Welcome to the 2026 European Rewards Conference!

Beyond compensation and benefits: The rewards ecosystem of the future​

The rewards profession is at an inflection point. Traditional rewards models are no longer keeping pace with how people work, what employees expect, or the decisions leaders need to make. Rewards teams are being asked to do more — deliver fairness, manage risk, adopt new technology, and build trust — often at the same time.

At Mercer’s European Rewards Conference 2026, we will explore how organisations are moving beyond pay and benefits to build transformational rewards ecosystems that work in today’s complex environment. Together, we’ll make sense of what’s changing, why it matters, and how to act with confidence. 

We will examine the rewards trends shaping decisions now — from geopolitical and economic pressures to GenAI, new technologies, and a more transparent pay environment — and translate them into clear, practical actions. The conference will combine Mercer-led insights with real client stories, open discussion, and dedicated time to connect and collaborate with peers.

What you’ll learn and take back with you:

• Building integrated rewards ecosystems: Connecting base pay, total rewards, and pay equity into one clear, cohesive approach.
• Fair and transparent pay: How open compensation practices can strengthen trust and improve candidate and employee experience.
• Geopolitical and regulatory pressures: What global risk really means for rewards design, affordability, and governance.
• GenAI and technology as performance multipliers: How AI can support faster, better rewards decisions while managing bias and ethics.
• Turning strategy into action: Real case studies, proven playbooks, and actionable frameworks you can apply immediately.
• Client stories: Lessons and insights from organisations that are successfully transforming rewards across industries and regions.