American Payroll Association - Payroll Congress Convention & Expo 2027
Event Date
May 11–14, 2027
Location
San Antonio, TX
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Payroll Congress is the annual convention and expo presented by PayrollOrg (formerly the American Payroll Association and GPMI). It brings together payroll professionals from around the world to enhance their knowledge, skills, and professional networks. The 45th Annual Payroll Congress takes place May 11-14, 2027, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in downtown San Antonio, Texas, under the fiesta-themed banner "Viva La Payroll."
The conference unites payroll experts, vendors, and attendees for educational sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations focused on trends, regulations, and innovations in the payroll industry. Attendees gain access to what organizers describe as the world's largest payroll Expo, along with extensive networking events and celebrations.
It is worth attending for the depth of continuing education on offer: an All-Access Pass can earn up to 20 RCHs, 2.0 CEUs, and 24 CPE credits, plus free access to Virtual Congress and, for nonmembers, a one-year PayrollOrg membership included with full registration. With hundreds of exhibitors, marquee sessions, and San Antonio's River Walk just steps away, the event combines professional development with a lively community atmosphere.
Show Highlights
Signature features and events include:
- World-renowned educational workshop sessions and unforgettable keynote presentations from industry leaders
- The world's largest payroll Expo, featuring leading vendors and solution providers
- The Leadership Excellence Series, a six-session track covering topics such as retaining talent, transformation, leadership, and building confidence and credibility
- The Meet and Greet kick-off social event on Tuesday morning, with coffee, door prizes, and guided networking for first-timers
- FETE! Speakeasy, the Payroll Congress party held Wednesday evening for drinks, dancing, and games
- A costume contest in the expo hall and the Chapter Exchange Reception and Awards event celebrating PayrollOrg chapters
- Free access to Virtual Congress (held in early July 2027) for additional education worth up to 9 RCHs
Registration
Registration for the 2027 Payroll Congress opens in August. You can register online through the PayrollOrg store, and pass options include the All-Access Pass, single-day passes (Tuesday through Friday), and group rates.
All-Access Pass pricing tiers:
- Premier Pricing (register through January 31, save $200): $2,165 members / $2,475 non-members
- Core pricing (through May 10): $2,365 members / $2,675 non-members
- Onsite pricing: $2,465 members / $2,775 non-members
Group discounts: Groups of 3-10 receive $200 off the standard registration fee, and groups of 11 or more are eligible for an additional discount when they register at once. All registrants must be from the same company and share the same email domain; group discounts are valid for All-Access registrations only.
A new optional Registration Refund Program can be added at checkout to provide a refund if a qualifying unexpected event prevents attendance. If you are not already a PayrollOrg member, one year of membership dues is included with a full conference registration.
History
The 2027 event marks the 45th Annual Payroll Congress, presented by PayrollOrg, the organization formerly known as the American Payroll Association (APA) and GPMI. The Congress is held annually in a different U.S. city each year. Upcoming editions are already scheduled through 2032, including the 46th (MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, 2028), 47th (Gaylord Rockies Resort, Aurora, CO, 2029), 48th (Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2030), 49th (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH, 2031), and the 50th anniversary Congress in Kansas City, MO, in 2032.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 Payroll Congress?
The 45th Annual Payroll Congress will be held May 11-14, 2027, in San Antonio, TX, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in downtown San Antonio.
Who should attend Payroll Congress?
The event is designed for payroll professionals from around the world who want to enhance their knowledge, skills, and networks. It brings together payroll experts, vendors, and attendees for educational sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations.
How much does registration cost and how do I register?
Registration opens in August and can be completed online through the PayrollOrg store. All-Access Pass pricing ranges from $2,165 (member Premier rate through January 31) up to $2,775 (non-member onsite rate), with group discounts available for companies registering three or more attendees.
How many continuing education credits can I earn?
An All-Access Pass can earn up to 20 RCHs, 2.0 CEUs, and 24 CPE credits. Single-day passes earn fewer credits, and the included Virtual Congress can add up to 9 more RCHs.
What travel and hotel options are available?
The Henry B. González Convention Center is about 15-20 minutes from San Antonio International Airport (SAT), reachable by taxi, Uber, Lyft, rental car, hotel shuttle, or VIA Metropolitan Transit Route 5. An official housing block offers discounted rates at conveniently located downtown hotels near the venue.
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