Autumn Conference 2024 – Utrecht, The Netherlands

AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2024

Avrio Advocati Autumn Conference in Utrecht: A Weekend of Insight, Innovation, and Connection

This weekend, Avrio Advocati members gathered in Utrecht for our annual autumn conference, and it was a truly engaging and entertaining few days. As always, the event featured highly interactive workshops, thought-provoking talks, and an excellent social programme that left us with much to consider and discuss.

Key Highlights:

  1. Supporting Business Startups Internationally: Chaired by Rick Geerars, Nineyards Law, members delved into discussions about international approaches to business startup support, exploring whether other regions can recreate the success of Silicon Valley and identifying regions where this is already underway across the globe. The crucial role that lawyers play in this dynamic landscape was a key takeaway.
  2. Business Turnaround Insights: Andries Govaert, CEO of Makro Netherlands, kindly shared his career experiences to date including, steering Makro through restructuring. He emphasised the importance of having a solid plan and making swift decisions when faced with challenges in turning around a struggling business.
  3. AI in the Legal Sector: Dr. Srđan Krčo, co-founder and CEO of DunavNET, alerted us to the vast opportunities AI brings to the legal sector. He left us pondering the future role of the legal profession as AI continues to develop, ending his talk on an intriguing cliffhanger.
  4. Outer Space and Legal Representation: Benoît Morzier from member firm Avopartner took us into the realm of outer space and the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) with his talk, “Outer Space: The Final Frontier,” providing an update on the growing demand for legal representation and regulatory developments as companies continue to invest and space becomes more crowded.
  5. A Vibrant Social Program: Avrio Advocati members enjoyed a fantastic social schedule, courtesy of Nineyards Law. This included visits to great restaurants and bars, along with a memorable boat trip through Amsterdam’s canals, where local hosts Nicole Six and Eliza Akopova shared invaluable insights and stories.
  6. A Sneak Peek at the Joint IAPA/Avrio Advocati Event: We were delighted to welcome Martin Clapson, IAPA Chair and Managing Partner of Price Bailey, who, alongside Bryan Bletso (Avrio Advocati board member and Partner at Irwin Mitchell LLP), gave us an exciting preview of the upcoming joint IAPA/Avrio Advocati conference in Cambridge next year. With an AI-themed program, punting in Cambridge, a gala dinner, and horse racing at Newmarket, this event promises to be truly exceptional.

We extend our gratitude to all our speakers, participants, and hosts Nineyards Law for making this conference a resounding success. We look forward to seeing everyone in Cambridge next year!

If you have any queries, please email info@avrioadvocati.com