DLA Piper's London office has hosted the Annual Conference of the International Diplomatic and Business Exchange (IBDE). The event, aimed at exploring challenges and opportunities to international business, trade and investment post-Brexit, was attended by over 130 participants including senior decision-makers, diplomats and business people (Chairmen, CEOs, CFOs, MDs, board members and strategists).

Sir Roger Gifford, former Lord Mayor of London and Chair of IBDE's Advisory Board opened the conference together with DLA Piper's Global Co-CEO, Simon Levine, who is also a member of IBDE's Board. The keynote speech was delivered by Graham Stuart MP, Minister for Investment at the Department of International Trade.

Over the course of the day, delegates heard from panels on subjects including globalisation, inclusive capitalism and trade; diversity & inclusion; Brexit and trade; and technology and innovation. DLA Piper partners participating in the panels included Martin Bartlam, International Group Head of Finance & Projects and FinTech Global Co-Chair; Paul Hardy, Brexit Director; and Rt Hon Baroness Elizabeth Symons, International Head of Government Affairs.

Other notable speakers included H.E. FOO Chi Hsia, High Commissioner for Singapore; Her Excellency Baiba Braze, Ambassador for Latvia; Menna Rawlings CMG, Director-General, Economic and Global Issues from the Foreign Office; and Paul Drechsler, Chairman of Bibby Line Group and CBI President 2015 to 2018.