All Events Past WSG Event Share | When: 10 - 12 September 2014Where: Hong Kong, China The 2014 WSG Annual Meeting was held in Hong Kong and hosted by Deacons. The meeting consisted of speaker presentations from Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, Current Non-Permanent Judge and Jomati Consultants LLP. The 2-day program offered valuable panel discussions, case studies, as well as opportunities to network among worldwide WSG members. MAIN PAGE CONFERENCE EVALUATION SURVEY MEETING PHOTOS ATTENDEES Wednesday 10 September19:00Welcome Reception Host firm Deacons would like to welcome all registered delegates and guests to Hong Kong with a welcome reception at the exclusive Hong Kong Club. Offsite: transportation will be provided. Meet in the InterContinental Hong Kong lobby at 18:15Thursday 11 SeptemberProgram Location InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong08:00 - 09:00Registration Open The Ballroom Pre-Function 09:00 - 09:15Welcome09:15 - 10:30Guest Speaker Presentation The Advance of Global Verein Firms - Threats and Opportunities To what extent are the global verein structured firms a work in progress and what challenges do they face? Are they likely to succeed in meeting those challenges? What are the consequent threats and opportunities for independent firms? Guest Speaker: Tony Williams, Principal, Jomati Consultants LLP10:00 - 13:00Spouse Tea Appreciation Class & Lunch (optional, related costs taken on-site) 09:30 Meet in InterContinental Lobby for Transportation 10:15 – 11:30 a.m., tea class (HK$250) 11:30 – 12:00 a.m., museum tour 12:00 – 01:00 p.m., lunch (HK$160 - HK$200) 10:30 - 10:45Coffee Break The Ballroom Pre-Function10:45 - 12:00Guest Speaker Presentation The Leadership Challenge in Professional Service Firms The role of the practice group leader is a critical but it’s a tough job. Is your firm appointing the right people with the right skills? How can services firms invigorate the performance of existing practice groups and departments? Guest Speaker: Tony Reiss, Founding Principal, Sherwood PSF Consulting 12:00 - 14:00Luncheon The InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel14:00 - 14:45Guest Speaker Presentation The Past, Present and Future: Rule of Law in Hong Kong Guest Speaker: Kemal Bokhary, Non-Permanent Judge and Former Permanent Judge, Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal 14:45 - 15:45Panel Discussion Liberalisation of Asian Legal Markets For a long time Hong Kong has had a relatively open legal market. A number of other Asian jurisdictions, including Singapore, Malaysia and Korea, are taking various steps to open up. Several major Asian markets have access for overseas firms to practice on a restricted, foreign law basis only. Other markets, like India, remain essentially closed to foreign law firms. International firms have moved into the Australian market. A view of the current position, and future prospects from around the region. Moderator: Peter Bartlett, Partner, Minter Ellison Panelists: Tony Williams, Principal, Jomati Consultants LLP Harry Chawla, Senior Partner, Kochhar & Co. Advocates & Legal Consultants Ho Joon Moon, Partner, Lee & KO Gavin Nesbitt, Consultant, Deacons Nad Segaram, Partner, Shearn Delamore & Co. Lee Suet-Fern, Senior Director, Stamford Law Corporation 15:45 - 16:00Coffee Break The Ballroom Pre-Function 16:00 - 17:00Regional Meetings • Latin America • North America (& Caribbean) • Asia Pacific • Europe & Africa 19:00Cocktail Reception & Dinner Sky100 Observation Deck Attendees and registered guests will enjoy complete views of Hong Kong from the city's tallest building. Offsite: transportation will be provided. Meet in the InterContinental Hong Kong lobby at 18:15Friday 12 SeptemberProgram Location InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong09:00 - 09:30Guest Speaker Presentation Arbitration in Hong Kong Guest Speaker: Chiann Bao, Secretary-General, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) 09:30 - 10:30Panel Discussion Branding the Independent Firm How important is branding for independent firms? In an increasingly crowded market, you need a clearly differentiated and well-articulated proposition. But why do so many firms still lack clarity and differentiation? Is there still too much focus on the visual identity without the substance necessary to support a firm’s strategy? How do you ensure adequate engagement from your people? Is it possible for independent firms to achieve a consistent brand? Why does brand remain one of the most overused and poorly-defined terms in the business lexicon? Moderator: Nicholas Moore, Head of Business Development, Deacons Panelists: Tony Reiss, Founding Principal, Sherwood PSF Consulting Walter Jennings, Managing Partner, Kreab Gavin Anderson – Strategic Communications Consultants Gary Assim, Partner, Shoosmiths Paul Hally, Partner, Shepherd and Wedderburn Koos Pretorius, Partner, ENSafrica10:30 - 10:45Coffee Break The Ballroom Pre-Function10:45 - 12:00Guest Speaker Presentation Managing Challenges of Conducting Business in China What are some of the common fraud schemes to be aware of in China and how far and wide should you go with your pre-investment due diligence? While monitoring the ‘true’ performance of an overseas operation from headquarters is a challenge –understanding the culture of business in China will help you enforce the right anti-fraud controls and procedures. What red flags should you be aware of and what are the investigative steps to take when you suspect wrongdoing? Guest Speaker: Jason Wright, Managing Director - Asia, Kroll12:00 - 12:30Annual Meeting13:00 Special Event (Optional): Floating Lunch on Aberdeen Harbour Registration is now closed due to limited availability View Pre-Registered Delegates 12:45 Meet in InterContinental Lobby for transportation 13:30 Transport via Sampan to floating yacht 13:45 Welcome Beverage and Luncheon 14:00 - 15:30 Lunch 16:30 Return to the hotel Hosts WSG 2014 Annual Meeting
