SHRM26 FAQs

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Attend As: An In-Person Participant

SHRM26 will take place at the Orange County Convention Center in the West Building. The Orange County Convention Center (West Building) address is 9800 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819.

In-person registration to SHRM26 includes the following:

  • Onsite access to all education sessions ranging from 20- to 60-minutes in length
  • Livestreaming and 30 days of on-demand recordings of 60-minute education sessions on the SHRM Events app and SHRM26 Attendee Portal (unless otherwise noted)
  • Admission to the SHRM Expo, including the opening reception
  • Networking opportunities onsite, as well as the ability to connect with others via the SHRM Events app and the SHRM26 Attendee Portal
  • Complimentary lunch on Wednesday and Thursday

If you have additional reasonable accessibility and accommodations requests, please complete this form and be as specific as possible. To fulfill your requests, all accessibility and accommodations requests must be submitted by Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Contact your hotel directly if you have any hotel-specific accommodation requests. For all other questions, please contact SHRM Customer Experience.

Download the SHRM Events app from the Apple Store or Google Play store. Select SHRM26 and sign in using your SHRM credentials associated with the email address used to register for SHRM26.

An announcement will be made when the SHRM Events app is live.

How do I watch livestreamed or recorded sessions?

Preconference
Once the SHRM26 Attendee Portal and SHRM Events app open, you can log in with the email address you used to register and favorite sessions or add them to your schedule.

During the Conference
Navigate to sessions you've favorited or added to your schedule or select from sessions in Now Playing and click the play button.

Postconference
Recordings for livestreamed sessions will be available to view up to 30-days postconference. Navigate to the session in the schedule and click the play button.

Recordings for livestreamed sessions will be available to view up to 30-days postconference in both the SHRM Events app and the SHRM26 Attendee Portal.

Be sure you're using the email address and credentials used to register. If you need assistance, please contact SHRM Customer Experience.

Access to Paycom Presents SHRM26 After Hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios® is included in your SHRM26 in-person conference registration. If you're interested in bringing a guest, guest passes are available for registered in-person attendees. More information about the event and how to purchase a guest pass can be found here.

For safety reasons, anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to register or attend a SHRM conference. Strollers or infant carriers are not permitted at any time. Only registrants are allowed to be present in the Expo, conference sessions, concerts and receptions. Exceptions to this policy can be granted by SHRM at SHRM's sole discretion.

Please note that for SHRM26 in Orlando, FL, the age restriction policy does not apply to the official SHRM26 Tuesday Night Entertainment or Paycom Presents SHRM26 After Hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios®. Attendees of all ages that have purchased a pass are welcome at these specific events with a purchased ticket.

Attend As: A Virtual Participant

Virtual registration to SHRM26 includes the following:

  • Livestreaming and 30-days of on-demand recordings of 60-minute education sessions on the SHRM Events app and SHRM26 Attendee Portal (unless otherwise noted)
  • Access to the SHRM Expo catalog, including exhibitors, sponsors, and SHRM Resources
  • Virtual networking opportunities, including access to the SHRM26 Attendee Directory and ability to message other attendees within the SHRM26 Attendee Portal and SHRM Events app

How do I access the SHRM Events app and SHRM26 Attendee Portal to participate in SHRM26 virtually?

Preconference
Once the SHRM26 Attendee Portal and SHRM Events app open, you can log with the email address you used to register and favorite sessions or add them to your schedule.

During the Conference
Navigate to sessions you've favorited or added to your schedule or select from sessions in Now Playing and click the play button.

Postconference
Recordings for livestreamed sessions will be available to view up to 30 days postconference. Navigate to the session in the schedule and click the play button.

Recordings for livestreamed sessions will be available to view up to 30-days postconference in both the SHRM Events app and the SHRM26 Attendee Portal.

Be sure you're using the email address and credentials used to register. If you need assistance, please contact SHRM Customer Experience.

Attend As: A Team

Fill out the group conference registration application or contact SHRM Business at delegations@shrm.org to learn more.

Each group must consist of 5 or more registrants who are from the same company. All group members must be SHRM members or must purchase membership at the time of registration.

Contact delegations@shrm.org and SHRM will connect you with an existing group from your company.

In-person registration to SHRM26 includes the following:

  • Onsite access to all education sessions ranging from 20- to 60-minutes in length
  • Livestreaming and 30-days of on-demand recordings of 60-minute education sessions on the SHRM Events app and SHRM26 Attendee Portal (unless otherwise noted)
  • Admission to the SHRM Expo, including the opening reception
  • Networking opportunities onsite, as well as the ability to connect with others via the SHRM Events app and the SHRM26 Attendee Portal
  • Complimentary lunch on Wednesday and Thursday

Virtual registration to SHRM26 includes the following:

  • Livestreaming and 30-days of on-demand recordings of 60-minute education sessions on the SHRM Events app and SHRM26 Attendee Portal (unless otherwise noted)
  • Access to the SHRM Expo catalog, including exhibitors, sponsors, and SHRM Resources
  • Virtual networking opportunities, including access to the SHRM26 Attendee Directory and ability to message other attendees within the SHRM26 Attendee Portal and SHRM Events app

Attend As: An International Participant

International attendees are strongly encouraged to register for SHRM26 as early as possible and schedule any required U.S. visa appointments as soon as registration is confirmed. U.S. consular processing times remain slower in many countries, and appointment availability may be limited.

Early registration allows you to:

  • Schedule a visa appointment sooner,
  • Allow time for additional administrative processing,
  • Adjust travel plans if delays or restrictions arise.

The U.S. State Department maintains a Global Visa Wait Times page, updated monthly, which provides estimated wait times for nonimmigrant visa interview appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates. Wait times vary significantly by location and may change based on local demand, staffing, and security requirements. Attendees are strongly encouraged to review this information and apply as early as possible.

SHRM recommends waiting until your visa has been approved before purchasing any non-refundable airfare or making non-changeable hotel arrangements. If you must book travel in advance, consider refundable or flexible booking options whenever possible.

Most international attendees will require a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) to enter the U.S. and attend SHRM26. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport, and current immigration status. Attendees are responsible for determining their visa needs and complying with U.S. immigration laws.

SHRM cannot guarantee visa approval, cannot influence or expedite visa processing, and all visa decisions are made solely by the U.S. government.

Visa processing delays and refusals are outside SHRM's control. Attendees should:

  • Apply as early as possible,
  • Monitor appointment availability regularly,
  • Consult an immigration attorney if needed.

Under Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, the United States has imposed full and partial entry restrictions on nationals of certain countries.

  • Full restrictions suspend the issuance of all immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, including visitor visas.
  • Partial Restrictions suspend immigrant visas and certain nonimmigrant visas, including visitor, student, and exchange visitor visas.

If you are a national of a restricted country and do not already hold a valid U.S. visa as of January 1, 2026, you may not be eligible to obtain a visa to enter the U.S. and attend SHRM26.

Below is a chart of the restrictions placed on designated countries by both Proclamations, by type and affected country.

Full Restrictions
(Immigrant Visas + Nonimmigrant Visas)
Partial Restrictions
(Immigrant Visas + B, F, M, J Visas)
Afghanistan Angola
Burma Antigua & Barbuda
Burkina Faso Benin
Chad Burundi
Republic of the Congo Cote d'Ivoire
Equatorial Guinea Cuba
Eritrea Dominica
Haiti Gabon
Iran The Gambia
Laos Malawi
Libya Mauritania
Mali Nigeria
Niger Senegal
Palestinian-Authority travel documents Tanzania
Sierra Leone Togo
Somalia Tonga
South Sudan Turkmenistan
Sudan Venezuela
Syria Zambia
Yemen Zimbabwe

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 10998, entry restrictions apply only to individuals who:

  • Are outside the U.S. on the effective date of the proclamation (January 1, 2026), and
  • Do not already have a valid U.S. visa on that date
  • Important: Visas issued before the effective date of January 1, 2026, are not revoked.

Who is not subject to the entry suspensions?

The restrictions do not apply to:

  • U.S. lawful permanent residents,
  • Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-designated country,
  • Certain diplomatic, NATO, and international organization visa holders,
  • Athletes, support personnel, and immediate family members traveling for major international sporting events,
  • Certain Special Immigrant Visa holders (including U.S. government employees),
  • Ethnic and religious minorities from Iran applying for immigrant visas due to persecutions,
  • Asylees and refugees already admitted.

If your country is subject to restrictions:

  • New visitor visas (B-1/B-2) may not be issued,
  • Participation in SHRM26 may be limited to individuals who already have a valid U.S. visa or qualify for an exception.

Are Waivers Available?

  • Case-by-case national interest waivers may be granted in limited circumstances by the U.S. Attorney General, Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Homeland Security. Waivers are possible, but rare and not guaranteed.

Visas issued before January 1, 2026, are not revoked under the current proclamation. However, admission to the United States is always determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry.

As of December 2025, the U.S. Department of State requires most nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or legal residence. Nationals of countries where the U.S. is not conducting routine visa operations must apply at a designated embassy or consulate for their region. Applicants must generally be able to demonstrate proof of residence if applying based on residency. Applicants who schedule interviews outside of their country of nationality or residence may face longer wait times, difficulty qualifying, and non-refundable fees.

Visa applicants are encouraged to visit the websites of their local U.S. embassy or consulate for detailed information on visa application requirements, procedures, and the current operating status and services offered.

Last updated January 8, the State Department has begun allowing individuals from countries subjected to the updated travel ban to travel to the U.S. for business/conference/tourism if they post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The bond amount is determined at the visa interview and does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants must agree to the terms of the bond through the Department of the Treasury's online payment platform Pay.gov.

If a visa is issued, travelers must enter and exit the U.S. through one of the following designated airports:

  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Bonds will be automatically canceled and refunded if:

  • DHS confirms the traveler's departure on or before their authorized stay, or
  • The traveler does not use the visa before it expires, or
  • The traveler is denied admission at the port of entry.

For citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Togo, Venezuela, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — countries recently added to the partial travel restriction list — this provides a pathway to enter the United States.

Below is the current list of countries that are subject to the Visa Bond:

Algeria Angola Antigua and Barbuda Bangladesh
Benin Bhutan Botswana Burundi
Cabo Verde Central African Republic Cote d'Ivoire Cuba
Djibouti Dominica Fiji Gabon
The Gambia Guinea Guinea Bissau Kyrgyzstan
Malawi Mauritania Namibia Nepal
Nigeria Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Tajikistan
Tanzania Togo Tonga Turkmenistan
Tuvalu Uganda Vanuatu Venezuela
Zambia Zimbabwe

Global delegations are encouraged to attend SHRM26. Delegation benefits include:

  • Assistance with visa invitation letters,
  • Discounted SHRM26 registration rates,
  • Special global programming onsite.

If you are interested in organizing a delegation, please complete this form to discuss available options and begin the coordination process with a member of the SHRM global team.

U.S. visa policies, consular operations, and entry restrictions can change with little notice. International attendees are responsible for monitoring official U.S. government guidance and planning accordingly.

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