IACA Annual Conference - Call for Presentation Proposals

Submission Deadline: October 20, 2026 | Submit Proposals: https://iaca.memberclicks.net/2026-proposals

Theme: Administering Justice in a Time of Global Transformation
Dates: February 21-24, 2027

Location: Kingston, Jamaica; The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

Invitation to Submit

The International Association for Court Administration (IACA) invites judges, court leaders, administrators, academics, and justice system professionals to submit proposals for the IACA Annual Conference.

Across the globe—from the Caribbean to Europe and beyond—courts are confronting a convergence of pressures: persistent case backlogs and delay, rising demands for timely and equitable access to justice, rapid digital transformation (including the emergence of AI), workforce and resource constraints, and, in some regions, growing challenges to judicial independence and public trust.

This conference will bring together global court leaders to examine how justice systems can respond with resilience, innovation, and integrity. We particularly encourage proposals that incorporate inclusive approaches, including advancing gender equality and improving access to justice for people with disabilities, as essential components of fair and effective court systems.

Thematic Focus Areas

Proposals should align with the conference theme and may address one or more of the following priority areas:

1. Court Administration, Judicial Independence, Governance, and Public Trust 
Strengthening court administration and institutional governance to safeguard judicial independence, uphold the rule of law, and promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence.

2. Court Operations, Caseflow Management, and Timely Justice
Innovative approaches to reducing delay, managing caseloads, improving court operations, and delivering timely,  effective justice.

3. Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity
The opportunities and risks of digital innovation, including AI, data governance, cybersecurity, and technology-enabled court administration.

4. Access to Justice and User-Centered Court Services
Designing accessible, inclusive, and people-centered court services that reduce barriers to justice, particularly for marginalized populations, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.

5. Court Leadership, Workforce Capacity, and Organizational Resilience
Developing the leadership, workforce, and organizational capabilities needed to manage change, strengthen institutional resilience, and support high-performing courts.

6. Court Finance, Resource Allocation, and Sustainability
Innovative approaches to court funding, budgeting, resource management, and long-term institutional sustainability.

7. Integrated Justice Systems and Specialized Court Services
Strengthening collaboration across justice institutions, including specialized courts, alternative dispute resolution, and coordinated justice services that improve outcomes for court users. 

Submissions are especially encouraged to address how court administration is adapting to global transformation through innovation, resilience, cross-jurisdictional learning, and evidence-based practice.

Presentation Formats

Proposals may be submitted in one of the following formats:

  • Lecture/Presentation (45 minutes): Focused presentation with optional Q&A
  • Panel Discussion (60 minutes): Multiple speakers offering diverse perspectives, with moderated discussion

Submission Guidelines

Proposals should include:

  1. Title & Abstract (maximum 300 words)
  2. Learning Objectives (2–3 key takeaways)
  3. Speaker(s) Biography (maximum 200 words per presenter) and Photo
  4. Format Preference (lecture or panel presentation)
  5. Contact Information (email and mobile number for each presenter)

Number of Presenters:

  • Proposals may include up to four (4) presenters for panels and up to two (2) presenters for lectures.
  • Panels should clearly identify a moderator.

Presentation Materials:
Selected presenters will be invited to prepare materials following acceptance; please do not submit slides at this stage.

What We’re Looking For

Competitive proposals will:

  • Address current, real-world challenges facing courts globally
  • Offer practical, transferable solutions or lessons learned
  • Incorporate comparative or international perspectives where possible
  • Reflect inclusive practices, including gender equity and accessibility
  • Engage participants through interactive or applied learning approach

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Relevance: Alignment with the conference theme and current court administration challenges
  • Innovation: Originality of ideas or approaches
  • Practical Application: Usefulness and transferability to other jurisdictions
  • Clarity and Quality: Well-defined objectives and coherent presentation design
  • Engagement: Potential to actively involve participants and encourage discussion

Why Present?

Selected presenters will join a distinguished global community of court leaders and innovators at The Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston (https://www.jamaicapegasus.com). The conference provides a unique platform to share ideas, highlight impactful work, and contribute to advancing the administration of justice worldwide.

Key Dates and Submission

Submission Deadline: October 20, 2026

Submit Proposals: https://iaca.memberclicks.net/2026-proposals

Call for Proposals PDF

Proposals will be reviewed by the IACA Annual Conference Planning Committee. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in a brief virtual discussion.

Join Us

Be part of a global conversation on the future of court administration.
Your ideas can help courts meet today’s challenges—and shape the justice systems of tomorrow.