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After almost 20 years, AIJA will return to Mexico City for the 2024 Half-Year May Conference! We are delighted to invite you to one of the oldest and largest cities in the Americas, which is a testament to the nation's rich history, diverse culture and indomitable spirit.

“The City of Palaces”, as it’s nicknamed, will be hosting the Half-Year May Conference from 29 May to 1 June 2024.

Mexico City is a place where history and modernity converge, making it the perfect location to host a conference focused on the ever-evolving relationship between the law and the digital economy. With a diverse range of keynote speakers and panel discussions, the academic programme is designed to explore the latest trends, theories and research, including their potential impact on our daily life, as lawyers.

Nestled in the heart of the sprawling Valley of Mexico, this bustling metropolis, which dates back to the time of the Aztecs, captivates visitors with its stunning blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. Mexico City pulses with life, offering a mesmerising array of attractions, ranging from awe-inspiring archaeological sites to world-class museums, eclectic cuisine, and a thriving arts scene. With its infectious energy, warm hospitality, and deep-rooted appreciation for its heritage, Mexico City will offer an unforgettable AIJA experience.

The conference will take place in the financial centre of Mexico City, renowned for its exceptional facilities, beautiful architecture, and world-class accommodation. The area offers an impressive range of museums and galleries, where more than 4,500 years of Latin American and global history are housed.

The academic programme will be about '“Law in the Times of the Digital Economy” and will be divided into two tracks. The first track will focus on Transactions in the Age of Technology, where the panels will discuss AI, blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and smart contracts, among other topics. The second track will address the Impact of the Digital Economy in our Daily Lives and how the digital economy is shaping, not only commerce but also public interest, regulation and policy in a variety of areas, including environmental factors, healthcare, indigenous rights, traditional knowledge and consumers’ rights.

Even though the conference will be immersed in all things digital, you will also get to experience the well-renowned warm welcome of the country that coined the phrase  “mi casa es tu casa” and sample the gastronomic delicacies that Mexico’s world-famous cuisine has to offer at the home hospitality dinner.

We look forward to seeing you in Mexico City in May 2024!


ACADEMIC PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Track 1: Transactions in the Age of Technology
In this track, international lawyers will convene to discuss the transformative power of technology in the modern world. The panels will explore a wide range of topics, including:
 
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Delve into the realm of AI, understanding its applications, implications, and its role in reshaping industries.
  • Blockchain Technology: Uncover the potential of blockchain technology and its impact on various sectors, from finance to supply chain management.
  • Smart Contracts: Learn about the future of legal agreements with smart contracts and their implications for businesses and individuals.
Track 2: The Impact of the Digital Economy in our Daily Lives
This track takes a deep dive into how the digital economy is transforming not only commerce but also influencing public interest, regulation, and policy across multiple domains, including:
 
  • Technology and Social Issues: Explore the intersection of technology various social issues from the evolving consumer rights in the digital age, to the impact on indigenous rights telemedicine and environmental sustainability. These areas overlap and require a holistic approach to address the challenges and opportunities they present.
  • Regulation and Policies on Technology: Analyse the legal and policy challenges presented by the digital economy and how governments are responding.

In addition to the high-quality panels organised by the AIJA Commissions, we are proud to announce that the American Bar Association (ABA) will co-host a panel with the AIJA Litigation Commission during the conference, providing valuable insights and expertise from one of the most respected legal organisations in the world.

  

COACHING OPPORTUNITIES

AIJA strives to provide continuous professional development opportunities on multiple occasions. One of these moments is also our Half-Year May Conference in Mexico City. The coaching sessions led by Diego Pisano, Ingrid Cerwinka and Jeffrey Silber will be offered to all attendees. Check out HERE the coaching opportunities and book your slot. The number of places is limited. The allocation of slots will be made on a first-come first-served basis.

 

SOCIAL PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

MEXHR_P322_Rulfo_Dining

WELCOME RECEPTION @ – Hyatt Regency Mexico City - Wednesday 29 May (18:30-20:30)

In the “City of Palaces”, we will kick-off the first evening of the Conference in the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Located in the Polanco district (the most important shopping and cultural district in the city), the hotel will welcome AIJA delegates for this Half-Year May Conference. After collecting your badge at the registration desk join us for this first networking occasion and enjoy the local finger foods and drinks of Rulfo restaurant.

CONFERENCE DINNER @ Hacienda De Los Morales – Thursday 30 May (20:00-02:00)

Have a wonderful Conference Dinner in the restaurant Hacienda De Los Morales – a historical place with more than six centuries of existence – located at twelve minutes by bus from the Conference hotel. Experience the unique atmosphere of the venue in which major artworks are exhibited such as José María Velasco or German Gedovius. This restaurant offers Mexican cuisine and international specialties in a space that evokes the charm of old Mexican haciendas and Mexico’s colonial era. Enjoy your tasty meal in the beautiful garden of the restaurant in the fresh air of Mexico City.

HOME HOSPITALITY DINNER @ Local Lawyers’ homes – Friday 31 May (20:00-23:00)

Do you want to experience more of the Mexican culture? Then you are in for a treat! One of the most anticipated evenings with a personal-local touch is the ‘Home Hospitality Dinner’, where local lawyers/participants open their homes to welcome AIJA members from around the world with local traditions, food and drinks. Gain insights into the lifestyle and hospitality of your Mexican peers in a friendly atmosphere experience. 

NOTE: Participants will individually receive the name of the host and their address via email. If you are unable to attend, please let the organisers know as soon as possible! Please remember to bring a small gift for the host, in the form of a souvenir from your country. Don’t forget that many of the hosts are not AIJA members and have never attended AIJA events before.

POST HOME HOSPITALITY AFTERPARTY Fiera Rooftop– Friday 31 May (23:00-02:00)
After enjoying the wonderful home hospitality dinners, all delegates and hosts are pleased to join us for a drink in this rooftop located in Palmas, one of Mexico City’s busiest boulevards. It will be the perfect chance to have fun and to chat with the AIJA community while enjoying the view of the skyline and the humming bar scene.

OPTIONAL BRUNCH @ Restaurante Arroyo – Saturday 01 June (10:30-13:30)

Experience the vibrant ambience of brunch at Restaurante Arroyo. The menu boasts an array of classic dishes, complemented by a selection of international options for those with diverse tastes.

While you savour your meal, immerse yourself in the rich sounds of Mariachi music. Talented musicians serenade you with iconic Mexican tunes and dancers of Mexican folklore, creating an unforgettable experience. Arroyo promises to be a memorable culinary and cultural experience for AIJA's delegates.

OPTIONAL BRUNCH @ Restaurante Arroyo & BOAT TOUR @ Xochimilco - Saturday 01 June (10:30 – 17:30)

Xochimilco, renowned for its canals, floating gardens, and rich traditional culture preserves ancient Aztec agricultural methods, including the creation of floating gardens called chinampas.

AIJA delegates will be able to experience the beauty of Xochimilco by taking colorful trajineras, flat-bottomed boats adorned with flowers and decorations along the canals while enjoying live music and sampling local cuisine from vendors floating nearby. The area is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including numerous species of birds and aquatic plants, making it a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cherished symbol of Mexico's rich cultural and natural heritage.

Partying at Xochimilco becomes a memorable and joyful experience filled with music, laughter, and the vibrant colours of Mexican culture.

SPONSORSHIP

We offer several sponsorship possibilities, with the flexibility to select a set sponsorship package or discuss a customised package to best suit your business needs. Be a part of AIJA's 2024 Half-Year May Conference in Mexico City today. Click here to know more about the sponsorship packages.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

AIJA Commissions involved
  • Antitrust
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
  • Business Crime and Civil Fraud
  • Corporate and M&A
  • Environmental and Energy Law
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences
  • Insolvency
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications
  • International Business Law (+ Sports Law)
  • International Private Clients and Family Law
  • Labour Law (+ Immigration Law)
  • Sports Law
  • T.R.A.D.E. (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce)
  • Transport and Logistics Law
AIJA Interest Groups involved
  • AIJA Women Network
  • Human Rights Committee

Programme

Track 1 - Transactions in the Age of Technology

14:00 - 20:30

15:00 - 17:00

Organised by the Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission
16:00 - 17:00

17:00 - 18:00

17:00 - 18:00

17:00 - 18:00


Organised by the Academic Programme Committee (APC)

The Seminar Crash Course organised by the Academic Programme Committee offers an overview on how to successfully organise AIJA seminars. All members are invited, no matter if they are experienced and have organised events before or are fairly new members or First Timers. Whoever might want to participate in organising seminars at one point will be shown the ropes of successful AIJA event organisation.
18:30 - 20:30


Address: Campos Eliseos. 204 Polanco Chapultepec, Polanco, Chapultepec, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Supported by
20:45 - 23:30

07:00 - 08:00

08:30 - 18:30

09:00 - 09:45


Eduardo De La Peña Bernal, Shutts & Bowen LLP & AIJA President 2023-2024, United States
Daniela Jara Cruz, OBPO Advisors, Mexico
José Luis Vega Garrido, Ramírez, Gutiérrez-Azpe, Rodríguez-Rivero y Hurtado, Mexico

Keynote speaker:

Alejandro Canela, Vice-President of Siemens Digital industries software, Mexico
09:45 - 10:00

10:00 - 11:00


Organised by the International Business Law Commission

The discussion on "Artificial Intelligence in International Business Law" begins by defining AI's role and scope in international business, providing a foundational understanding of its classifications and applications. The conversation then tackles the challenges of integrating AI, focusing on ethical concerns like privacy and bias, jurisdictional complexities, and questions of liability and accountability, especially in light of regulations like the EU AI Act. Highlighting practical insights, the discussion shifts to case studies that demonstrate both successful integrations of AI and notable failures, offering a critical analysis of these real-world examples to draw lessons for future applications. Finally, the discussion concludes by emphasizing the need for international standards and best practices in AI's use within business law, proposing a path forward that balances innovation with ethical and legal considerations.

Moderator: Dominik Wagner, Tigges Rechtsanwälte, Germany

Speakers:
  • Armando Barba, OBPO Advisors, Mexico
  • Michal Chodkowski, Łaszczuk & Partners, Poland
  • Naoki Kanehisa, Atsumi & Sakai, Japan
  • Victoria Ortega, Blank Rome, USA
11:00 - 11:30


Supported by 

11:30 - 12:30


Organised by the Intellectual Property Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (IP/TMT) and the Coporate and M&A Commissions

In its brief public lifespan, artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become one of the most consequential technologies in this generation, with ChatGPT leading the way in November 2022. In this panel, we will consider AI from two different angles.
First, we will evaluate AI as a business asset. From the source data to the algorithms, to the training model and the output data, what are the key components of an AI programme? Who owns the intellectual property at each stage? Can anything created using AI be protected in the way traditional IP rights are protected? How can these risks and opportunities be properly disclosed to potential investors or buyers? What types of representations, warranties, and covenants are being used to specifically deal with these issues?
Second, we will evaluate AI as a virtual assistant to aid the prospective buyer and the transactional lawyer. How can AI be used to identify and evaluate potential targets? How can it be used in the legal due diligence process, which typically encompasses the bulk of the legal fees? To what extent can AI be useful in drafting contracts? How much can an attorney rely on AI as a substitute for the attorney’s professional judgment?

Moderators:
  • Jonathan Bench, Harris Sliwoski LLP, USA
  • Nathalie Weiss, Nägele Rechtsanwälte GmbH, Liechtenstein 
Speakers:
  • Julia Pazos, Cescon barrieu, Brazil                          
  • Paulina Bojalil, Baker McKenzie, Mexico
  • Ricardo Menendez, Bustamante Fabara SAS, Ecuador
  • Nikky Kho, Real Al Dynamics, USA
12:30 - 13:30


Supported by 
13:30 - 14:30


Organised by the Labour Law and Insolvency Commissions

Blockchain technology and smart contracts have been emerging for many years and are increasingly used by businesses to create efficiencies in their supply chain and financing arrangements. However, their compatibility with current legal regulations has been continuously questioned. Smart contracts are set up to automatically execute when certain conditions have been fulfilled, removing any need for manual intervention. Furthermore, while legal contracts can be terminated, smart contracts cannot necessarily be considered void, and present challenges when identifying the jurisdiction for breaches of such contracts. This raises further questions for employers and insolvency practitioners alike on termination of such smart contracts.
This panel will explore the use of smart contracts in employment law and the challenges faced by such use as well as how smart contracts place challenges in insolvency proceedings specifically with regard to their termination or unwinding as part of these proceedings.

Moderator: Fernando Villalobos, Porzio Rios Garcia, Chile 

Speakers:
  • Lukas Wieser, Zeiler Floyd Zadkovich, Austria
  • Andrea Brizio-Rivas, Fisher Philips, Mexico
  • Ricardo Gama, Veirano Advogados, Brazil
  • Caroline Marchi, Machado Meyer, Brazil
  • Toriello Pepe, Red de Firmas, Mexico
14:30 - 15:00


Supported by
15:00 - 16:00


Organised by the Antitrust and the T.R.A.D.E. (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commissions

AI driven innovation is rapidly reshaping and revolutionising industrial processes and the franchising and distribution sector as well as consumer experiences. Retailers make use of dynamic pricing algorithms, the automotive industry is working on deploying autonomous cars while at the same time transitioning to electric vehicles. Purpose built AI is being rolled out across and reshaping entire supply chains, all the way to the consumers (e.g. self-ordering fridges), while Hollywood actors strike for fear of being replaced by AI in film productions and are given a hard time in negotiations with powerful platforms. At the core of all these developments is the ever increasing reliance on algorithms and AI.
How are anti-trust regulators and businesses (retailers, franchises, distributors, the supply chain..) across the world dealing with these issues? Are current anti-trust rules and tests up to the challenge? The rise of non-traditional franchising models What liability issues arise if anti-trust or contractual rules are broken by AI assisted processes? Who is liable for AI-driven infractions, especially if there are multiple involved parties such as the AI developer, a manufacturer, and product owners? How can anti-trust regulators prevent ever increasing concentration of market share at the hand of early movers in AI programming or powerful platforms? Examples of AI use in the e-commerce / franchising sector, and what are clients most likely to ask lawyers about?
This panel will discuss the pitfalls and challenges in these areas and seek to identify ways to address them.

Moderator: Jonas Krull, Homburger AG, Switzerland

Speakers:
16:00 - 16:15

16:15 - 17:15


Organised by the Litigation Commission and the American Bar Association International Law Section (ABA-SIL)

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the legal landscape, this panel will delve into the complex intersection of AI and mass torts cases. From defective algorithms to their unintended consequences, the panelists will explore what role AI might play in mass torts litigation. The discussion will focus on how the legal system will assign liability when damages arise from faulty AI systems—potentially extending to inventors, coders, and other technological professionals.  The panel will examine existing legal precedents and propose forward-looking frameworks to address these questions and challenges. Join us for an insightful exploration of the evolving landscape where technology meets justice.

Moderator: Rosario Cartagena, ICES, Canada

Speaker:
  • Julio Gutierrez Morales, Rios Ferrer Guillen-Llarena Trevino Rivera Gutierrez Abogados, Mexico
  • Stephen Embry, TechLaw Crossroads, USA
  • Luis Aroche, Guerra Gonzalez Abogados, Mexico
17:30 - 18:30

19:30 - 20:00

20:00 - 02:00


Address: Juan Vazquez de Mella 525, Polanco, Polanco I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11510 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Supported by

08:00 - 18:00

08:45 - 10:00


If you are an AIJA Commission Officer, make sure to attend this forum and discuss current and future AIJA issues relevant to your Commission and members tomorrow at 8:45 CST in Regency Ballroom B (2nd floor of the Conference Venue). 

The Officers of the Commission’s Committee and the Academic Programme Committee Co-Chairs will guide our Commission Officers through the relevant association’s topics and guidelines for the Commissions.
10:00 - 11:00


Organised by the AIJA Women Network

In this panel, the speakers will discuss about gender discrimination and violence, presenting the issues and data in such regard according to different reports published on such matter, particularly in the workplace and in law firms, and will share own experiences and personal stories that show how these issues manifest.

The panelists will delve into the intricacies of what constitutes discrimination and violence on the basis of gender and how they affect gender equality and human dignity, explaining how sexism, gender stereotypes and unconscious bias contribute to it.

The panelists will also talk about the formation of the gender violence iceberg by approaching sensitive matters such as: how gender discrimination may turn into gender violence, how gender violence can stem from and be manifested through toxic masculinities and micro-aggressions and the so-called “micromachismos”.

Lessons to be learned and recommendations to be implemented from our frontlines at the workplace and in law firms will be shared, in order to challenge and change the status quo on gender discrimination and violence and to prevent them, and to fight toward human dignity and gender equality from this realm.

Moderator: Marnix van den Bergh, Höcker Advocaten, The Netherlands 

Speakers:
  • Michelle Ferrari, Great Place to work México, Mexico
  • Antonia Rodriguez, Abogadas MX, Mexico
  • Katja Garvey, Porter Wright, USA 
11:00 - 11:30

11:30 - 12:30


Organised by the AIJA Human Rights Committee (HRC)

The panel will engage in a comprehensive discussion encompassing various facets of the International and domestic Legal Framework for safeguarding the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage, with a particular focus on the Mexican constitutional block. The discourse will include a brief history of the indigenous people’s cultural heritage protection in Mexico and the main legal challenges of navigating concurrent indigenous and non-indigenous legal systems, shedding light on the complexities that arise, especially within Urban Indigenous Communities and Quasi-Indigenous Communities. An examination of the legal consequences associated with cultural misappropriation or unauthorized use in Mexico, will further enrich the conversation, providing valuable insights into the ramifications of their collective rights and self-determination. Furthermore, the panel will delve into the intricacies of contracting with Indigenous Communities, addressing the delicate balance between indigenous legal systems (uses and traditions) and human rights. Lastly, we will elucidate the due diligence obligations incumbent upon companies operating in this domain, offering a holistic perspective on the legal landscape surrounding cultural misappropriation.

Moderator: Silvia van Schaik, bureau Brandeis, Netherlands

Speakers:
  • Hector Garza Cervera, CIIJA, Mexico
  • Begoña Cancino, BCG Law, Mexico
12:30 - 13:30

13:30 - 15:00

15:00 - 16:00

  • Business Crime and Civil Fraud Commission meeting
  • Corporate and M&A Commission meeting
  • Environment & Energy Law Commission meeting
  • International Arbitration Commission meeting
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (IPTMT) Commission meeting
16:00 - 17:00

  • Antitrust Commission meeting
  • International Business Law Commission (IBLC) + Sports Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • International Private Clients and Family Law Commission meeting
  • Labour Law Commission + Immigration Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • Transport Law Commission meeting
  • Real Estate Commission meeting
17:00 - 18:00

  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets (BFCM) Commission meeting
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission meeting
  • Insolvency Commission meeting
  • Litigation Commission meeting
  • Tax Law Commission meeting
  • T.R.A.D.E. (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commission meeting
20:00 - 23:00


One of the most anticipated evenings with a personal-local touch is the ‘Home Hospitality Dinner’, where local lawyers open their homes to welcome AIJA delegates from around the world with local delectable food and drinks. Gain insights into the lifestyle and hospitality of the city hosting the conference in a friendly atmosphere experience.
23:00 - 02:00


Address: Av. Paseo de las Palmas 530, Lomas - Virreyes, Lomas de Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, 11000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

09:30 - 09:45

10:30 - 12:30


Address: Av. Insurgentes Sur 4003, Sta Úrsula Xitla, Tlalpan, 14420 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
10:30 - 17:30


Brunch at Arroyo: Av. Insurgentes Sur 4003, Sta Úrsula Xitla, Tlalpan, 14420 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Boat Tour at Xochimilco: Av. Nuevo León S/N, Caltongo, Xochimilco, 16090 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Track 2 - The Impact of the Digital Economy in our Daily Lives

14:00 - 20:30

15:00 - 17:00

Organised by the Skills, Career, Innovation, Leadership and Learning (SCILL) Commission
16:00 - 17:00

17:00 - 18:00

17:00 - 18:00

17:00 - 18:00


Organised by the Academic Programme Committee (APC)

The Seminar Crash Course organised by the Academic Programme Committee offers an overview on how to successfully organise AIJA seminars. All members are invited, no matter if they are experienced and have organised events before or are fairly new members or First Timers. Whoever might want to participate in organising seminars at one point will be shown the ropes of successful AIJA event organisation.
18:30 - 20:30


Address: Campos Eliseos. 204 Polanco Chapultepec, Polanco, Chapultepec, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Supported by 
20:45 - 23:30

07:00 - 08:00

08:30 - 18:30

09:00 - 09:45


Eduardo De La Peña Bernal, Shutts & Bowen LLP & AIJA President 2023-2024, United States
Daniela Jara Cruz, OBPO Advisors, Mexico
José Luis Vega Garrido, Ramírez, Gutiérrez-Azpe, Rodríguez-Rivero y Hurtado, Mexico

Keynote speaker:

Alejandro Canela, Vice-President of Siemens Digital industries software, Mexico
09:45 - 10:00

10:00 - 11:00


Organised by the Business Crime and Civil Fraud Commission

DAOs are a unique application of blockchain and organisational governance, which use automation and democratised consensus-based decision making with no central governing body. So, what happens if you have one as a client or adversary in criminal prosecutions or in civil litigation? Is that even possible? This panel will explore how DAOs fit in the traditional litigation scheme.

Moderator: Charlotte Hill, Penningtons Manches Cooper, England

Speakers:
11:00 - 11:30


Supported by
11:30 - 12:30


Organised by the Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission

Automation has become an integral part of the healthcare system, physical assistant robots treat patients in rehabilitation, robots assist in surgery, physicians upload images or medical histories to a platform to receive possible medical findings.
The complexity of cyber-physical systems in specific healthcare applications is diverse, ranging from automated imaging techniques to doctor's appointments with a chat bot.
This panel will shed light on the specific issues and challenges of regulation in this highly innovative environment. Are current industry standards sufficient? Do general legal principles still apply when robots are in charge of our health?

Moderator: Angelika Murer, Homburger AG, Switzerland

Speakers:
  • Mario Francisco Pérez Monzó, Philips Solutions, Mexico
  • José Antonio Arochi, Arochi Lindner, Mexico
  • Pedro Manuel Córdova, Robalino, Ecuador
  • Yuri Inoue, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, Japan
12:30 - 13:30


Supported by
13:30 - 14:30


Organised by the Transport Law and the Environmental and Energy Law Commissions

Nearshoring offers cost efficiency, logistical ease and mitigating risks associated with more distant outsourcing. The convenience lies in the balance of operational benefits, reduced complexities, and improved innovation through closer partnerships. Within the context of Digital Economy, these elements are crucial in navigating the interconnected global landscape.
This panel will explore the legal intricacies of nearshoring by delving into transport, environmental, and energy law. Among others, we will address the regulatory landscape, environmental considerations, and clean energy requirements shaping nearshoring challenges.
Through case studies and practical insights, this session will provide a comprehensive understanding of legal challenges and successful strategies in a wide array of regions. In the realm of the Digital Economy, understanding these legal aspects becomes pivotal as technology-driven industries engage in nearshoring.

Moderator: Juan Manuel Rullán, Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aíza y Enríquez, Mexico

Speakers:
  • Leonel Pereznieto, Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aíza y Enríquez, Mexico
  • Natalia Pineda, Amazon, Mexico
  • Arturo Rodriguez Hicks, Ramboll, Mexico
  • Cecilia Amieva, ECIJA Uruguay, Uruguay 
  • Tunji Adeyemi, Banwo & Ighodalo, Nigeria
  • Fernando Gonzalez, Chevez, Ruiz Zamarripa, Mexico
14:30 - 15:00


Supported by 

15:00 - 16:00


Organised by the Banking, Finance and Capital Markets Commission

The panel explores the evolving landscape of digital assets and cryptocurrencies in the post-FTX era. FTX, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has played a significant role in shaping the industry and its collapse significantly destroyed general public's faith in the blockchain industry, but the discussion goes beyond recent challenges or setbacks. Panelists will provide unique insights from both industry and regulatory perspectives. The conversation delves into the future of digital assets, including tighter regulation of the sector, increasing focus on CBDCs, transformation from crypto exchanges into digital-asset ecosystems, analysing the impact of regulatory developments, technological advancements, and market trends. The discussion aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of navigating the digital space responsibly and innovatively, addressing key issues such as security, compliance, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping the next phase of digital asset evolution.

Moderator: Katarzyna Szczudlik, Schoenherr Halwa sp.k., Poland 

Speakers:
  • David Taylor, Etherfuse, Mexico
  • Fernando Tafur, MME Legal AG, Switzerland
  • Alba Rodriguez, Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aíza y Enríquez, Mexico 
16:00 - 16:15

16:15 - 17:15


Organised by the Intellectual Property Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (IP/TMT) Commission

As Mexico and the EU have recently enacted new legislation in relation to the protection of traditional knowledge, cultural property and non-traditional trademarks, the timing and location offers a unique opportunity for an in-depth discussion on how we protect culture and indigenous knowledge while supporting their continued use and appropriate commercialisation.

Moderator: Johannes Struck, Brödermann Jahn, Germany

Speakers:
  • Karla Morales, ECIJA GPA, Ecuador
  • Omar Cuevas, Consultant on legal affairs and compliance, Mexico
17:30 - 18:30

19:30 - 20:00

20:00 - 02:00


Address: Juan Vazquez de Mella 525, Polanco, Polanco I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11510 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Supported by

08:00 - 18:00

08:45 - 10:00


If you are an AIJA Commission Officer, make sure to attend this forum and discuss current and future AIJA issues relevant to your Commission and members tomorrow at 8:45 CST in Regency Ballroom B (2nd floor of the Conference Venue). 

The Officers of the Commission’s Committee and the Academic Programme Committee Co-Chairs will guide our Commission Officers through the relevant association’s topics and guidelines for the Commissions.
10:00 - 11:00


Organised by the AIJA Women Network

In this panel, the speakers will discuss about gender discrimination and violence, presenting the issues and data in such regard according to different reports published on such matter, particularly in the workplace and in law firms, and will share own experiences and personal stories that show how these issues manifest.

The panelists will delve into the intricacies of what constitutes discrimination and violence on the basis of gender and how they affect gender equality and human dignity, explaining how sexism, gender stereotypes and unconscious bias contribute to it.

The panelists will also talk about the formation of the gender violence iceberg by approaching sensitive matters such as: how gender discrimination may turn into gender violence, how gender violence can stem from and be manifested through toxic masculinities and micro-aggressions and the so-called “micromachismos”.

Lessons to be learned and recommendations to be implemented from our frontlines at the workplace and in law firms will be shared, in order to challenge and change the status quo on gender discrimination and violence and to prevent them, and to fight toward human dignity and gender equality from this realm.

Moderator: Marnix van den Bergh, Höcker Advocaten, The Netherlands 

Speakers:
  • Michelle Ferrari, Great Place to work México, Mexico
  • Antonia Rodriguez, Abogadas MX, Mexico
  • Katja Garvey, Porter Wright, USA 
11:00 - 11:30

11:30 - 12:30


Organised by the AIJA Human Rights Committee (HRC)

The panel will engage in a comprehensive discussion encompassing various facets of the International and domestic Legal Framework for safeguarding the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage, with a particular focus on the Mexican constitutional block. The discourse will include a brief history of the indigenous people’s cultural heritage protection in Mexico and the main legal challenges of navigating concurrent indigenous and non-indigenous legal systems, shedding light on the complexities that arise, especially within Urban Indigenous Communities and Quasi-Indigenous Communities. An examination of the legal consequences associated with cultural misappropriation or unauthorized use in Mexico, will further enrich the conversation, providing valuable insights into the ramifications of their collective rights and self-determination. Furthermore, the panel will delve into the intricacies of contracting with Indigenous Communities, addressing the delicate balance between indigenous legal systems (uses and traditions) and human rights. Lastly, we will elucidate the due diligence obligations incumbent upon companies operating in this domain, offering a holistic perspective on the legal landscape surrounding cultural misappropriation.

Moderator: Silvia van Schaik, bureau Brandeis, Netherlands

Speakers:
  • Hector Garza Cervera, CIIJA, Mexico
  • Begoña Cancino, BCG Law, Mexico
12:30 - 13:30

13:30 - 15:00

15:00 - 16:00

  • Business Crime and Civil Fraud Commission meeting
  • Corporate and M&A Commission meeting
  • Environment & Energy Law Commission meeting
  • International Arbitration Commission meeting
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (IPTMT)  Commission meeting
16:00 - 17:00

  • Antitrust Commission meeting
  • International Business Law Commission (IBLC) + Sports Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • International Private Clients and Family Law Commission meeting
  • Labour Law Commission + Immigration Law Sub-Commission meeting
  • Transport Law Commission meeting
  • Real Estate Commission meeting
17:00 - 18:00

  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets (BFCM) Commission meeting
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission meeting
  • Insolvency Commission meeting
  • Litigation Commission meeting
  • Tax Law Commission meeting
  • T.R.A.D.E. (Trade, Retail, Agency, Distribution, E-commerce) Commission meeting
20:00 - 23:00


One of the most anticipated evenings with a personal-local touch is the ‘Home Hospitality Dinner’, where local lawyers open their homes to welcome AIJA delegates from around the world with local delectable food and drinks. Gain insights into the lifestyle and hospitality of the city hosting the conference in a friendly atmosphere experience.
23:00 - 02:00


Address: Av. Paseo de las Palmas 530, Lomas - Virreyes, Lomas de Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, 11000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

09:30 - 09:45

10:30 - 12:30


Address: Av. Insurgentes Sur 4003, Sta Úrsula Xitla, Tlalpan, 14420 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
10:30 - 17:30


Brunch at Arroyo: Av. Insurgentes Sur 4003, Sta Úrsula Xitla, Tlalpan, 14420 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Boat Tour at Xochimilco: Av. Nuevo León S/N, Caltongo, Xochimilco, 16090 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Fees & General Info

There are currently no registration fees available.

General terms and conditions

By registering you have to accept the general terms and conditions and accept that your registration is considered binding immediately, but participation to the event is possible only after full payment of the registration fee.

Please note that any arrangements related to the participation of the participant in an AIJA event, including but not limited to booking or cancellation of accommodation or flights, as well as respecting the cancellation deadlines indicated in the general terms and conditions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. AIJA shall not be held liable for any expenses the participant may suffer as the result of participant’s failure to comply with his/her obligations.

It is recommended for each participant to purchase a cancellation and travel insurance.

Please note that in-house counsel registrations are subject to review and confirmation by AIJA. AIJA considers in-house counsel professionals who hold a university degree in law allowing access to a bar association and practicing law as an in-house counsel in private, public, or non-profit companies, institutions or organisations. Please note that in-house counsel who are at the same time active as fee-earning lawyers or consultants are not eligible to the discounted in-house counsel fee.

Please read the general terms and conditions applicable for AIJA events.

Scholarships

If you are a lawyer under 35 years old and meet the requirements, apply to our Scholarship Programme for this event. You can check more details here.

Prepare your stay

 

125 Guest rooms were pre-blocked at Hyatt Regency Hotel Mexico City at a group preferential rate for AIJA participants. Please note that rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis and subject to availability on the required date(s). The check-in is at 03.00 PM and check-out at 12.00 PM.

AIJA Group Rates:

Standard King/Twin, Single Occupancy: 249 USD

Standard King/Twin, Double Occupancy: 269 USD

  • Guest room rates in Standard Category include breakfast buffet on a daily basis at Rulfo Restaurant (single occupancy: one (1) breakfast; double occupancy: two (2) breakfasts). 
  • Guest room rates are subject to 0% VAT**, 3.5% Lodging Tax and mandatory gratuities for Bell Tip (6 USD for the first night of the stay) and Maid Tip (4 USD each night). 
    ** To apply for the 0% VAT (tax) exemption benefit, every guest must show their passport stamped by the immigration department upon check-in (the front office will photocopy both). In case this documentation cannot be displayed, 16% VAT (tax) will be charged accordingly. 
  • Check-in time is 15:00, and check-out time is 12:00. Any early arrival or late departure requests are subject to availability and will cause a charge of one night's room rent plus all applicable taxes and mandatory gratuities. 
  • Please note that preferential rates will be available between 24 May (included) – 02 June (included).  
     

Booking deadline: 07 May 2024 (after which availability may not be guaranteed for all nights and at the preferential rate)

Cancellation policy: For any no-show, late cancellations received from 21 May 2024, and/or early departures, a charge for the total room stay plus all applicable taxes will be charged to the guaranteed credit card of the individual on file. 

Should you encounter any difficulties or require assistance during the booking process, please contact the Hotel’s reservations team: mexhr.reservations@hyatt.com 

BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE AT THE AIJA GROUP RATE

Practical Information

CONFERENCE VENUE

Hyatt Regency Hotel Mexico City

Located in the upscale Polanco district, near Paseo de la Reforma and overlooking iconic Chapultepec Park. The hotel is steps from Mexico City’s Museum campus and the bustling shops of Avenida Presidente Masaryk.

Enjoy more than 3,400m2 of space for business meetings, with 28 meeting rooms for small sessions to larger meetings. Many of the spaces have natural light, high ceilings, and wonderful views.

The hotel owns four specialty restaurants with the local Latin American cuisine in Rulfo, some exotic oriental flavors in Teppan Grill. A menu based on Japanese cuisine is also available at Yoshimi. If you are looking for snacks, Amado Market is the perfect place and for the sweet memory, Amado Pastry offers a large range of cakes and breads.

To complement your experience, you can enjoy the hotel’s different areas designed to make your stay something extraordinary, from the heated indoor pool and adjacent outdoor sundeck overlooking Chapultepec Park, sauna and steam room to a fully equipped gym with three tennis courts.

LOCATION:

Campos Eliseos 204

Polanco Chapultepec, Mexico City, Mexico, 11560

Tel: +52 55 5083 1234

E-Mail : mexicocity.regency@hyatt.com

Website

HOW TO ACCESS THE HOTEL

NEAREST TRANSPORTATION:

Mexico City International Airport (MEX) – 17 kilometers (10 miles)

Auditorio Metro station (train, line 7) – 500 meters (0.3 miles)

Transportation from the airport: 

Taking an Uber or other app transportation from the airport is forbidden. The recommended method of transportation consists of the official taxis present inside the airport. Although there is a Metro station near the airport, it is not advisable to use it.

Private Transportation – Hyatt Regency Mexico City:

Please contact the concierge at mexhr.concierge@hyatt.com to make arrangements. The hotel also offers transfers by van for four or more passengers.

TRANSPORT IN MEXICO CITY:

We recommend using Uber or DiDi for transportation within the city premises. There are no other recommended apps and, definitively, the delegates should not grab taxis from the street for safety reasons.

Public transportation such as the underground (Metro) and urban bus (Metrobus) can be used to go to touristical areas, but not as the principal means for mobility since it can be crowded, and the users must be cautious of pickpockets.

For the Metro map, please click HERE

For the Metrobus map, please click HERE 

Metro and Metrobus cannot be paid on the go. Delegates must buy a card from the official vendors inside the stations or from the vending machines located within the stations’ perimeters.

 

VISA REQUIREMENTS:

All information regarding visa requirements can be found HERE 

 

Sustainability @ Hyatt Regency Hotel Mexico City

AIJA is pleased to partner with Hyatt Regency Hotel Mexico City on the occasion of this HYC and supports all sustainability efforts and initiatives put in place by the hotel. Learn more with a brief fact sheet HERE

Conference Bags

Conference bags (Manta bags) are hand-painted by Mexican artisans. The Manta is the most traditional fabric in Mexico and is made of 100% pure cotton. This type of fabric is completely ecological because no chemical components are harmful to the environment used for it is production. With the purchase of bags, support is provided to the FUNAET foundation.

Organising Committee

Cara COOKE
Cara COOKE Mason Hayes & Curran (IRELAND)
Carlos Federico DELRAZO OCHOA
Carlos Federico DELRAZO OCHOA Ecija Mexico, S.C. (MEXICO)
Daniela FLORES BORUNDA
Daniela FLORES BORUNDA EC Rubio (MEXICO)
Daniela JARA CRUZ
Daniela JARA CRUZ OBPO Advisors (MEXICO)
Elena KADELBURGER
Elena KADELBURGER (UNITED KINGDOM)
Sophie LENS
Sophie LENS ALTIUS (BELGIUM)
Juan MENDOZA
Juan MENDOZA Sequor Law, P.A. (UNITED STATES)
Gabriela VASQUEZ
Gabriela VASQUEZ Galindo, Arias & Lopez (PANAMA)
José Luis VEGA GARRIDO
José Luis VEGA GARRIDO Ramírez, Gutiérrez-Azpe, Rodríguez-Rivero y Hurtado, S.C. (MEXICO)

Sponsors

Become a sponsor

Partnership with AIJA as a sponsor provides the best networking opportunities in a relaxed business environment.
If you have any questions, contact us on ‘Become a sponsor’ and check for more opportunities.

Become a sponsor More about sponsorship

Personal Protection

The personal data that you communicate to us shall be processed by the International Association Of Young Lawyers (AIJA), with its registered office at Avenue de Tervueren 231, 1150 Brussels, Belgium (Tel: +32 2 347 33 34 - office@aija.com), in accordance with Act No. 78-17 of January 6, 1978 relating to data, files and freedoms and Regulation No. 2016/679 on data protection, as of its entry into force on May 25, 2018.

Your data will be managed by AIJA's General Services, Events and Accounts Section:

  • For the purpose of administering your registration for the event and your on-site access to the event;
  • In order to pay for the selected services - your bank details will be deleted after receipt of your payment;
  • In order to communicate information messages from AIJA.

To the extent necessary for the execution of their respective tasks, our subcontractors in charge of our seminar organisation, our IT infrastructure, our management, the production and maintenance of our website and extranet, are likely to gain access to your data from time to time. Their servers are located in the European Union.

Data relating to your participation in the event shall be stored for a period of 10 years. We are obliged to archive billing data until the end of the period required for our tax and accounting obligations, i.e. for 7 full tax years.

We shall store your contact information to keep you informed until you ask us to stop. You have the right to access your data and have it corrected if necessary.