Where Innovation Meets Tradition
Cairo, Egypt
15 October 2026 - 17 October 2026
M&A: Navigating Mergers & Acquisitions in the Digital Age
Thursday 15 October 2026 | |
| 18:00 | Welcome reception |
Friday 16 October 2026 | |
| 08:00 | Registrations open |
| 09:00 » 09:30 | Opening session by AIJA's President and presentation of the OC |
| 09:30 » 10:00 | Keynote speaker |
| 10:00 » 11:00 | PANEL 1: Merger Control in Emerging Markets - Navigating Change Merger control regimes are rapidly evolving across emerging markets, with new rules reshaping cross-border M&A. Egypt, for instance, recently began enforcing a pre-merger notification system, joining a growing list of jurisdictions tightening oversight. This panel will explore key regulatory developments, notification thresholds and timelines as well as how emerging market authorities approach merger control. With enforcement on the rise, understanding these shifting frameworks is essential for dealmakers operating across borders. |
| 11:00 » 11:30 | Coffee break |
| 11:30 » 12:30 | PANEL 2: Navigating Foreign Investment Regulations - How National Security Concerns Shape M&A Foreign direct investment (FDI) screening regimes are becoming increasingly complex and widespread — from the EU and US to the Gulf region and Asia. This panel explores how national security concerns and regulatory scrutiny are reshaping cross-border M&A. This panel will also consider how tariff volatility, trade barriers and shifting global alliances are influencing investment strategies and deal structures, adding further complexity to an already evolving regulatory landscape. |
| 12:30 » 13:00 | Commission Meetings |
| 13:00 » 14:30 | Lunch Break |
| 14:30 » 15:30 | PANEL 3: Startups and Strategic Exits in the Tech Ecosystem – Trends in different Hubs around the Globe Emerging markets are home to dynamic startup ecosystems that are increasingly drawing the interest of regional and global investors. Egypt is one such hub, alongside other fast-growing markets in the region. This panel explores recent exit trends, buyer profiles, and regulatory considerations in such deals. As innovation accelerates, understanding exit pathways in these regions is key for founders, investors, and advisors alike. |
| 15:30 » 16:00 | Coffee Break |
| 16:00 » 17:00 | PANEL 4: Roundtables |
| 19:00 | Dinner |
Saturday 17 October 2026 | |
| 09:00 | Registrations open |
| 09:30 » 10:30 | Joint panel |
| 10:30 » 11:00 | Coffee Break |
| 11:00 » 13:00 | SCILL SESSION |
| 13:00 » 14:00 | Lunch |
| 16:00 | Optional social programme |
IPTMT: IP in the media industry
Thursday 15 October 2026 | |
| 18:00 | Welcome reception |
Friday 16 October 2026 | |
| 08:00 | Registrations open |
| 09:00 » 09:30 | Opening session by AIJA's President and presentation of the OC |
| 09:30 » 10:00 | Keynote speaker |
| 10:00 » 11:00 | PANEL 1: IP Law in the Media Landscape Media, film, television, and the rise of digital platforms – overall protection with a focus on copyright. This panel will explore the different individuals involved in a production — such as actors, directors, scriptwriters, authors, translators, and dubbing artists — and examine the rights associated with each role. We will discuss the key intellectual property considerations when producing media content such as films, television shows, or video games. |
| 11:00 » 11:30 | Coffee Break |
| 11:30 » 12:30 | PANEL 2: Trademark Protection in the Media and Entertainment Industry What should be protected from a trademark perspective? This panel will address the protection of elements such as fictional characters, names, and titles. We will also explore notable dispute cases that illustrate the challenges and strategies in trademark protection within the media and entertainment sectors. |
| 12:30 » 13:00 | Commission Meetings |
| 13:00 » 14:30 | Lunch Break |
| 14:30 » 15:30 | PANEL 3: IP Challenges in Streaming and Online Content This panel will explore the legal and contractual issues that arise when films and other content are made available on streaming platforms. We will address topics such as geoblocking, the structure of licensing agreements for digital platforms, and revenue allocation — who benefits financially once the content is live: the producers, labels, actors, or others? Challenges of enforcing territorial restrictions in the era of VPNs and content piracy. The discussion will focus on IP considerations after a film or project is completed and enters the online marketplace. |
| 15:30 » 16:00 | Coffee Break |
| 16:00 » 17:00 | PANEL 4: Counterfeits and Enforcement in the Media Industry This panel will focus on criminal proceedings and enforcement strategies in relation to counterfeiting in the media industry. We will explore what constitutes a counterfeit in this context — such as unauthorized copies of films, unlicensed translations or adaptations, and illicit merchandising. The discussion will also cover available protection mechanisms, including technical protection measures (TPMs) and codification techniques. Finally, we will look at enforcement approaches across different jurisdictions, highlighting both legal remedies and practical enforcement tools. |
| 19:00 | Dinner |
Saturday 17 October 2026 | |
| 09:00 | Registrations open |
| 09:30 » 10:30 | Joint panel |
| 10:30 » 11:00 | Coffee Break |
| 11:00 » 13:00 | SCILL SESSION |
| 13:00 » 14:00 | Lunch |
| 16:00 | Optional social programme |