&Loeff): From Challenge to Opportunity – New HR legal Measures for Today’s Reality
Kris De Schutter
Description:
This Lunch & Learn session highlights practical HR measures to support employees, strengthen engagement and guide organizations through periods of change and challenge.
Session 2 (o2o Bicycle Leasing): Does the implementation of the Federal Mobility Budget actually lead to smarter mobility?
Caroline Van Even
Description:
The implementation of the federal mobility budget is being expanded: according to the government, this is a step towards more modern and sustainable mobility. But is that really the case? Does FMB bring about a modal shift to reduce the pressure on our Belgian roads? And how does this favorable regime for the lucky few help companies to tackle their mobility policy in a structural way?
Session 3 (Syntegro & CROPLAND): AI Chatbot for your HR department, Your digital HR colleague
Frank De Weser, Managing Director Syntegro
Geert Vromman, CEO Cropland
Description:
Is your HR department wasting valuable time on repetitive questions?
Whether it concerns leave, working from home or meal vouchers, the complex Belgian payroll system means that the correct answer is different for every employee. This requires manual research and takes up a lot of time.
During our session, Syntegro and CROPLAND will present the solution: your new digital HR colleague.
Session 4 (Liantis): Absenteeism & Reintegration: success stories
Sylvia Vanden Avenne (Director Prevention & Wellbeing - Liantis)
Description:
Since 1 January 2026, Belgium’s new reintegration legislation has fundamentally changed how organisations must manage absenteeism, placing a strong emphasis on early action, structured follow‑up and employer accountability. For HR Directors, this means moving from reactive case management to a proactive, policy‑driven reintegration strategy, with clear deadlines, documentation duties and collaboration with occupational health services. In this keynote, Sylvia Vanden Avenne, Director Prevention & Wellbeing at HR services provider Liantis, translates the new law into concrete, workable HR practice and shares best practice from the past months. As an occupational physician, she has personally initiated and guided hundreds of reintegration trajectories and conversations over the past years. In addition, she serves as an advisor to CO‑PREV and the federal cabinet of the Minister of Public Health on the reform of medical supervision and reintegration legislation. Her unique combination of medical expertise, policy insight and hands‑on experience makes her the authority to help HR leaders overcome hurdles and turn reintegration into a strategic lever for wellbeing and performance.
Speakers
|
|
Partners and sponsors
Chair Partner
Media Partners
Platinum sponsors
Diamond sponsor
Gold sponsor
Silver sponsors
Start-up sponsors
Want your organisation to be part of the Vlerick HR Day network?
Sponsoring the Vlerick HR Day can add special benefits − for yourself and for your organisation. For example, we’re organising an exclusive C-level pre-night event.
Download our sponsor opportunities. Or contact Sien Garré, who’ll help you find the best fit for your organisation: sien.garre@vlerick.com - +32 477 80 89 64.
We look forward to welcoming you and your organisation to an inspiring and successful edition of the Vlerick HR Day on 10 June 2026!
Let’s create impact together!
Get in touch!
