The Malta Foundation for Human Resource Development (FHRD) Annual HR Conference was held on Friday 18th October at the Hilton Conference Centre, Malta.

This year the FHRD’s overall conference theme was HR Evolve: Technology, Learning and Development and there was a record-breaking attendance of 600+ HR professionals. During the welcome address, FHRD President Mr. Noel Debono, explained the progress on the recently launched Professional Membership Scheme and welcomed the HR professionals who obtained the Associate and Fellow Memberships. The Professional Membership Scheme allows HR professionals to be recognised by FHRD for their individual level of competence in HR. Mr. Debono also set the tone on the conference theme addressing HR professionals as architects of future leadership having the ability to create workplaces that promote exploration, experimentation, and continuous growth.

The conference featured an exceptional lineup of renowned international and local speakers in the field of HR and L&D, pre-selected interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.  Attendees had the opportunity to hear from these thought leaders and industry experts who shared their insights, experiences, and strategies for success in Technology, Learning and Development.

The four keynote speakers were Robin Hoyle, Head of Learning Innovation – Huthwaite International; Daryna (Dasha) Kosse – Global L&D Manager and Transformational Leadership Coach; Hakan Sahin, Head of Global HR People Analytics – Sony; and Greta Rapinett, Customer Strategist & Business Trainer.

Delegates had the opportunity to participate in pre-selected interactive workshops.  The late morning sessions allowed the delegates to attend one workshop out of three, delivered by local and international HR and L&D professionals. Nikola Velickovic, Founder of Skills for Scale, delivered a workshop entitled Evolve with a Learning Culture.  Pamela Mamo, Director – PwC’s Academy Malta delivered a workshop entitled Unleashing L&D potential through Strategy and Technology Growth. Marc Berghoff, HR Strategist & Coach delivered a workshop entitled Coaching as a Navigator for L&D to unlock the Organisation’s Full Potential.

The afternoon sessions allowed delegates to choose two workshops out of six. Again, these sessions were delivered by local HR and L&D professionals. Hanne Kristiansen, Founder, Creative ID™ delivered a workshop entitled When we learn, we Grow.  Discover how Pedagogical Principles can Step-Change People and Business Performance. Ediana Guillaumier – People Consulting and Learning Lead, Ernst & Young delivered a workshop entitled Unlocking the Power of Reskilling and Upskilling to Improve Employee Retention. Aimee Vella Bonnici – Lead, Learning and Talent Business Partner and ESG Lead at KPMG, Microsoft Business Solutions delivered a workshop entitled Strategic Succession Planning: Integrating Learning and Development for Organisational Resilience.

Ilaria Spiteri Axiak, Senior Advisor: Training and Development – misco Consulting Ltd delivered a workshop entitled Closing the Performance Gap – The Relevance of TNAs.  Etienne Gatt, HR, PR, and Communications Director – Malta Gaming Authority delivered a workshop entitled The Strategic Edge: Mastering Skills-Based Learning for Employee Growth. Rachel Tabone Hall, Head of HR at Multiple Group delivered a workshop entitled The Benefits of an Effective Onboarding Journey.

FHRD organised a Presentation of the HR Quality Mark Certificates and Mementos for the 13 successful organisations. The FHRD Quality Mark is a national recognition awarded to organisations based in Malta for the professionalism, competency, and contribution of their HR function irrelevant of their size and sector. The thirteen organisations that obtained the HR Quality Mark during the 7^th Intake were Archbishop’s Curia – Archdiocese of Malta, Bank of Valletta plc, Baxter Malta Limited, De La Rue Currency and Security Print Limited, Energy Casino, Jobplus, Malta Financial Services Authority, Mediterranean Aviation Co Limited, Methode Electronics Limited, San Anton School, St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, Toly Products Limited and Zampa Debattista. This year, once again FHRD presented a special award to the organisation that obtained the highest overall average mark namely Malta Financial Services Authority.

After the networking lunch the conference featured an interactive energizer by TeamBuilding Malta. The Energizer was fun, inspiring, and dynamic, where participants got to play to the rhythm of One Heartbeat! Even as the tempo and music changed, everyone remained in sync, driven by purpose and spirit—together as one.

In addition, the conference featured the largest exhibition area to date with 31 stands showcasing the latest HR technologies, solutions, and services from leading providers.  This was a grand event with over 600 participants from a wide range of organisations, making it an unparalleled opportunity for exhibitors to network with HR professionals face-to-face under one roof.

FHRD would like to thank conference partners APS Bank, Arafa Services, GO plc, Hilton Malta, iTalentPLUS, MAPFRE, PwC Malta, Shireburn Software Ltd, StudioSeven, TeamBuilding Malta and Times of Malta for their commitment.