Frequently Asked Questions

What is International Law Weekend?

International Law Weekend (ILW) is a three-day conference featuring presentations on a wide range of international law issues and developments of current importance.  One of the premier international law conferences of the fall season, it is hosted annually by the American Branch of the International Law Association (ABILA) in New York City. ILW includes several major addresses and plenary panels and 35 substantive panels on a wide range of public and private international law topics. To learn more about this conference, visit our website.

When is the conference?

ILW 2026 will be held on October 22-24, 2026.

Where will the conference be held?

ILW 2026 will be hosted in person in New York City. The opening night’s events on Thursday will be held at the New York City Bar Association (42 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036). The substantive program on Friday and Saturday will be at Fordham University School of Law (150 W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023).

What is the theme for ILW 2026?

The unifying theme for ILW 2026 is [R]evolution in the International Legal Order, as follows:

This conference will examine the re-ordering of the international legal order at a pivotal moment of transition. Shifts in global power, challenges to bedrock legal principles, including the prohibition on the use of force, and retreat from long-standing international commitments pose challenges to the status quo, creating both uncertainty and opportunities for renewal. As some traditionally dominant states scale back their engagement with international law and institutions, space opens to reconsider the global distribution and exercise of authority and responsibility. 

ILW 2026 will explore these issues through a diverse set of engaging and provocative panels, plenary sessions, and keynote addresses. The program will include a broad array of both public international law and private international law topics. The conference will also include networking opportunities, social events, and award ceremonies.

Will the conference be streamed online?

No. ILW is an in-person only event. Some panels will be recorded and shared after the conference, but no live streaming of events will take place.

How do I submit a proposed panel for inclusion in the program?

Panel proposal submissions are closed.

Is proof of COVID-19 vaccination required to attend ILW?

No. Proof of vaccination is no longer required to attend any of the events held in conjunction with ILW. However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend ILW.

How do I register?

You may register by clicking this link.

Does ABILA have a relationship with a hotel?

Hotels:

On Thursday, 22nd October, ILW will commence at the New York City Bar Association in Midtown Manhattan. If you are a member of the NYC Bar Association, you get 10% off all global Accor brand hotels. Additionally, members enjoy preferential 15% rates, specifically with Sofitel New York, conveniently located directly across from the New York City Bar Association building. Click here to see more details about this discount.

From Friday 23rd to Saturday 24th of October, ILW will be held at Fordham School of Law on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The closest hotel to Fordham School of Law is The Empire; many ILW speakers and visitors choose to stay here. ABILA has an exclusive rate with The Empire for Wednesday 21st to Sunday 25th October, 2026 for $379 a night. Click here to book with the ABILA discount.

Alternatively, Fordham has kindly provided a list of recommended hotels near its Lincoln Center Campus. Click here to explore those options.

Travel:

The closest subway stops to the NYC Bar Association are 5th Ave, 42 St-Bryant Park, and Times Square 42nd Street. The closest subway stops to Fordham School of Law are 66 St-Lincoln Center and 59 St-Columbus Center.

How do I earn CLE at ILW?

This program is pending approval by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board.

Statement on Conference Speakers:

The American Branch has a long history of organizing conferences that promote discourse about important international law topics. This often includes panels, speakers, and awardees who address controversial and sensitive issues. Our commitment to open debate remains unchanged, and ABILA does not engage in academic censorship. The program for International Law Weekend (ILW) does not reflect in any way the views of the Branch or any of our sponsor organizations. We continue to welcome broad and lively discussion at our conferences, as we have in past years.

How much does it cost to attend ILW?

Member Registration: $115 until September 22; then $150 until ILW26
Non-Member Registration: $180 until September 22; then $215 until ILW26
ILW26 Ticket + First Year ABILA Membership Bundle: $205 until September 22; then $230 until ILW26

How much does ILW cost for students?

Student Member Registration: $10 (membership is free!) until September 22; then $15 until ILW26
Student Non-Member Registration: $20 until September 22; then $25 until ILW26

The American Branch is committed to keeping the price of International Law Weekend for all students as low as possible. As a reminder, student membership in the American Branch of the International Law Association is always free. View our membership page for more information.

Why does it cost more to register for non-members?

Membership in the American Branch comes with many benefits, including participation in ABILA and ILA Committees, mentoring opportunities, and reduced rates on regional and national conferences like ILW. We offer a special bundle rate to non-member conference participants who can register for the conference and become an American Branch member through December 31, 2027.

Do Panelists and Moderators have to register?

Yes. All panelists and moderators are required to register for ILW 2026 and pay the appropriate fee. International Law Weekend provides speakers with a platform at a global and diverse conference. As in prior years, we anticipate nearly 1,500 participants, including practitioners, academics, diplomats, business leaders, federal and state government officials, NGO leaders, journalists, students, and interested citizens. Registration fees support the American Branch, enabling us to continue hosting world-class conferences year after year and offering our programs at a very modest cost to professionals and students. Non-member speakers are encouraged to take advantage of the bundled registration and membership option to join one of the most active professional organizations in our field at a reduced rate.

Can I apply for a fee waiver for financial hardship?

Yes. If you would like to attend ILW or are a Panelist but cannot manage the registration fee, please email [email protected] to request a fee waiver. Waivers will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

Is there a dress code for ILW?

Yes. We recommend business casual for all participants throughout ILW.

If you have any other questions about ILW, please email [email protected]

Organizing Committee Members ILW 2026

William Aceves
Natasha Amlani
Sumudu Atapattu
Amity Boye
Christine C. Carpenter
Harout Ekmanian
Rebecca Hamilton
William Kent
Kuenley Lhaden Gyaltshen
Tim McKenzie
Nema Milaninia
J. Janewa Osei-Tutu
Paola Patarroyo
Victoria Pochtar
Klara Polackova Van der Ploeg
Tara Van Ho
Beatrice A. Walton
Elisabeth Wickeri

Freya Doughty-Wagner, ex officio
Laurie Farid, ex officio
Leila Sadat, ex officio
Michael Scharf, ex officio