Transnational Dispute Management - TDM News Digest - The Network for International Arbitration, Mediation and ADR, International Investment Law and Transnational Dispute Management

2026

April 2026

• Global South and ISDS Forum: Delhi
  The Global South and ISDS Forum is a platform designed to introduce participants to the theory and practice of investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS), while critically examining Global South perspectives on international investment law. Participants will explore substantive standards of investment protection, procedural aspects of ISDS, and current reform debates, including sovereignty concerns and strategic considerations for states and investors. Beyond academic discussion, the forum places strong emphasis on professional skills and career development. Practical sessions focus on oral and written advocacy across cultures, complemented by interactive discussions on career pathways in international arbitration and ISDS. The programme provides valuable opportunities to engage directly with senior practitioners and peers. The workshop is designed not only to deepen substantive knowledge, but also to equip participants with the practical tools and international perspectives.
  24 April 2026 - 25 April 2026. Delhi, India + Online (Zoom),
  More information is available at the organisers website

May 2026

• 9th Annual Edition: The International Energy Disputes Summit: Middle East - Africa - Central Asia
  After eight successful editions as the Annual Conference on Energy Arbitration & Dispute Resolution in the Middle East and Africa, we are proud to announce our new identity: The International Energy Disputes Summit. This new name reflects our expanded international scope across the Middle East, Africa and for the 9th edition Central Asia, while preserving the quality, expertise and community that delegates have valued since our first edition.
  5 May 2026 - 6 May 2026. London, United Kingdom,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• DIS Spring Conference 2026
  What you always wanted to know about arbitration but were afraid to ask The DIS Spring Conference 2026 will offer a highly engaging and thought-provoking programme. Among other topics, we will: * examine the role of tribunal secretaries, * discuss the limits of fact-finding and witness preparation, * explore the role, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, of party-appointed and tribunal-appointed experts, and * debate the merits and drawbacks of joinder provisions, now included in most arbitration rules.
  12 May 2026. Leipzig, Germany,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• Dispute Resolution in M&A Transactions
  Over the past decade, this biennial event has gained an undisputed reputation as the largest conference dedicated to arbitration in M&A transactions in the CEE region. It is addressed to arbitrators, in-house counsel as well as M&A legal and business advisors. The conference has attracted approximately 250 participants in successive editions, including lawyers specializing in arbitration and M&A transactions, as well as experts and business representatives.
  21 May 2026 - 22 May 2026. Warsaw, Poland,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• ILI Training: Arbitration and Mediation
  The Arbitration and Mediation seminar familiarizes participants with alternative methods of dispute resolution (ADR). The first part of the seminar introduces participants to the goals and techniques of mediation; the second focuses on the legal issues involved in international commercial arbitration. Emphasis throughout is placed on the development of practical skills through lectures and hands-on exercises. Course Advisor: Anne Marie Whitesell, Professor and Faculty Director of the Program on International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution at Georgetown University Law Center and Director of the ILI Center on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
  25 May 2026 - 5 June 2026. Washington, D.C., USA,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• International Arbitration Summer Institute 2026 - Center on International Commercial Arbitration
  An intense four-week certificate program consisting of six courses in English and six in Spanish, that addresses foundational and practical aspects of international commercial arbitration. Participants can take all courses, or select only the ones in either language or just pick out the ones of their individual interest Topics incl: * Evidence; * Damages & Compensation; * Mediation; * Solving Complex Choice-of-Law Issues; * Corruption, Illegality, and Misconduct; * Construction Arbitration; * Las mesas de resolución de conflictos (Dispute Boards); * Arbitraje Inversionista-Estado; * La organización del procedimiento arbitral; * Arbitraje Comercial; * Arbitraje de construcción; * Introducción al arbitraje Deportivo. Networking activities such as special lectures, coffee hours, luncheons, and site visits to D.C. law firms and institutions provide participants with ample opportunities to network beyond the classroom setting. Each courses has a duration of 14 hours.
  26 May 2026 - 18 June 2026. Washington, D.C, United States,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• 20th CEIA International Conference: International Arbitration and Economic Value: From Financial Strategy to Effective Enforcement
  The conference will have simultaneous translation spanish-english-spanish. Topics include: * Keynote Speaker; * Economic Design of Arbitration: Cost Management; * Decisions on Costs: Compensation or Sanction?; * Digital Assets and Arbitration; * Compliance and Enforcement: From the Award to Economic Value; * LATAM 360 Perspective: Strategic Economics of Latin American Arbitration; * Cases of the Year; * 20 Years of CEIA: Past, Present and Future / Closing Ceremony; * Award Ceremony - 5th Arbitration Articles Competition; * An Afternoon with CEIA Women.
  31 May 2026 - 2 June 2026. Madrid, Spain,
  More information is available at the organisers website

June 2026

• Bucharest Arbitration Days 2026 - Evidence in International Arbitration: Evolving Principles and Practices
  The 7th edition of Bucharest Arbitration Days will examine the evolving role of evidence in international arbitration and its impact on legitimacy, efficiency, and due process. The conference will address admissibility, privilege, standards of proof, and tribunal discretion across legal traditions, while exploring emerging issues such as digital and AI-assisted evidence, data integrity, and cybersecurity. Discussions will also engage with ongoing reform efforts, including the UNCITRAL Working Group III (ISDS Reform) Draft Provisions on Evidence, reflecting a broader movement toward greater transparency and consistency in evidentiary standards. Under the guiding concept of recalibration, the 2026 edition will consider how evidentiary practice can adapt to technological and procedural transformation while remaining faithful to arbitration’s core values.
  4 June 2026 - 5 June 2026. Bucharest, Romania,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• CanArbWeek 2026 - Arbitration in an Era of Change
  CanArbWeek is an annual gathering of leading organizations from across Canada and beyond, who come together to engage with arbitration professionals on topics of current and continuing interest. Along with the main conference, there will be a Ciarb Canada Accelerated Route to Fellowship Course, an ACICA/VanIAC Tribunal Secretary Course, and a Campaign for Greener Arbitration Walk. KEYNOTE: Meg Kinnear: Canada in Arbitration TOPICS include: * ADRIC: Activist or Deferential?; * WCCAS: Enforceability vs. Efficiency; * ICC Canada: Hot Topics in Arbitration; * ICDR Canada: Ad Hoc vs. Institutional; * Ciarb Canada: Cautionary Tales; * Ciarb Canada Award; * TCAS: Economic Challenges; * VanIAC: The Western Canada Story; * ArbitralWomen: Mutual Mentorship; * YCAP: Expert Evidence in Arbitration; * CPR Canada: Corporate Playbook. Early Bird Tickets on Sale Until April 27.
  7 June 2026 - 9 June 2026. Toronto, Canada,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• Italian Arbitration Day 2026 - Arbitration in the Age of Economic and Legal Disruption: of Tariffs, Sanctions and Global Uncertainty
  KEYNOTE SPEECHES: Carlo Altomonte, Alain Pellet; * What disputes? (Moderator: Michele Potestà, Speakers: Aurélia Antonietti - Turgut Aycan Özcan - Constantine Partasides - Reverse Debate conducted by Valentine Chessa); * What remedies? (Moderator: Tina Cicchetti, Speakers: Alberto Fortún - Hamed - Merah Olena Perepelynska - Reverse Debate conducted by: Gabriele Ruscalla); * A View from Our Partners: Carolyn Lamm (ICCA).
  11 June 2026. Rome, Italy,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• London Summer Arbitration School 2026
  The London Summer Arbitration School will feature an interactive five-day programme introducing participants not only to commercial arbitration, but also to less well-known types of arbitration such as maritime, construction and commodities arbitration. The participants will also engage in discussion of related career and business development opportunities with practitioners and representatives of institutions. Topics: * ad hoc arbitration; * maritime arbitration; * construction arbitration; * commodities arbitration; * commercial arbitration; * ethics in international arbitration; * banking & finance arbitration; * climate change arbitration; * outer space arbitration; * investor-state arbitration; * relationship between arbitral tribunals and domestic courts. It will also be possible to attend the school in the online format.
  15 June 2026 - 19 June 2026. Online; London, United Kingdom,
  More information is available at the organisers website

September 2026

• Brunel Summer Programme on International Arbitration 2026
  A five‑day programme designed for students, graduates, and early‑career professionals eager to explore one of the most dynamic and globally relevant fields of legal practice. Throughout the week, you'll explore the core principles of int'l commercial and investment arbitration and engage with the latest developments shaping the future of int'l dispute resolution. Hosted at Brunel, the programme combines academic excellence with practical perspectives, bringing together Brunel Law School academics and distinguished guest speakers from the int'l arbitration community. In addition to foundational topics, participants will also examine emerging issues such as the impact of AI on arbitration, as well as specialised areas of the field such as sports arbitration. Selected sessions will also be delivered on the premises of leading London arbitration law firms, providing participants with first-hand insight into the professional environments where int'l arbitration is practised.
  7 September 2026 - 11 September 2026. London, United Kingdom,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• Istanbul Arbitration Days 2026
  Istanbul Arbitration Days 2026 brings together leading arbitration practitioners, academics, arbitrators, in-house counsel, and young professionals from around the world-once again in the unique setting where continents, people, cultures, and legal traditions meet. Beyond its strong professional program, Istanbul Arbitration Days is also known for its vibrant atmosphere-where high-level legal discussions meet the rich history, culture, and energy of Istanbul. From thought-provoking sessions to memorable social events, IAD 2026 promises an experience that is as engaging as it is intellectually rewarding.
  29 September 2026 - 2 October 2026. Istanbul, Türkiye,
  More information is available at the organisers website

October 2026

• ILI Training: Innovations in Investor-State Arbitration
  The seminar features an expert examination of new treaties and agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) draft Protocol on Investment, the investment provisions of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). ICSID and UNCITRAL Reforms, as well as developments at the UNCITRAL Working Group III, are also examined. Sessions will be engaging discussions and include site visits to the U.S. Trade Representative and ICSID. The seminar will run concurrently with the Washington Arbitration Week. Course Advisors: Ian A. Laird is co-chair of Crowell & Moring LLP's Int'l Dispute Resolution Group and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center. Dr. Borzu Sabahi is a Partner in the Int'l Arbitration group of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle LLP in Washington, DC.
  26 October 2026 - 30 October 2026. Washington, D.C., USA,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• ILI Training: Foundations of Advanced Arbitration and Mediation
  The Foundations of Advanced Arbitration and Mediation seminar comprises the first week of the Advanced Arbitration and Mediation seminar and examines foundational material of arbitration and mediation, including advanced legal issues in international commercial arbitration. Participants will learn the principles of mediation through case studies and practical exercises. The seminar is an indispensable asset to all professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge of ADR. Course Advisor: Anne Marie Whitesell, Professor and Faculty Director of the Program on International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution at Georgetown University Law Center and Director of the ILI Center on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
  26 October 2026 - 30 October 2026. Washington, D.C., USA,
  More information is available at the organisers website
• ILI Training: Advanced Arbitration and Mediation
  The ILI Advanced Arbitration and Mediation seminar examines the practical applications of arbitration and mediation and discusses advanced legal issues in international commercial arbitration. The first week explores the framework of both arbitration and mediation. The second week of the course focuses critically on developing practical skills and knowledge through a simulated arbitration process. The course is intended for lawyers, judges, and non-lawyer professionals who want to understand arbitration and mediation, as well as government officials, judicial officers, officials of judicial and legal training units, and court administrators. Course Advisor: Anne Marie Whitesell, Professor and Faculty Director of the Program on International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution at Georgetown University Law Center and Director of the ILI Center on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
  26 October 2026 - 6 November 2026. Washington, D.C., USA,
  More information is available at the organisers website

Note: a list of prior events can be found here.