On Friday, 23^rd October, the Malta Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD) hosted its Annual HR Conference at the Hilton Conference Centre, welcoming over 600 HR professionals for a full day of insights, discussions, and networking.

This year’s theme, “HR Lead: Powering Strategy Through People,” set the tone for an inspiring and forward-looking experience. In his opening address, FHRD President Noel Debono highlighted the Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting the professional development and excellence of the HR community in Malta. He spoke about the latest developments and updates to Corporate and Professional Membership Schemes and the launch of the 10^th intake of the HR Quality Mark. Mr. Debono reported the results from the inaugural edition of the Malta Annual HR Report which provided a valuable snapshot of where organisations stand today and where they believe the future is heading.

World-Class Speakers & Workshops

The conference featured a stellar lineup of international and local thought leaders, including keynote speakers:

• Jane Sparrow, Culture, Change and High Performance Author & Expert | Founder and Managing Director – The Culture Builders
• Amit Grinvald, Keynote Speaker & Leadership Communication Strategist
• Dr Rosa M. Colon-Kolacko, President and Founder of Global Equity and Learning Partners | NeedsHuman and University Professor

Delegates also had the chance to take part in pre-selected interactive workshops led by both local and international HR professionals. In the late morning sessions, participants could attend one of three workshops:

• Elli Matsouka, Strategic Advisor | Executive & Team Coach led “Rethink, Rebuild, Lead: HR Strategy for a New World of ”
• Mariella Galea, Founder and Principal HR Consultant, delivered “Strategic HR Leadership: Turning People Insights Into Business Impact.”
• Daniel Cassar, Organisational Psychologist | Leadership Consultant | Founder of Endeavour, presented “Leading Anywhere: Adaptive Leadership for Hybrid, Remote & Global Teams.”

 In the afternoon sessions, delegates had the opportunity to select two out of six workshops:

• Natalia Perkowska, Talent Acquisition and People Operations Leader | Deputy Chief HR Officer – SOFTSWISS, delivered “Inclusion by Design: Fixing the Systems Behind How Work Gets Done.”
• Martin Spiteri Schillig, Chief Human Resources Officer – Casumo | Co-Founder of PerformanceBeat, explored “Securing Buy-In from Management and Staff: Elevating HR’s Strategic Voice.”
• Mireille Pellegrini Petit, Positive Psychology Coach, Trainer, and Consultant – Thrive Positive, presented “From Resistance to Resilience: A People-Powered, Appreciative Approach to Positive Change.”
• Pamela Mamo, Director – PwC’s Academy Malta and Guest Experts: Gavril Flores, Chief Officer – Strategy, Policy and Governance – Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), Ramona Galea, Head of People and Culture – Lufthansa Technik Malta and Danielle Mercieca, Senior Technology Lawyer – Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates led“AI Unboxed for HR: From Regulation to Real-Life Results.”
• Elaine Dutton, Warranted Psychologist | Strategic HR Advisor | Founder & Managing Director of Fractional HR Malta,shared insights in “The Unbundled Workforce: Rethinking Work in the Age of AI.”
• Darine Aboulezz, Founder & Lead Soft Skills Trainer – Soft Skills Camp, delivered “Thriving at Work: How What We Say – and Don’t Say – Shapes Wellbeing and Results.”

 Recognising HR Excellence

FHRD also presented the HR Quality Mark Certificates to 10 organisations that successfully completed the 9th intake, celebrating HR professionalism and contribution across sectors. Crane Authentication Malta Limited received the special award for achieving the highest overall score.

Dynamic Discussions & Engagement

A highlight of the morning was the panel discussion, “The Strategic HR Engine: Powering Business Through People, Culture & Technology,” moderated by Vanessa Camenzuli, Employer Brand & Communications Strategist. Panellists included Karen Spiteri Bailey, Managing Partner – RSM Malta; Rachael Blackburn, Head of Culture – APS Bank plc; Konrad Cassar Naudi – International Training|Management Consultant; Dr. Paul Gonzi – Partner: Head Employment – Fenech & Fenech Advocates; Dasha Kosse, Fractional L&D Strategist & Leadership Coach(ICF PCC)|Founder, DaKo Coaching and Robert Peplow – Human Resources Manager – Attard Bros Group.

During this year’s energizer, six hundred delegates transformed the room in an electric, colourful, music-fuelled wave of vibrant movement, bringing the World of Colours theme to life in spectacular fashion. Led by Teambulding.com.mt, this event reminded us that when every splash of colour blends into one, diversity becomes our greatest catalyst for energy, creativity, and strength.

Exhibition & Networking

Alongside the sessions, the conference featured an exhibition area with 27 exhibitors showcasing the latest HR technologies, solutions, and services, offering participants valuable opportunities to connect directly with providers.

Thanks to the Partners

The event was made possible through the support of conference partners: APS Bank, Attard Bros Group, Employment 360 by Fenech & Fenech Advocates, Hilton Malta, MAPFRE, Shireburn Software Ltd, StudioSeven, TeamBuilding Malta, Times of Malta, and Vivendo.

The FHRD Annual HR Conference 2026 was a resounding success—bringing together HR professionals, thought leaders, and solution providers to inspire fresh perspectives and place people at the heart of organisational success.