EP355 Colin Rule on ODR2026 June 2026 in Boston
If you’re involved in online dispute resolution (ODR) or just curious about how technology is transforming the legal landscape, the upcoming ODR 2026 conference is a must-attend event (odr2026.org).
This gathering promises insights from global leaders, cutting-edge sessions on AI, negotiation, and digital infrastructure, plus a chance to connect with the brightest minds in dispute resolution. In this post, you’ll learn what to expect, why it matters, and how to get involved before ticket prices increase on May 10th.
Why ODR 2026 Is a Conference You Can’t Miss
Online dispute resolution is reshaping how conflicts are resolved, making justice more accessible and efficient worldwide. The 2026 edition, set in Boston at Harvard University, marks a pivotal moment — celebrating Ethan Katsh, deemed by many to be the father of ODR, and exploring the latest advancements in AI, courts, and global infrastructure.
This event brings together hundreds from over 30 countries, offering a rare opportunity to learn from the field’s top experts in a single, packed day — with more to come in the subsequent days at Suffolk Law.
Key Takeaway:
Attending ODR 2026 equips you with knowledge about the future of dispute resolution, tools that are already changing the legal landscape, and an international network of innovators.
The Agenda: A Deep Dive into the Future of ODR and Dispute Resolution
Day 1: June 10 — Community, Tours, and CelebrationMost attendees arrive a day early to enjoy tours of Harvard Yard, MIT, and the Massachusetts State House. A special Fellows dinner at Harvard Faculty Club honors Ethan Katsh’s contribution to the field. These activities are more than sightseeing — they foster community and inspiration, setting the tone for a day full of learning.
Day 2: June 11 — Cutting-Edge Sessions at Harvard. The main event is in the brand-new Rubenstein Treehouse, a stunning facility designed with innovation in mind. The agenda is dense with compelling sessions:
- Negotiation in the Age of AI: Renowned professors and practitioners will explore how AI is transforming negotiation training and practice, with perspectives from Harvard, MIT, and Suffolk Law.
- Courts and Dispute Resolution: Experts from around the globe — including Singapore, the US, and China — will discuss AI’s role in courts, evidence evaluation, and legal validity.
- Keynote by Beth Noveck: The former US Deputy CTO and chief AI officer for New Jersey will address the future of AI in government and legal systems, offering a high-level view on public sector innovation.
- Mediation and AI: Panels will showcase tools like dispute.ai and botmediation.com, illustrating how AI mediators are now resolving real cases, with panels featuring industry leaders.
- Digital Public Infrastructure: Delves into how AI and ODR fit into the bigger picture of civic technology, featuring panels with representatives from the UN, MasterCard, and Stanford.
- Innovation and Future Thinking: Day two concludes with discussions on family dispute resolution initiatives and AI’s impact on the judiciary, ending with networking over a Boston Red Sox game — a true Boston experience.
Pro Tip:
Each session is designed to be high-value and interactive, with speakers including leading academics, judges, and industry disruptors.
Day 3: June 12 — Advanced Arbitration and Future Forecasts at Suffolk. The final day shifts to Suffolk Law School downtown, focusing on arbitration, AI governance, and future litigation models. Noteworthy topics include:
- AI in Arbitration: Demonstrations of the AAA’s new AI arbitrator, which was developed with millions in investment and the backing of McKinsey and Microsoft’s Quantum Black.
- Governing AI: Experts will discuss legal and ethical frameworks for AI in dispute resolution, including governance models and policy recommendations.
- Emerging Technologies and Family Disputes: Suffolk’s innovative family dispute resolution projects will be featured, including progress on AI supporting family courts.
- Judicial Perspectives: Judge Javier Rodriguez from Texas will explore AI’s impact on the federal judiciary, offering an inspiring look at AI’s integration into the highest levels of law.
- Closing Panel & Networking: The event wraps with a forward-looking panel on where dispute resolution is headed, followed by a reception and an exclusive Boston Red Sox game — celebrating Boston as a hub for legal innovation.
Bonus:
Attendees can participate in a hackathon on the last day, utilizing AI tools to create new dispute resolution initiatives, supported by unlimited cloud credits, food, and tech prizes.
How to Participate and Act Now
Tickets for ODR 2026 are available at odr2026.com, with prices increasing after May 10th. This event is not just for seasoned professionals — scholarships and reduced rates make it accessible to students and newcomers, fostering the next generation of dispute resolution innovators.
Quick Tips:
- Register Early: To lock in lower prices and ensure your spot.
- Explore the Website: Find detailed agendas, speaker bios, and registration info.
- Consider Accommodations: Options include nearby hotels and even dorms via Lesley University, making Boston affordable and fun.
Don’t Miss the Documentary Launch. Watch the teaser for the upcoming “Can ODR Change the World” documentary, which will premiere before the conference. This is a narrative capturing the evolution of online dispute resolution from its roots to today’s cutting-edge AI tools. This film, available on YouTube, aims to highlight untold stories and key milestones in ODR.
Why This Conference Matters for You
The ODR 2026 agenda emphasizes not only current innovations but also governance, ethics, and long-term impacts of AI on dispute resolution techniques, legal systems, and civic infrastructure. Whether you’re a mediator, lawyer, technologist, or policy maker, understanding these developments helps you stay ahead of the curve.
The bottom line:
This conference is an unparalleled opportunity to learn, network, and influence the future of dispute resolution — and the clock is ticking. Do not miss out on the chance to be part of this groundbreaking event before ticket prices increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend ODR 2026?
Practitioners, academics, technologists, policymakers, and students interested in the future of dispute resolution, AI, and online justice systems.
How do I get my tickets?
Visit odr2026.com and register before May 10th to avoid the price increase. Scholarships are also available for students.
What are the main themes covered?
Negotiation, AI governance, court systems, arbitration, family dispute resolution, legal validity of AI, and global infrastructure in dispute resolution.
Will there be networking opportunities?
Absolutely. The event offers receptions, keynote talks, tours, and a dedicated hackathon to meet peers and leaders from around the world.
What’s the future plan after 2026?
Next year, the 2027 conference moves to Tokyo — so this year is your chance to be part of what’s shaping the future.
Don’t wait — register today at odr2026.com. The future of dispute resolution is happening now, and you should be part of it.
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