Annual Employment Conference 2027 (#AEC2027)

Annual Employment Conference 2027: Ubuntu 3.0 – Leading Humanely in the Intelligent Workplace

People. Purpose. Policy. Progress. Together.

The future of work is being shaped by artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty, changing employment legislation and growing expectations around fairness, inclusion and leadership.

As technology changes how organisations operate, South African employers face an increasingly important question: How do we embrace innovation while ensuring that people remain at the centre of employment decisions?

The Global Business Solutions Annual Employment Conference 2027 (#AEC2027) brings together leading HR strategists, business leaders, policymakers, employment law specialists and innovators to address this question and explore the forces reshaping South Africa's employment environment.

Under the theme Ubuntu 3.0: Leading Humanely in the Intelligent Workplace, the conference examines how the African philosophy of Ubuntu can guide responsible AI adoption, employment policy, workplace transformation and inclusive economic growth.

At the heart of the conference is a simple principle: Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu — a person is a person because of others.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in recruitment, workforce management, decision-making and organisational operations, this principle offers a human-centred foundation for balancing innovation with dignity, fairness and accountability.

Through expert keynotes, thought-provoking panel discussions, real-world case studies and practical demonstrations, AEC 2027 will help delegates understand the latest developments in employment law, labour market policy, artificial intelligence and workforce strategy. Stay tuned for the full speaker line-up #watchthespace!

What the conference will cover

• Ubuntu 3.0 and the future of work: Why Ubuntu matters now and how organisations can reimagine work in an AI-enabled, human-centred world.

• Economic outlook and labour market 2027: South Africa's economic growth, unemployment, youth opportunities, international trade shocks and post-election policy direction.

• AI and employment: Policy and practice: Developments in South African employment legislation, emerging AI applications and their implications for jobs, workplace policies and employer responsibilities.

• Employment Equity: The first sectoral target cycle: The reviewed EE Code of Good Practice, Section 53 compliance, workforce data and leadership accountability.

• Youth employment: From potential to participation: Youth employment trends, the return on investment of employment initiatives and pending regulatory amendments.

• Pay, bargaining and protests: The 2026/27 wage settlement environment, National Minimum Wage developments, remuneration governance and lessons from recent labour protests.

• BPO, digital work and industry transformation: The changing business process outsourcing sector, digital work and the role of HR in building trust and making people-focused decisions in automated workplaces.

• South Africa in a global context: How international developments and major geopolitical and economic forces could affect South African employers.

• Leadership lessons from sport and business: Perspectives on leadership, resilience, performance and organisational success from prominent South African leaders.

• AI Compass Lab and live demonstrations: Practical AI bot demonstrations, tool validation, governance accountability and real-world applications of AI in business and employment.

Why attend AEC 2027?

AEC 2027 goes beyond a conventional employment law update. It connects the economic, technological, legal and human factors influencing how South African organisations will operate in 2027 and beyond.

Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from industry leaders, participate in discussions on emerging employment challenges, examine practical applications of AI and connect with executives and professionals shaping the country's employment environment.

The conference is designed to help organisations prepare for changes in employment policy, strengthen workforce decision-making, understand emerging compliance requirements and build workplaces where technology and people can succeed together.

Who should attend?

The conference is particularly relevant to Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs), HR Directors and Managers, Employee and Industrial Relations professionals, Employment Equity and Transformation specialists, employment law practitioners, business executives, policymakers, organisational development professionals and leaders responsible for workforce strategy, digital transformation and responsible AI adoption.

Conference details

Date: Thursday, 11 March 2027

In-person venue @ The Maslow Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg

Virtual attendance @ Microsoft Teams

IN-PERSON: R4,350 excl. VAT per delegate

VIRTUAL: R3,250 excl. VAT per delegate

Group bookings: Book a table of eight and receive a 10% discount using code #TABLE.

CPD points: 8 SABPP HR CPD points, with an additional certificate available for R55 excl. VAT.

Presented by Global Business Solutions (GBS) - Your Partner in Strategic HR Compliance

All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site.

*All courses and conferences are subject to minimum delegate numbers.

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