From 21 to 24 October 2026, the Alliance of Business Lawyers (ABL) gathered in Mexico City for its 51st Conference, bringing together members, speakers and guests from across its international network.

Hosted by Dayston Consultores, ABL's member firm in Mexico, the conference took place at the Hyatt Regency Mexico City and offered four days of professional discussions, knowledge sharing, networking and cultural experiences.

The conference opened with a welcome reception and dinner on 21 October, followed by two days of sessions addressing some of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses and the legal profession.

The programme began with a keynote presentation by Eric O'Neill, former FBI counterintelligence operative and cybersecurity expert, who explored trust, deception and the human factor in cybersecurity, drawing on his experience in counterintelligence and espionage.

Throughout the conference, participants discussed a range of topics, including Mexico's position in international business and investment, geopolitical challenges in international arbitration, cross-border taxation, technological disruption, leadership and the changing expectations of corporate legal departments.

ABL welcomed speakers from organisations including White & Case, Galicia Abogados, Universidad Panamericana, Procopio, Repsol Mexico, Arrow Industries and Casa Tierra Cobriza, bringing perspectives from legal practice, academia and business.

Artificial intelligence and its impact on the legal profession were also central to the programme. Harvey, Platinum Sponsor of the conference, was represented by Samantha (Sammy) King and Jorge Peón, who explored the implementation of AI in legal practice and its implications for the delivery of legal services.

The second day of sessions included ABL's Sharing Experiences programme, providing members with an opportunity to exchange knowledge and discuss developments affecting their practices and clients.

A panel entitled "What Will Lawyers Be Worth When Legal Advice Is Everywhere?" brought together Mahesh Madan Bhat, Laura Gobernado, Luis Roux Azevedo and Antonina Mangiola to discuss the future value of legal services, changing client expectations and the impact of artificial intelligence.

Other member-led sessions addressed international client development, investment opportunities in Venezuela and the importance of working together as one global network.

The conference also included ABL's General Assembly, during which members reviewed the Alliance's activities, financial position, membership development and future priorities.

Beyond the professional programme, delegates had the opportunity to experience Mexico City's culture and hospitality. Social activities included dinners at Porfirio's and El Bajío, a guided visit to the Historic Centre and the National Museum of Anthropology, and an excursion to the archaeological site of Teotihuacán.

ABL extends its gratitude to Dayston Consultores, particularly Diego Alejandro López Ramírez and his team, for hosting the conference and welcoming members to Mexico City.

A special thank you also goes to Harvey, our Platinum Sponsor, for its support and participation, and to all speakers, members and guests who contributed to the event.

The 51st Conference provided another opportunity to strengthen professional relationships, exchange knowledge and reinforce the collaboration that lies at the heart of ABL.

We look forward to continuing these conversations at our next conference in Brussels, Belgium, from 19 to 22 May 2027, hosted by Miles Legal.