If the last few years have taught talent acquisition professionals anything, it’s that AI isn’t a future conversation anymore; it’s a present-day reality.
What began as a wave of excitement, uncertainty and endless speculation has evolved into something far more valuable: real-world experience. Talent teams have moved beyond asking whether AI belongs in recruitment to understanding where it genuinely delivers value, where it falls short, and where human expertise continues to make all the difference.
At RecFest UK, Hung Lee, Curator at Recruiting Brainfood, takes to the stage to explore 10 Things We Now Know About AI in TA in 2026, a fast-paced keynote designed to separate the hype from the practical realities of AI adoption in modern recruitment.
AI has moved from experimentation to everyday recruitment
Not long ago, AI in talent acquisition was largely viewed through the lens of possibility. Organisations were experimenting with generative AI, automation tools and intelligent sourcing while trying to understand the risks and opportunities they presented.
Today, the conversation has evolved.
The focus is no longer on whether to adopt AI, but how to use it responsibly, effectively and in ways that genuinely improve outcomes. As adoption grows, so too does the need for talent leaders to distinguish between innovation that creates measurable value and technology that simply adds complexity.
Looking beyond the hype
As organisations gain hands-on experience, many of the industry’s biggest assumptions are being tested against reality.
This session explores how the narrative around AI has shifted, examining the lessons organisations have learned through implementation and the trends shaping the next phase of adoption. It’s an opportunity for talent professionals to step back from the headlines and focus on what the evidence is beginning to tell us.
Where AI creates value – and where people remain essential
While AI continues to transform many aspects of recruitment, technology alone isn’t the answer.
The most successful organisations are recognising that AI works best when it enhances human decision-making rather than replacing it. Recruiters still play a critical role in building relationships, assessing context, influencing hiring decisions and delivering the empathy that candidates expect throughout the hiring process.
As AI capabilities continue to evolve, understanding which skills become more valuable, will be essential for talent acquisition professionals looking to stay ahead.
Practical insights for the future of Talent Acquisition
Hung Lee brings together industry insight, emerging trends and tangible recommendations that reflect how organisations are navigating AI today. The session provides an opportunity to understand what’s working across the industry and what actions are likely to have the greatest impact moving forward.
Watch the full keynote from RecFest UK to hear Hung Lee’s ten key takeaways on AI in talent acquisition and discover what every talent leader should know about the future of recruitment.