The 10th Anniversary
IBA-VIAC CDRC Mediation & Negotiation Competition
IBA-VIAC CDRC Vienna Mediation Conference 2025
Vienna
University of Vienna
Juridicum
Since 2015
Building Bridges: Trends, Technology, and Tomorrow’s Mediators
Thursday, 10 July 2025
Registration
12 noon
Conference
12:30 pm – 6:15 pm,
followed by a Reception
Venue:
Christoph-Leitl-Lounge
Wirtschaftskammer Österreich
Wiedner Hauptstraße 63
1045 Vienna, Austria
As the IBA-VIAC CDRC Vienna Mediation & Negotiation Competition marks its tenth anniversary, we invite you to join us in Vienna for the 3rd IBA-VIAC CDRC Vienna Pre-Moot Conference — a unique gathering that bridges a decade of tradition with the evolving future of mediation.
This year’s conference, “Building Bridges: Trends, Technology, and Tomorrow’s Mediators,” will bring together leading minds from around the world to explore the shifting landscape of dispute resolution. Through keynote addresses and dynamic panels, participants will delve into the latest trends shaping mediation, from the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to the evolving roles and expectations of mediators in a globalized market.
Whether you are a practitioner, academic, student, or enthusiast, this event offers a rare opportunity to engage with international experts, reflect on the profession’s journey, and help shape the future of consensual dispute resolution.
Join us on 10 July 2025 as we celebrate a decade of excellence and look ahead to the next chapter in mediation.
We are excited that tickets are now available for this Conference! Whether you plan to join us in person or participate online, all attendees must purchase a ticket to secure their spot. Take advantage of our Early Bird discount by registering soon — don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an inspiring and engaging event at a reduced rate.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Registration
Sign in here early to for your spot at the Conference — because even the best ideas need a name tag!
12 noon
Welcome
A welcome to all participants of the IBA-VIAC CDRC Vienna Mediation Conference 2025, setting the tone for an exciting and insightful event.
12:30 pm
Thomas John MCIArb, Australia
Elisabeth Vanas-Metzler, Austria
Key Note Speech by Professor Nadja Alexander
Professor Nadja Alexander, a globally recognized thought leader in mediation and dispute resolution, will deliver the keynote speech, sharing her extensive expertise gained from over three decades of international practice and scholarship. Her address will explore emerging trends and innovative approaches that are shaping the future of mediation worldwide.
1 pm
Nadja Alexander, Singapore
Tomorrow’s Mediator: Evolving Roles, Rising Expectations and External Challenges
Panel 1 will explore whether, and if so, how the evolving landscape regarding mediation laws, specializations, and the market reshape the mediator’s role. The panel looks at the shifting ground beneath the feet of today’s and tomorrow’s mediators. From changing client expectations and growing specialization to the globalization of dispute resolution practices, our experts will reflect on how the profession has transformed over the past decade—and forecast where it may be headed next. Our experts will ask:
- International Commercial Mediation – A Standardized Concept?
- Is the Landscape for Training in the Field of Mediation Changing?
- Are mediators increasingly expected to have subject matter expertise?
- Are future Mediators Neutral Facilitators or Strategic Conflict Advisors?
- Will types of disputes, including ESG and investor-state mediation, reshape the mediator’s competencies?
- Should mediators take on expanded, advisory roles, including conflict prevention and dispute system design?
1:45 pm
Anne-Karin Grill, Austria
Andrew Miller KC, UK
Joan Stearns Johnsen, USA
Linda Heng, Singapore
Corrado Mora, Italy
Gary Birnberg, Brazil
Jean-Christoph Barth, Switzerland
Coffee Break
Fueling your brain and your network with expertly brewed coffee – simply a perfect blend.
3:45 pm
AI and the Mediator’s Mind: Technology, Trust, and Transformation
Panel 2 will consider the practical, ethical, and strategic implications for the future of mediation as technology makes its way into our practice. The experts will explore everyday and cutting-edge applications of AI in mediation, from drafting tools to data analysis, and the unique benefits they offer. But as technology grows, so do questions of transparency, digital security, and trust. Our experts will ask:
- Can machines replicate empathy and intuition?
- Will future advances in AI or quantum computing close these gaps?
- Should parties be told when AI is involved? If so, when and how?
- What are the main legal and data protection issues raised by using AI in mediation?
- How should they be addressed, is there a need for better / further regulation?
- How do we strike the right balance between human judgment and technological input?
4:15 pm
James Claxton, Denmark
Orna Rabinovich-Einy, Israel
Judith Knieper, Austria
Natascha Tunkel, Austria
James South, UK
Ulrich Mans, Netherlands
Reception
Mix, mingle, and make connections—our reception is where great ideas and great conversations continue.
6:30 pm
Après-CDRC
Unwind, unwind, at Aux Gazelle — and remember, what happens at Apres CDRC is self-funded, so your good vibes are the only tab we’re running!
9 pm
Featured Speakers
Our IBA-VIAC CDRC Vienna Mediation Conference 2025 is proud to feature an exceptional lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of mediation, law, and dispute resolution. Together, these renowned professionals will guide discussions on the evolving roles of mediators, the integration of technology and artificial intelligence in mediation practice, and the future challenges and opportunities facing the profession. Their diverse expertise and international perspectives will ensure a thought-provoking and inspiring experience for all attendees. Please note that our speaker list is regularly updated—check back often for the latest information on our featured experts.
Key Note Speaker

Nadja Alexander
SGP
Panelists

Anne-Karin Grill
AUT

Andrew Miller KC
UK

Linda Heng
SGP

Jean-Christophe Barth
CHF

Gary Birnberg
BRZ

Corrado Mora
ITA

Joan Stearns Johnsen
USA

James Claxton
DEN

Natascha Tunkel
AUT

Judith Knieper
AUT

Orna Rabinovich
ISR

James South
UK

Ulrich Mans
NLD
Professional Credits
The CDRC Vienna does not apply and will not offer professional credits in any jurisdiction for this program. Participants of the CDRC Vienna who desire professional credits (such as CLE, CPD, or similar credits for those professionals in a discipline other than the practice of law) will be able to request a certificate of attendance, which may be used for self-pursuit of professional credits in their jurisdictions. In so doing, the CDRC Vienna suggests that you confirm any requirements with the appropriate licensing body.