HR Pacesetter Awards
Celebrating Excellence and Innovation in HR

The HR Pacesetter Awards honor HR teams that are redefining what’s possible in our profession. HR Pacesetters set the standard for excellence in their organizations—pioneering creative solutions, embracing new technologies, and putting people at the center to drive meaningful business impact.

Whether you’ve launched a bold new initiative, reimagined your HR operating model, or harnessed the power of AI to redesign how work gets done, this is your opportunity to showcase your team’s work and inspire our global HR community.

Apply for the 2027 HR Pacesetter Awards now!  

Looking for examples? Keep an eye out for soon-to-be-released 2026 HR Pacesetter stories!

Application Process Details

Applications are now open for the 2027 HR Pacesetter Awards!

Please follow the instructions below to apply:

1. Download the application template using this link. 

2. Review and fill out the full application. You may link out to supplemental materials directly in the document or in the submission form below.

3. Save your application as a PDF or word document, ensure it is completed, and attach it to the form below. 

4. Once the form is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email indicating we have received your application.

5. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2027 at 11:59 PM PT

Ready to submit your application? Complete the form below:

Have questions? Email hrpacesetters@bersinpartners.com for more information!

The Awards Ceremony

The HR Pacesetter Award ceremony will take place as part of the Irresistible 2027 conference in Los Angeles. Winners will be announced and celebrated during an unforgettable evening on Tuesday, May 18, 2027. 

We will continue to highlight winners throughout the rest of the Irresistible conference and more broadly to our community throughout the year. Award recipients will also have opportunities to share their stories, inspiring others by spotlighting their work.

HR Pacesetter Award FAQs

I applied in 2026. Can I apply again? 

Absolutely! Please share a different example, or if your transformation or project has progressed and has significantly more detail and results, you can reapply with the same initiative.

How many applications can I submit? 

You can submit up to two applications per company. Please ensure applications and the stories they highlight are distinct.

Are there specific categories I can apply for?

We do not have preset categories for awards, as we encourage you to apply with any initiative where your HR team played an important role. However, we do categorize awards when we distribute them.

I want to apply, but our story is not approved to be shared publicly. Can I still apply?

If your story or results are not approved to share publicly, please select a different initiative or story. All applications should be pre-approved by any internal parties as necessary, such that The Josh Bersin Company can share examples with our community. Please see the HR Pacesetter Awards Submission Terms above for more details.

When will I find out if I am receiving an award?

All applicants will be notified of their application status by April 9. We kindly ask that award recipients hold off on sharing publicly until the announcement on May 18th. 

When will the awards be publicly announced?

Awards will be publicly announced on the evening of May 18th, 2027, during the award ceremony at Irresistible. We will announce more details online after the ceremony.

Will winner stories be shared?

The Josh Bersin Company will share highlights from award recipient stories during and after the award ceremony. Winners will have the opportunity to further spotlight their story through a written case study or podcast episode on The Josh Bersin Company WhatWorks podcast.

What do I win if I get an award?

Award winners will receive public recognition by The Josh Bersin Company; an opportunity to further highlight their story on The Josh Bersin Company podcast or through a full written case study; and a physical glass award, shipped directly to you.

What if I can’t make it to the award ceremony in Los Angeles?

We completely understand that travel to Irresistible may not be feasible. You are not required to attend in person, and we will celebrate winners virtually through online channels. Please note that your physical award will be shipped to you.

Have additional questions about the HR Pacesetter Awards or the process? Email hrpacesetters@bersinpartners.com for more information!