Conference programme

It is believed that around 10% of practicing lawyers globally are also involved in academia – whether as part-time lecturers or active researchers. This dual role brings unique challenges and opportunities. It is of particular interest to the Canadian market. This session will explore how legal professionals can balance their practice with teaching and academic work, highlighting the mutual benefits between academic insights and legal practice.

This session will be exploring Canadian pension funds in the corporate M&A sector.

With more vigorous enforcement at least in some parts of the world, what are the considerations for disclosing cartel conduct to regulators and filing for leniency? Are the increase of leniency programmes across the world and the proliferation of private damages actions in many jurisdictions affecting the cost-benefit analysis when deciding to file for leniency? What are regulators doing to uncover cartels ex officio (whistleblowing, active monitoring including using software tools) and are they pushing the boundaries of what constitutes cartel conduct such as indirect information exchange? 

Climate change agenda and the increasing risk of natural disasters are becoming a relevant driver of infrastructure development public policies. In some jurisdictions, regulatory reforms are aiming at fostering higher climate resilience and adaptability in infrastructure projects and, on the preventive side, establishing decarbonisation goals. What are the different angles and approaches? How will these changes affect how projects are designed, built and operated? This session will discuss this. 

Artificial Intelligence offers massive potential as well as significant implications for increasing inequality. As a result, issues such as inclusivity and equitable access must be on the AI agenda. This session will review latest trends and developments in AI from a diversity and inclusion perspective, as well as relevant case law.

This session will discuss: are foreign workers sufficiently protected against dismissal in relation to national workers?  What about social rights, if they are taking leave or fall ill, or a salary cut for unpaid leave, will that impact on their visa? If so, does that constitute discrimination? Is it compliant with worker’s protection laws? This on all levels, i.e. blue collar workers and HSM’s alike.

This session will be a global update on gender quotas, and specically, do we need them to adjust gender imbalance in leadership?

This session will explore and discuss the latests trends and developments in hotel investments.

This panel will explore artificial intelligence, and the impact it has on production and sale of hydrocarbons.

This panel will explore effective strategies for structuring family ownership to ensure long-term success across generations. We will discuss corporate structures, governance frameworks, succession planning, and best practices for preserving family values while adapting to evolving business landscapes. 

Topics will include:

• Developing Governance & Succession planning;
• defining ownership structure & strategy;
• leadership development & professional management involvement;
• resolution of family conflicts;
• financial planning & distribution policy, and;
• exits & transitions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has long been part of the arbitral process. With the paradigm-shifting advancements of the most recent forms of AI, the arbitral process stands to face new opportunities for material efficiencies in the system and at the same time, risks that practitioners find worth highlighting and preventing.

In this session, we will take an in-depth look at the following topics:

• Transparency of legal persons and legal arrangements;
• the next frontier in anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions;
• financial exclusion problems: are law firms expected to look and act like a bank?;
• 'Failure to prevent' offences — interaction and intrusion into legal practice.

Is there a nexus between the two, a point where mediation intersects with the interests of public policy? This session will discuss.

A reverse vesting order is a Canadian law form of sale order that may be unavailable in other jurisdictions.  It allows for the sale of equity in a court proceeding while leaving the debts of the company behind. Can one use this instrument in other jurisdictions? This session will discuss this in detail. 

An open committee business meeting where all members and Officers are invited to learn more about the current and upcoming activities and developments of the Committee.

This panel will address the tax implication of a change of the residency of individuals for both companies and the individuals, different regimes of exit taxation or deferral of taxation upon a move, dual residency, and tie breaker regimes as well as allocation issues.

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies rapidly evolve, regulatory frameworks struggle to keep pace whist countries are recognising the need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring ethical practices. For example, AI has been transforming medical diagnosis but at the same time raising concerns as to the protection of patients' sensitive personal data. This session will explore the current and emerging regulations governing AI, from national policies to global initiatives. We will examine key legal challenges, such as liability, ethical considerations, fundamental rights, and data privacy, while providing insights into how businesses and legal practitioners can stay compliant in this fast-changing landscape.

Navigating the path to partnership comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in balancing the business' demands with the personal life's expectations. This session will delve into practical strategies for managing these competing priorities, offering advice on setting realistic goals, building client relationships, and ensuring personal well-being while striving for professional success.

In this annual session, practitioners from around the world will dissect the past year’s most significant anti-corruption developments, including new laws and policy initiatives, as well as notable investigations and enforcement actions. Expert panellists will also address trends emerging from leading enforcement authorities and key international organisations.