DREx Talks Hosting Protocol

DREx Talks is an alternative forum that hosts talks by renowned dispute resolution experts on a contemporary issue or subject of critical significance. DREx Talks can be hosted by a law firm, an arbitral institution, an academic institution or allied service providers.

The format of a DREx talk is- Introduction to the topic by an expert (usually a seasoned professional in the local jurisdiction) followed by the DREx Talk given by the DREx Speaker. This initiative is an endeavour to create a space that encourages critical research in the field of dispute resolution. With a strong interdisciplinary approach working with practitioners from a plethora of fields, this initiative aims to be a public legal resource using conventional and unconventional forms of creating access to information and to foster a platform to enable collaborative and creative models of knowledge production.

We believe in welcoming people from every discipline of law who seek a deeper understanding of Dispute Resolution Mechanisms. We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives, and ultimately the world. We intend to build a clearing house of free knowledge from the country’s most inspired thinkers in the field of Dispute Resolution – and a community of captivated souls to engage with ideas and each other.

The DREx Talks shall be conducted in accordance with the following protocol:

Article 1: DREx Talk format:


1. DREx Talks can be hosted by academic institutions, law firms, chamber of lawyers or any other dispute resolution service providers.

2. The format for the DREx Talks provides for an Introducer who ideally would be a seasoned professional of local jurisdiction followed by the DREx Talks speaker who would ideally be a dispute resolution expert of international repute.

3. The host for the DREx Talks can recommend the Introducer and the Speaker who shall be approved by the DREx Secretariat. In case the same is not approved the DREx Secretariat will assist the host in identifying the Speaker/Introducer. Alternatively the DREx Secretariat can be asked to identify the Speaker/Introducer at the time of sending the proposal to host.

4. Any proposal to host DREx Talks, should be made using the "Proposal to Host Form" and ideally be sent 60 days prior to the tentative date of the Talk.

5. The Introducer will introduce the topic and speaker. Thereafter, the DREx Speaker will speak on the topic so introduced. Questions and Answers from the audience shall be taken at the end of the DREx Talk. The DREx Talk will be followed by networking drinks/ high tea/ breakfast/ lunch/ dinner.

6. The host of a DREx Talk cannot serve as either an Introducer or the Speaker.


Article 2: Spirit and purpose:


1. To create a space that encourages scholarship and critical research in the field of dispute resolution.

2. To create to a public legal resource using conventional and unconventional forms of creating access to information.

3. To foster a platform to enable collaborative and creative models of knowledge production.


Article 3: Attendance:



1. DREx Talks can be organised for 100 people or more and in any case not less than 70.

2. Attendance of delegates at the DREx Talks will be the responsibility of the host, however 10% of the seats shall always be reserved for the DREx Secretariat unless advised otherwise.

3. Every DREx Talk is generally a free-for-all event. However, certain DREx Talks may be “invite only”.

4. Attendees are required to enter their details at the register to be maintained at the entrance. The details must include- name, e-mail id, contact number, current designation & affiliation.

5. The details of the attendees must be forwarded in a word document or an excel spreadsheet format to the DREx Secretariat, within 48 hours of the event.


Article 4: Duration:


1. Each DREx Talk should ideally last for an hour and 30 minutes including questions and answers. The Introducer shall introduce the topic and may speak for 15-20 minutes. The Speaker delivering DREx Talk shall speak for 45-60 minutes. The post DREx Talk questions and answers session shall be concluded within 15-30 minutes.


Article 5: Venue:


1. The host shall ensure that the venue for the event is well-equipped to successfully conduct the DREx Talk Event.

2. The Podium from which the speaker shall present the DREx Talk shall bear the logo of DREx Talks and no other logo. However other logos may be displayed in the backdrop.


Article 6: Volunteers & Staff:


1. The host is free to arrange for volunteers and staff (at his own expense) for aiding the organization of the event.


Article7: Videography and Photography:


1. The videography and photography of the event shall be carried out by professional videographers in a quality not less than and above 1080p. The DREx Talks Secretariat reserves the right to upload the same.

2. The host is required to ensure that sound quality in the video recordings is of professional standard matching the quality exhibited in professional recording.

3. The host shall provide the DREx Secretariat with the video and photos of the event within 12 hours of the completion of the event and no later than 24 hours.


Article8: Broadcasting, Media & Distribution:


1. The host is responsible for ensuring that the live-webcast of the DREx Talk is carried out on the DREx Talks official YouTube channel.

2. The rights to video-recording, audio-recording, photography and reproduction including reports in various recognized online news-portals, newspapers, etc. shall remain with the DREx Secretariat unless otherwise agreed.


Article 9: Costs to be incurred by the host (or its sponsor):


1. If the proposal to host a DREx Talk is accepted, the same will be confirmed on receipt of 150 USD. The details of payment shall be provided along with communication of acceptance.

2. All costs for organizing the DREx Talk, including the travel and accommodation for the DREx Speaker and Introducer shall be borne by the host.

3. The cost of organising networking drinks/ high tea/ breakfast/ lunch/ dinner post the DREx Talk shall be borne by the host.

4. For selective Talks, representatives of the DREx may also be present. The cost of their travel and lodging shall be borne by the host.

5. The host is free to seek sponsor(s) for the event.


Article 10: Token of appreciation for the DREx Speaker & Introducer:


1. Every DREx Speaker shall be gifted the following as a token of appreciation for her/his contribution

i. Gift items worth about 350$ upon approval of the DREx Secretariat.
ii. A certificate (framed) recognizing her/his august presence as the speaker.
iii. A memento representing the local culture and tradition.

2. Every DREx Introducer shall be gifted the following as a token of appreciation for her/his contribution

i. A gift item worth about 250$ upon approval of the DREx Secretariat.
ii. A certificate (framed) recognizing her/his august presence as the speaker.


Article: 11 Sponsors & funding:


1. The host shall be responsible for arranging all the funds required for the DREx Talks Event.

2. The host is free to seek sponsor(s) for the event and the following networking drinks high tea/ breakfast/ lunch/ dinner.


Article 12: Web & Social:


1. All updates regarding the DREx Talk event including live-tweeting and live-blogging shall be carried out by the DREx Secretariat on the official social-media handles of DREx Talks on, but not limited to, Instagram, facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.


Article 13: Savings:


1. All DREx Talks Events will be conducted only after prior written approval of the DREx Secretariat.

2. It is at the discretion of the DREx Secretariat to make changes to the proposed themes, Introducer and Speaker, in order to ensure the quality of DREx Talks.

Evolution of Resolution