From 4 to 9 October 2026, the IBA Annual Conference will bring together more than 6,000 lawyers from around the world in Copenhagen for six intensive days of professional presentations, networking, and debate on the legal profession’s most important agendas.
IBA 2026 in Copenhagen
During the conference, more than 200 events will be held – ranging from plenary sessions featuring international profiles to committee tracks, workshops, panel debates, and networking events.
The programme covers the entire legal sector and provides participants with insight into global trends, new regulations, industry developments, and practical knowledge sharing. At the conference, colleagues from more than 170 countries will meet to strengthen both their expertise and professional networks.
In-house lawyers may attend a special event on Wednesday 7 October and participate in the remainder of the conference day. This event brings together in-house lawyers from across the globe for a day focused on the key agendas shaping corporate legal advice. The programme highlights compliance, governance, regulation, globalisation, and emerging risk landscapes, combined with practical experience from international companies. The day provides you with new knowledge, direct peer-to-peer exchange, and strong networking opportunities tailored to the daily activities and strategic role of in-house lawyers.
Prior to the IBA Annual Conference 2026, we will be hosting a number of events referred to as the "Road to Copenhagen" with broad participation across the industry. Throughout 2026, the Danish Bar and Law Society, the Association of Danish Law Firms, and a number of partners will focus on the themes and trends that will shape the conference – providing you with a solid, professional foundation before the international programme begins. Please note that most of these events will be conducted in Danish.
Read more about the conference and about the events leading up to IBA 2026.
About IBA, the organisation, and its work
The International Bar Association (IBA) is the leading global organisation for lawyers, law societies, legal experts, and other professionals from the legal community.
With more than 80,000 individual members, almost 200 bar associations and law societies, and participants from around 170-180 countries, the IBA serves as a central forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as the development of international standards across all areas of legal practice.
IBA’s work covers a wide spectrum – from committee work within its many practice sections to the publication of reports, analyses, and recommendations impacting both legal practice and international legal principles.
The organisation’s committee structure spans more than 65 specialised practice areas, which together help set the direction for legal development on a global scale.
IBA’s events and network
One of IBA’s most important contributions to the global legal profession is its extensive programme of conferences and professional events. IBA hosts more than 50 international specialist conferences as well as a wide range of webinars and virtual activities each year, the largest event of its kind being the IBA Annual Conference.