New: March Intermedia now available  – see more

18th - 19th October 2023

Annual Conference 2023 – in person

Communications Policy & Regulation Week, Annual Conference

The IIC’s annual Communications Policy and Regulation Week comprises our flagship events:

International Regulators’ Forum
Annual Conference
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum

The IIC’s 54th Annual Conference, will take place in Cologne, Germany and follows the International Regulators’ Forum 18-19 October 2023.  Senior industry representatives will join regulators, academics and other stakeholders from the telecoms, media and technology stakeholder communities for two days of discussions on the big questions and issues facing the sector.

Timings*
Wednesday 18 – approximately  09:00 – 17:00

Thursday 19 – approximately  09:00 – 17:00

The International Regulators’ Forum will be hosted by Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunication, Post and Railway (BNetzA) on 16-17 October 2023.

Timings*
Monday 16 – approximately 09:00 – 17:00

Tuesday 17 – approximately 09:00 – 14:00

The IIC’s Small Nations Regulators’ Forum, follows the International Regulators’ Forum on the afternoon of 17 October 2023.

Timings*
Tuesday 17 – approximately 14:00 – 17:00

Further information on agendas and speakers for each event will be available soon.

*precise timings to be confirmed shortly 

 

 

Annual Conference 2022 Sponsorship Brochure

Please download the Sponsorship Brochure for further details.

Download

The Hyatt Regency Cologne is the Headquarter Hotel.

Hyatt Regency Köln
Kenndy-Ufer 2A
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Tel +41 221 828 1234

The following hotels have special rates.  Please note the cut-off booking date for each hotel and any booking reference, to secure the special rates.

Hyatt Regency Köln
Kenndy-Ufer 2A
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Click here for more information

Availability of special rate: 15 – 20 October 2023
Price per night incl. VAT (EUR): 235,00 + 5% City Tax
Breakfast: Included

Booking Procedure:
via email (reservations.europe@hyatt.com)
via phone at +49 221 8281 234

Please quote the booking Code: IIC Cologne 2023
Bookings must be made by 7 August 2023 to get the special rate

MotelOne Koeln-Messe
Hans-Imhoff-Straße 3
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Click here for more information

Availability of special rate: 15-18 October 2023
Price per night incl. VAT (EUR): 104,90 + 5% City Tax
Breakfast: Included

Booking Procedure:
Booking form via email (koeln-messe@motel-one.com) or fax (+49 221 670027-10)
Please click here to download the booking form

Please quote the booking Code: IIC Cologne 2023
Bookings must be made by 21 August 2023 to get the special rate

ibis Koeln-Messe
Bruegelmannstr. 1
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Click here for more information

Availability of special rate: 15-20 October 2023
Price per night incl. VAT (EUR): 111,00 + 5% City Tax
Breakfast: Included

Booking Procedure:
via email: h3744@accor.com

Please quote the booking Code: IIC Cologne 2023
Bookings must be made by 7 August 2023 to get the special rate

ibis budget Koeln-Messe
Bruegelmannstr. 7
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Click here for more information

Availability of special rate: 15-20 October 2023
Price per night incl. VAT (EUR): 99,00 + 5% City Tax
Breakfast: Included

Booking Procedure:
via email: h3744@accor.com

Please quote the booking Code: IIC Cologne 2023
Bookings must be made by 7 August 2023 to get the special rate

Dorint Koeln-Messe
Deutz-Muelheimer Str. 22 – 24
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Click here for more information

Availability of special rate: 15-20 October 2023
Price per night incl. VAT (EUR): 169,00 + 5% City Tax
Breakfast: Included

Booking Procedure:
via email: reservierung.koeln-messe@dorint.com

Booking Code: IIC Cologne 2023
Bookings must be made by 17 September 2023 to get the special rate

Please click here for information on theCity Tax return”

The IIC accepts no responsibility for bookings made at any of the listed hotels and recommends that you check out the hotels on the internet before booking.

DELEGATE FEES
Prices are per person

All delegate fees include lunches, tea and coffee breaks. It also includes the opening reception and the gala dinner for those attending the Annual Conference.

All prices quoted are excluding VAT.  VAT will be applicable for all registrations made in the United Kingdom.

For the International Regulators Forum, there will be a limit of  two delegates per organisation.  Member Regulator organisations of the IIC will receive two free places to attend.  Additional delegates who wish to attend from an organisation will be at the discretion of the IIC.

 

EARLY BIRD RATES for registrations UP TO 31 August 2023

NON-REGULATORS
Members

Annual Conference ONLY – £850

Non-Members
Annual Conference ONLY – £990

 

REGULATORS
Members
International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Annual Conference ONLY – £560
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £560

Non-Members
International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – £640
Annual Conference ONLY – £750
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £790

 

REGULATORS who are also Members of the Small Nations Regulators’ Forum
Members

International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Annual Conference ONLY – £550
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum & International Regulators’ Forum – FREE
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £550
Small National Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £550
Small National Regulators’ Forum, International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £550

Non-Members
International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – £640
Annual Conference ONLY – £750
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum & International Regulators’ Forum – £640
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £790
Small National Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £750
Small National Regulators’ Forum, International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £750

 


 

STANDARD RATES for registrations FROM 1 September 2023

NON-REGULATORS
Members

Annual Conference ONLY – £890

Non-Members
Annual Conference ONLY – £1,200

REGULATORS
Members
International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Annual Conference ONLY – £590
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £590

Non-Members
International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – £690
Annual Conference ONLY – £890
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £890

 

REGULATORS who are also Members of the Small Nations Regulators’ Forum
Members

International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Annual Conference ONLY – £590
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum & International Regulators’ Forum – FREE
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £590
Small National Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £590
Small National Regulators’ Forum, International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £590

Non-Members
International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – £690
Annual Conference ONLY – £850
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum & International Regulators’ Forum – £690
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £890
Small National Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £850
Small National Regulators’ Forum, International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £890

How to get to Cologne (Köln) / Hyatt Regency Cologne

BY PLANE:
Frankfurt airport (FRA)
with worldwide connections. Go to the long distance train station (“Fernbahnhof”) at terminal 1 from where high speed trains (“ICE”) take you to Cologne Messe/Deutz station (1 hour), which is just a few meters away from Hyatt Regency Cologne.Cologne/Bonn airport (CGN) with connections mainly within Europe. At the airport, you can take one of several regional trains (S19, RB27, RE6) to Cologne Messe/Deutz station (about 15 mins).

Düsseldorf airport (DUS) with mostly continental and some intercontinental connections. Here, take the SkyTrain to Düsseldorf airport station. A regional train (RE1) connects the airport station with Cologne Messe/Deutz station (about 35 mins). Other connections via Düsseldorf main station (“Hauptbahnhof”) take between 30 and 60 mins.

BY TRAIN
Cologne main station is connected to many European cities via several high speed lines, e.g. with Thalys and ICE trains to Brussels (1:50h) and Paris (3:20h).

Cologne tourist information
https://www.cologne-tourism.com/

Cologne highlights
Cologne Cathedral
Chocolate museum
Fragrance Museum with the eldest fragrance factory still standing
4711 Eau de Cologne Fragrance House
• Flora Botanical Garden
Romano-Germanic Museum: Collection of Roman artifacts, preserving the Roman heritage of Cologne
Kolumba Art Museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne with paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, decorative art and religious icons from Late Antiquity to the present
Museum Ludwig: Modern art, such as Pop Art, Abstract and Surrealism, including works by Picasso, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein
Wallraf–Richartz Museum, collection of fine art from the medieval period to the early 20th century

Cologne Stations

Airports

 

Speakers

Chris Chapman President, International Institute of Communications; Chairman, Nihilent Australia Pty Limited

Chris Chapman was appointed President of the International Institute of Communications on 1 April 2016. He is also Chair of the IIC Nominations Committee.

Mr Chapman previously held the position of Chairman and CEO of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). He was appointed in February 2006 and was re-appointed for a 2nd five year term in October 2010 until April 2016. He was appointed an Associate Member of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in September 2007.

Mr Chapman is a seasoned executive with experience in the media, broadcasting and film, internet, telecommunications, sports rights and infrastructure development worlds.

Before joining ACMA, Mr Chapman held a number of senior management positions with the Seven Network, Stadium Australia Management, Optus and Babcock & Brown. He has also been the Chairman of Film Australia and Sports Vision Australia, and a previous member of the National Film and Sound Archives’ Advisory Council.

Mr Chapman has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales and has completed the Harvard Business School AMP program.

Thursday 3 November 2022

07:30-09:00 By-invitation breakfast roundtable: 'Tackling harmful content online - developing effective policy and regulatory solutions’

As the world’s societies and economies continue to develop their activities on the Internet, a range of bad actors and bad behaviours have emerged, which need to be tackled.

While Internet platforms have developed their own approaches to ensure the safety of users, governments have also been experimenting with a range of sometimes very different policy and legislative solutions. While some good practices and early learnings are emerging, there are also some worrisome trends, with concerns raised by various stakeholders such as the UN about the use of online content regulations as a way to restrict speech and other freedoms in various countries.

A forward thinking and thoughtful policy exchange is necessary internationally to tackle the issues and find the most balanced and effective way forward.

Kindly sponsored by Google

Facilitator
Miriam Estrin, Senior Policy Manager, Google

Speakers
Vivek Krishnamurthy, Samuelson-Glushko Professor of Law and Director of the Samuelson-Glushko Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC), u Ottawa
Laura Berger, Lawyer, Canadian Civil Liberties Association
Dr Tobias Schmid, Director, Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia; Commissioner for European Affairs of the German Media Authorities

 

08:15 Registration & Networking for the Annual Conference
09:10 Welcome & Opening Address

Chris Chapman, President, International Institute of Communications
Ian Scott, Chairperson and CEO, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Elder Claudette Commanda

 

09:30 Striving for digital equity – policy, regulatory and technological approaches to drive digital transformation for all

Comparative international review of mechanisms to address coverage, connectivity, accessibility, affordability and relevance; unique challenges of serving indigenous communities

Moderator
Dr Andrew Barendse, Managing Executive, Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Vodacom SA; Director, International Institute of Communications

Panelists include
Jane R Coffin, Chief Community Officer, Connect Humanity
Jacob Glick, Vice President Public Policy, TELUS
Björn Blondell, Head of Division, Market Development, Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS)
Notachard Chintakanond, Executive Director of International Affairs Bureau, The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NBTC)
Anna Brakey, Commissioner, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) – see recording here

10:45 Networking Break
11:15 Keynote

The flood of misinformation and anger amplified by social media are contributing to polarisation and eroding trust in Canada’s public institutions. Catherine Tait discusses why trust is vital for our democracy and how the public broadcaster is building trust in Canada.

Catherine Tait, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada

11:35 Broadband infrastructure and content convergence – transformation of the connectivity value chain

Online content needs connectivity – how is convergence of the two worlds evolving?

Moderator
Dr George Houpis, Partner, Frontier Economics

Panellists include
Joshua Korn, Head of Global Innovation and Technology Public Policy, Netflix
Robert Mourik, Commissioner, Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)

12:45 Networking Lunch
14:00 Parallel Discussions: A. Spectrum decision-making for networks of the future 

A. Spectrum decision-making & networks of the future

Moderator
Elena Scaramuzzi, Head of Global Research, Cullen International

Panellists include
Bill Davenport, Senior Director, Technology and Spectrum Policy, Cisco Systems
Chris Woolford, Director of International Spectrum Policy, Ofcom, UK; Director, International Institute of Communications
James Cameron, Authority Member, Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
Emmanuel Neilz, Chief Technology Officer, Nokia
Tim Ringsdore, Chief Executive and Board Member, Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA)

 

 

 

14:00 Parallel Discussions: B. News remuneration - safeguarding the continued availability of high quality domestic news 

B. News remuneration
– Safeguarding the continued availability of high quality domestic news
– Role of government: when to intervene, and responsibilities of the regulator
– Fair compensation: which type of regulation to adopt? (copyright, competition, some other form of media regulation…)

Moderator
Dr Derek Wilding, Co-Director, Centre for Media Transition, University of Technology, Sydney; President, IIC Australia Chapter

Panelists include
Professor Elisa Giomi, Commissioner, Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM)
Scott Shortliffe, Executive Director, Broadcasting, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Rachel Curran, Public Policy Manager, Meta
Jason J Kee, Public Policy & Government Relations Counsel, Google
Farhan Mohamed, Co-founder & CEO, Overstory Media Group

15:30 Networking Break
16:00 Parallel discussions: A. Cybersecurity roles and responsibilities - ensuring that the security and resilience of  broadband and mobile networks is appropriate for current and future threats

A. Cybersecurity roles and responsibilities – ensuring that the security and resilience of  broadband and mobile networks is appropriate for current and future threats
– Evolving roles and responsibilities for regulators and industry
– Reducing supply chain risks
– Impact of Web 3.0, cryptocurrency and blockchain

Moderator
Ann LaFrance, Vice President, International Institute of Communications

Panellists include
Gerald McQuaid, Telecoms and Internet Security Director, Ofcom, UK
Kevin McNamee, Security Product Manager, Nokia
Greg Murray, Senior Vice President, Information Security & CISO, Rogers Communications

 

 

 

 

16:00 Parallel discussions: B. Gaming, virtual reality and the broader metaverse – regulatory & policy considerations

B. Gaming, virtual reality and the broader metaverse – regulatory & policy considerations

Moderator
Christopher Ferguson, Technology, Privacy and Cybersecurity Lawyer, Fasken

Panellists include
Kevin Chan, Global Policy Campaigns Strategy Director, Meta
Emmanuel Gabla, Membre du Collège, Autorite de Regulation des Communications Electroniques et des Postes (ARCEP), France
Meghan Chilappa, Policy Counsel, Access Partnership
Dr Allyson Leacock, Chairman, Barbados Broadcasting Authority; Director, National Transformation Initiative, Government of Barbados

16:00 Parallel discussions: C. Financing mechanisms to connect the 3 billion people who remain unconnected

C. Financing mechanisms to connect the 3 billion people who remain unconnected

Moderator
Adriana Labardini, LAC Policy Coordinator- Locnet Initiative, Rhizomatica; Director, International Institute of Communications

Panellists include
Jane R Coffin, Chief Community Officer, Connect Humanity
Maureen James, Community Investment Program Manager, Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)
Natalie Campbell, Senior Director, North American Government and Regulatory Affairs, Internet Society (ISOC)

17:30 Close of day one Annual Conference
19:00 Drinks Reception & Gala Dinner at the Fairmont Château Laurier (Adam Room)

Friday 4 November 2022

07:30-0900 By-invitation breakfast roundtable: supporting content delivery networks (CDNs) and network infrastructure to promote the development of locally-relevant content, resources and tools.

Kindly sponsored by the Walt Disney Company

Facilitator
Dr Derek Wilding, Co-Director, Centre for Media Transition, University of Technology, Sydney; President, IIC Australia Chapter

Speakers include
Thomas Spiller, Vice President, Public Policy, Europe, Middle East & Africa, The Walt Disney Company
Peter S. Grant, Adjunct Professor, York University, Toronto, Canada
Selina Chadha, Director of Connectivity, Networks and Communications, Ofcom, UK
Dr George Houpis, Partner, Frontier Economics

08:15 Registration & Networking for Annual Conference
9:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks

Chris Chapman, President, International Institute of Communications

9:15 Competition in digital markets

International approaches to platform regulation; use of competition law; advertising and ad tech.

Moderator
Sean Kennedy, Partner, DT Economics LLP; Treasurer, International Institute of Communications

Panellists include
Matt Allison, Senior Public Policy Manager, Vodafone
George Houpis, Partner, Frontier Economics
Pedro Isaac Alcalá Berhouague, Head of the Digital Markets General Directorate, Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE), Mexico
Steve Reeder, Global Antitrust Lead, TikTok
Ramiro Camacho Castillo, Commissioner, Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), Mexico

10:30 Networking Break
11:00 Directions in privacy, data protection & artificial intelligence – international comparisons and collaboration

Use of cookies and tracking apps; use of metadata; international data flows and localisation

Moderator
Jacquelynn Ruff, Consulting Counsel, Wiley LLP, USA; Director, International Institute of Communications

Panelists include
Brent Homan, Deputy Commissioner for Compliance, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Stéphanie Duquette, Executive Director – Legal Services and Chief Privacy Officer & Associate Corporate Secretary, CBC/Radio-Canada
Matthew Johnson, Director of Education, MediaSmarts
Christopher Ferguson, Technology, Privacy and Cybersecurity Lawyer, Fasken

12:15 Networking Break
12:45 Session 5: Climate change and sustainability – how will green and digital targets be achieved in parallel?

What role for regulation? What impact on telcom/tech/media sectors investment decisions?

Moderator
Chris Woolford, Director of International Spectrum Policy, Ofcom, UK; Director, International Institute of Communications

Panellists include
Annemarie Sipkes, BEREC Chair 2022; Director Telecommunications, Transport and Postal Services Department, Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM)
Sashieka Seneviratne, Director of Sustainability, Ericsson North America

14:00 Lunch & Networking (Close of Annual Conference)
Download the agenda (PDF)
Event details
Date:
18th - 19th October 2023
Location:
Cologne, Germany
Region:
Europe
Login to register your place
Hyatt Regency Cologne
Kennedy-Ufer 2A
Cologne 50679
Germany

Upcoming Events

View All
6th June 2023
Sydney, Australia IIC Australian Chapter Event – Modernising Australia’s Content Regulation – in person
5th - 7th July 2023
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Mongolia Forum – in person
Back to the top

The IIC is the world's only policy debating platform for the converged communications industry

We give innovators and regulators a forum in which to explore, debate and agree the best policies and regulatory frameworks for widest societal benefit.

Insight: Exchange: Influence

We give members a voice through conferences, symposiums and private meetings, as well as broad exposure of their differing viewpoints through articles, reports and interviews.

The new website will make it easier for you to gather fresh insights, exchange views with others and have a voice in the debate

Take a look Learn more about our updates
Please upgrade your browser

You are seeing this because you are using a browser that is not supported. The International Institute of Communications website is built using modern technology and standards. We recommend upgrading your browser with one of the following to properly view our website:

Windows Mac

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of browsers. We also do not intend to recommend a particular manufacturer's browser over another's; only to suggest upgrading to a browser version that is compliant with current standards to give you the best and most secure browsing experience.