Where Innovation Meets Tradition

Cairo, Egypt

15 October 2026 - 18 October 2026

M&A: Navigating Mergers & Acquisitions in the Digital Age


Thursday 15 October 2026

08:00 » 13:30 OPTIONAL EXCURSION AND BREAKFAST AT THE GIZA PYRAMIDS
  • Get together at the hotel lobby at 07.45 am
  • Bus departs at 08.00 am
  • Breakfast at 9 Pyramids Lounge Restaurant with the great view of Giza Pyramids
  • Visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the well-know Sphinx
  • Drop-off at the hotel at around 1.30 pm
17:45 Registrations open in Cloud 24 (at Le Pacha 1901)
18:00 » 22:00 Welcome reception and dinner in Cloud 24 (at Le Pacha 1901)

Friday 16 October 2026

08:30 Registrations open in Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
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 at Cairo Marriott, Zamalek

Saturday 17 October 2026

09:00 Registrations open in Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
09:30 » 10:30 WORKSHOP: IP Due Diligence – Navigating Acquisitions in the Digital Age
This interactive session will walk participants through a mock media industry merger, focusing on the key IP elements to evaluate during the due diligence phase of an acquisition.

Through a practical case study and guided checklists, attendees will take the role of an M&A lawyer focusing on what is relevant from an acquisition point of view and an IP lawyer assessing the target company’s assets . The session will highlight red flags, common pitfalls, and best practices when valuing and verifying intellectual property in today’s digital and content-driven landscape.

The case will explore regional differences, contrasting IP standards, data protection nuances, and enforcement challenges when the target company operates across jurisdictions – illustrating how cultural and legal differences can shape the due diligence process and deal strategy
10:30 » 11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 » 13:00 SCILL SESSION
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch
14:00 » 19:00 Optional activity: Walking Tour through the Old Islamic Quarter and Khan El Khalili Bazar
Starting at one of the Old Cairo gates, Bab El Fotouh participants will enjoy an amazing walk through the ancient Islamic quarter, with its narrow streets, and bustling road-side shops and "wekalas" – trading places, that still actively trade in all sorts of wares.
Walking down Al Moez Street until reaching the fastinating Khan El Khalili Bazar – reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions
20:00 » 22:00 Optional dinner at Al Khan in Al Azhar Park

Sunday 18 October 2026

09:00 » 14:00 Optional Excursion to The Grand Egyptian Museum
Meet your Egyptologist Guide at the hotel lobby at 08.45 and drive to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, a Treasure Trove of Ancient Wonders.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through time at the Grand Egyptian Museum, a state-of-the-art showcase for the wonders of ancient Egypt.
Located close by the Giza Plateau, this magnificent museum boasts an unparalleled collection of artifacts, showcasing the rich history and culture of Egypt from prehistoric
times to the Greco-Roman period.
Explore the museum's vast galleries, featuring over 100,000 artifacts, including, the treasures of Tutankhamun, including his iconic golden mask, an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian art, including statues, reliefs, and jewelry.
With its cutting-edge technology and stunning architecture, the Grand Egyptian Museum is an unforgettable experience for anyone fascinated by history, archaeology, or the wonders of ancient Egypt. Join us on this incredible journey and discover the magic of Egypt's ancient past!

IPTMT: IP in the media industry


Thursday 15 October 2026

08:00 » 13:30 OPTIONAL EXCURSION AND BREAKFAST AT THE GIZA PYRAMIDS
  • Get together at the hotel lobby at 07.45 am
  • Bus departs at 08.00 am
  • Breakfast at 9 Pyramids Lounge Restaurant with the great view of Giza Pyramids
  • Visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the well-know Sphinx
  • Drop-off at the hotel at around 1.30 pm
17:45 Registrations open in Cloud 24 (at Le Pacha 1901)
18:00 » 22:00 Welcome reception and dinner in Cloud 24 (at Le Pacha 1901)

Friday 16 October 2026

08:30 Registrations open in Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
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 at Cairo Marriott, Zamalek

Saturday 17 October 2026

09:00 Registrations open in Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
09:30 » 10:30 WORKSHOP: IP Due Diligence – Navigating Acquisitions in the Digital Age
This interactive session will walk participants through a mock media industry merger, focusing on the key IP elements to evaluate during the due diligence phase of an acquisition.

Through a practical case study and guided checklists, attendees will take the role of an M&A lawyer focusing on what is relevant from an acquisition point of view and an IP lawyer assessing the target company’s assets . The session will highlight red flags, common pitfalls, and best practices when valuing and verifying intellectual property in today’s digital and content-driven landscape.

The case will explore regional differences, contrasting IP standards, data protection nuances, and enforcement challenges when the target company operates across jurisdictions – illustrating how cultural and legal differences can shape the due diligence process and deal strategy
10:30 » 11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 » 13:00 SCILL SESSION
13:00 » 14:00 Lunch
14:00 » 19:00 Optional activity: Walking Tour through the Old Islamic Quarter and Khan El Khalili Bazar
Starting at one of the Old Cairo gates, Bab El Fotouh participants will enjoy an amazing walk through the ancient Islamic quarter, with its narrow streets, and bustling road-side shops and "wekalas" – trading places, that still actively trade in all sorts of wares.
Walking down Al Moez Street until reaching the fastinating Khan El Khalili Bazar – reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions
20:00 » 22:00 Optional dinner at Al Khan in Al Azhar Park

Sunday 18 October 2026

09:00 » 14:00 Optional Excursion to The Grand Egyptian Museum
Meet your Egyptologist Guide at the hotel lobby at 08.45 and drive to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, a Treasure Trove of Ancient Wonders.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through time at the Grand Egyptian Museum, a state-of-the-art showcase for the wonders of ancient Egypt.
Located close by the Giza Plateau, this magnificent museum boasts an unparalleled collection of artifacts, showcasing the rich history and culture of Egypt from prehistoric
times to the Greco-Roman period.
Explore the museum's vast galleries, featuring over 100,000 artifacts, including, the treasures of Tutankhamun, including his iconic golden mask, an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian art, including statues, reliefs, and jewelry.
With its cutting-edge technology and stunning architecture, the Grand Egyptian Museum is an unforgettable experience for anyone fascinated by history, archaeology, or the wonders of ancient Egypt. Join us on this incredible journey and discover the magic of Egypt's ancient past!