Getting the most out of the IBA Annual Conference: 2026

Charlotte Ford
Charles Russell Speechlys, London; Vice Chair, IBA Business Development and Marketing Subcommittee

The IBA Annual Conference is one of the most valuable opportunities in the global legal calendar to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and build new connections across jurisdictions. Bringing together clients, colleagues and international firms in one place, it creates a unique environment for meaningful engagement.

Over 5,000 attendees from over 2,700 law firms, corporations, governments and regulators from more than 130 jurisdictions are expected at the 2026 event.

The delegates who get the most from the week tend to do three things well: prepare early, prioritise thoughtfully and follow up with intent.

Before: set yourself up for a strong week

Preparation starts weeks (often months) in advance. A clear plan helps turn a full diary into a productive one.

Start with clear objectives

• Be clear on what success looks like. Whether you are strengthening existing relationships, building new connections in priority markets, raising your profile in a sector or focusing on the conference programme, your objectives should shape how you spend your time.

Get the conference basics right

• Register early and keep an eye out for additional committee or specialist sessions that may require separate booking. Some of the lunches and evening events can sell out fast. With a large number of panels on offer, focus on a small number that are directly relevant to your clients and practice.

Download the conference app

• The conference app is also a useful tool for navigating the week and staying up to date, including access to the delegate list.

Be intentional with meetings and events

• The most valuable conversations are often arranged ahead of time. Use the delegate list and your network to prioritise key meetings before diaries fill. The social calendar is extensive, so it is worth being selective and focusing on the events where you are most likely to connect with the right people.

Make sure your profile reflects your practice

• Conference week often brings increased visibility. Take a moment to review your LinkedIn profile and website bio to ensure your experience, international focus and sector strengths come across clearly. Download the LinkedIn app and use the QR code feature to quickly connect with new contacts.

Join the conversation before the conference

• A short LinkedIn post ahead of the conference to let your network know you will be in town can prompt useful introductions and meeting requests. The hashtag for 2026 is #IBACopenhagen.

If you are hosting, focus on value

• Firm-hosted events can be highly effective. Timing, format and audience all contribute to making these worthwhile so avoid hosting side events during the hours of the conference programme.

During: focus on quality and stay present

Make the most of the conference programme

• Engage actively in sessions that are relevant to your practice. Ask questions, speak to panellists afterwards and connect discussions back to client priorities. Committees and specialist groups also offer a valuable platform for building long-term relationships within the IBA.

Prioritise meaningful interactions

• A smaller number of focused, high-quality conversations will deliver more value than a packed schedule of short introductions. Leaving space between meetings allows time for follow-on discussions and the practical reality of moving between venues.

Use the tools available to you

• Connecting on LinkedIn in real time helps avoid losing contacts and supports effective follow-up. Capturing key themes, insights and market sentiment during the week can also be valuable for internal sharing and external content. Do not forget #IBACopenhagen.

Be thoughtful in how you share

• A few well-considered reflections or insights will resonate more than frequent updates. Focus on what you are learning and hearing from the market.

Explore the exhibitor hall

• The exhibitor hall is a valuable part of the conference experience. It offers a practical way to stay informed about the latest developments in legal technology, innovation and services for law firms. It can also be a useful space for informal conversations and introductions during breaks.

After: turn conversations into momentum

Act promptly

• Follow up while conversations are still fresh, whether through a short message, sharing relevant material or setting up a follow-on call.

Be targeted

• Not every contact requires the same level of follow-up. Prioritise the relationships you want to develop and focus your time there.

Capture and share internally

• Ensure new contacts, conversations and opportunities are recorded in your firm’s customer relationship management (CRM) system and shared across your firm so others can build on them.

Stay visible and add value

• Sharing a short summary of key themes or insights reinforces your market perspective and helps maintain momentum after the event.

Take a long-term view

• The IBA is ultimately about relationship building over time. Consistent engagement, visibility and follow-up are what turn conversations into opportunities.

A final thought

The IBA Annual Conference is a unique opportunity to connect with the global legal community in a concentrated period. Those who see the greatest return approach it with intent: clear priorities, a collaborative mindset and a focus on building lasting relationships.