2026 Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting in Bangkok

International Section 2026 Regional Meeting in Bangkok

Theme: "Cross-Border Trade, Investment, and Disputes in the Asia-Pacific"

Dates: May 6-8, 2026

Venue: Tilleke & Gibbins

Address: 20th – 26th Floor, Supalai Grand Tower No. 1011 Rama 3 Road, Chongnonsi, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120

OVERVIEW

Who are we? New York State Bar Association and the International Section

The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) is the largest voluntary state bar organization in the United States and has members across the globe that have a nexus to New York law.

The International Section is one of NYSBA’s most active sections having over 2,000 members internationally with chapters in more than 70 countries worldwide and is NYSBA’s global representative and international advocate for the rule of law.

In addition, the NYSBA International Section brings members together to discuss and influence the resolution of key legal practice issues before local, state, national and international policy makers. Members include legal professionals from major international law firms, multi-national corporations, and other organizations that influence, and are influenced by, international law. 

What is the Regional Meeting?

Almost every year, NYSBA’s International Section hosts a regional meeting in a different city outside of the United States to provide American and foreign colleagues the opportunity to meet, network, and expand their international practices. Our most recent regional meetings have been held in Tokyo (2024), Warsaw (2023), Madrid (2022), Stockholm (2019), Seoul (2018), Dublin (2017), Krakow (2016), Zurich (2015), Sao Paulo (2015), Paris (2014), Milan (2013), and Prague (2012).

This year, the conference will consist of one and half days of programming on “Cross-Border Trade, Investment, and Disputes in the Asia-Pacific.” The meeting also offers networking opportunities in the form of extended breaks, luncheons, and dinners.

What will I get from participating?

Southeast Asia is strategically important both economically and geopolitically. Home to major global trade routes and serving as a critical manufacturing base, the region – bolstered by its large population, expanding middle class, and dynamic economies – has become a focal point for international trade and investment.

The region’s diverse legal systems present both challenges and opportunities for cross-border trade and investment. Understanding these differences is essential for investors.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Conference offers participants opportunities to:

• Listen to and participate in discussions with specialists on the cross-border trade, investment and disputes landscape in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region more generally, particularly relevant to success in today’s complex geopolitical and business environment.
• Exchange knowledge and experience, and build meaningful relationships with NYSBA members and experts from around Asia and the globe.

Steering Committee

• John Frangos, Partner and Regional Head of Disputes, Tilleke & Gibbins, Bangkok, Thailand
• Tsugumichi Watanabe, Counsel, TMI Associates, Tokyo, Japan
• Dr. Hae Kyung (Helen) Lee, National Assembly Research Service, South Korea
• Lexi Menish, Arbitrator, Mediator and Counsel, Mascarenhas Law PLLC, New York, NY
• Nguyen Hong Hai, Partner, Lexcomm Vietnam LLC, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Sean La’Brooy, Founder, Vita Law LLC, Singapore

PROGRAM AGENDA

REGISTRATION & PRICING

• Rates:

$250 – NYSBA Members

$450 – Nonmembers

• Need assistance with signing up? Contact our Member Resource Center at mrc@nysba.org or at 800-582-2452 / +1 (518) 463-3724
• Cancellation Notice: Notice of cancellation must be received by Friday, April 17, 2026, to obtain a refund of fees.

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Attendees are responsible for booking their own accommodations. NYSBA has secured a discounted rate at The Sukhothai Bangkok Hotel (13/3, 28/1-4 South Sathorn Road, Thungmahamek, Bangkok 10120).
• Room Rates:

Note: Room rate for Club Wing and All Suites are for Single & Double Occupancy (same rate) inclusive of Club benefits up to 2 persons

• Deadline for Booking Rooms: No fixed deadline is required; rooms are subject to availability.
• How to make reservations: Please copy the hotel booking email draft here, complete the required details, and send it to: Reservations@sukhothai.com; Charlie.p@sukhothai.com; events@tilleke.com 

SPONSORS

• Interested in sponsoring? Click here to download the sponsorship form.
• For further sponsorship information, please contact: Carra Forgea | cforgea@nysba.org | +1 (518) 487-5521

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

PLATINUM SPONSOR	GOLD SPONSOR	VENUE SPONSOR