The 6th edition of the Dispute Resolution in M&A Transactions international conference, held in Warsaw on 26-27 May 2022, stood out as a turning point: one of the first in-person arbitration gatherings after the long hiatus of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organized by ICC together with GESSEL, it welcomed over 200 participants, setting a new attendance record and reaffirming the event’s place as the world’s largest conference dedicated to M&A dispute resolution. The atmosphere was both celebratory and pensive, with joy at the face-to-face reunion shot through with concern at the war in neighbouring Ukraine. In moving pre-recorded remarks, Olena Perepelynska of the Ukrainian Arbitration Association thanked the Polish people for their solidarity and expressed confidence that Ukraine’s M&A market would rebound, bringing fresh topics for future conferences. In her opening keynote, Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, emphasised that mutual support and inclusivity, particularly for marginalized communities, are the very foundations of the arbitration system.
The first day featured an authoritative survey of global M&A arbitration trends, debates on consolidation of proceedings, and probing discussions on equity and justice in arbitral decision-making. Bernard Hanotiau’s keynote speech addressed the perennial challenges of jurisdiction, non-signatories, and multi-contract arbitration. Day two expanded the scope to treaty law and reflective loss, energy transition disputes, and practical case studies by leading firms such as White & Case and Dentons, which illustrated the multifaceted realities of arbitration practice. The more frolicsome touches, young practitioners introducing panels with creativity, Jake Lowther breaking into song, or the merry evening at Baczewskich, contributed to the conference’s unique atmosphere. The participants left Warsaw freshly updated on legal doctrine and practice, but also re-energized by a renewed sense of belonging to an international community bound by curiosity, collaboration, and mutual respect.
Explore a series of short video summaries capturing the event’s key themes, discussions and participant perspectives. The videos offer an overview of what took place during the conference and its overall atmosphere.
