ILFLAW > Events > Past events

May 16, 2008 – May 18, 2008, Athens

Annual Conference 2008 in Athens

About 40 delegates representing about 30 firms attended this year’s conference. Delegates from as distant as Malaysia, Nigeria, the United States and Canada participated. The conference took place at the Royal Olympic Hotel, one of the finest in Athens and close by the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus and “Plaka” area. The conference was hosted by the law firm of George Tsakonas & Associates, a long-time member of ILF.

For the first time, an annual conference featured a special event at which local companies, government officials and others participated together with conference delegates. This event, which opened the conference on Friday evening, included a seminar and cocktail reception. Given the importance of the Greek shipping industry, and that a number of ILF members have maritime law practices, the seminar focused on shipping issues. Speakers included Mr. Vasileios Logothetis, the Vice President of the Greek Chamber of Shipping, Mr. Dimitrios Paxinos, the President of the Athens Bar Association, Mr. Geoffrey Brunton, a partner with ILF’s London member, Stockler Brunton, and Dr. Evi Polmaritou, a prominent shipping consultant. The subject of Dr. Polmaritou’s remarks was “How Shipping Companies View Chartering Policy and Marketing Strategy.” After the seminar delegates and guests adjourned to the hotel’s pool area for a reception hosted by Kyknos S.A., a client of the Tsakonas firm and the oldest canning company in Greece. Guests included representatives of Kyknos, several shipping lines and the Consul of the Bahamas to Greece.

On Friday evening the delegates, joined by many spouses/guests, walked through the “Plaka” on their way to the famous Pil Poul restaurant. Dinner was served on the roof top where everyone also enjoyed a fantastic view of the Acropolis and the lit up Parthenon.

The conference’s all-day meeting on Saturday began with Chairman Slavit’s annual report to the members. He highlighted ILF’s accomplishments since the previous annual conference in Washington, D.C. as including the addition of several new members in strategic locations, the increase in member referrals and the enhanced reputation of ILF as one of the world’ leading organizations of its type. Mr. Slavit stressed that ILF is an organization in which members are selected based on their ability both to refer business to other members and to competently handle referrals made to them (or, if lacking the required expertise for a given referral, to recommend another local firm). He also stressed that ILF members actively participate in conferences and in various other ways maintain contact with each other throughout the year, reminding everyone that “ILF is not just a listing of firms.”

After each delegate informed everyone of significant developments with his/her firm, representatives from applicant firms in Bucharest, Romania, Montreal, Canada and Prague, Czech Republic made presentations about their firms. They were invited to the conference at the invitation of Chairman Slavit following the successful completion of “due diligence” of their firms by ILF’s Membership Committee. All applicants were well-received and the members then voted on and approved their applications.

Other meeting highlights included presentations by two attorneys from Mr. Slavit’s firm, Saul Ewing LLP. Konstantina Katcheves, from the firm’s Baltimore, Maryland office, spoke on “Securing Patent Rights in the U.S.: From Filing to Commercialization.” Paul Heylman, from the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, spoke on “Fraud and Asset Recovery Litigation in the U.S.: An Introduction for Non-U.S. Entities.” Both presentations were strongly applauded.

Detailed reports were presented by Treasurer, Salo Esquenazi, and Membership Committee Chairman, Patrick Birden. Several members spoke about particular client and other business opportunities of general interest to the members.

While the delegates were meeting, spouses/guests participated in a guided tour of some of the most famous sites in Athens.

On Saturday evening, after a bus tour of the Athens area, the delegates and spouses/guests dined outdoors at the “Elaia” restaurant where they enjoyed traditional Greek food and another wonderful view of the Acropolis.

Everyone agreed that the Athens Conference was a great success in all respects. Members will next meet in October, 2008 for regional conferences in Panama City, Panama and Warsaw, Poland. Delegates voted to hold the 2009 annual conference in Dubai.

Nov 30, 2007 – Dec 2, 2007, CancúN/Mexico

Fall 2007 Regional Conference

Regional Conference (North, South and Central America)

         Delegates from members in South America, Central America and the United States met in Cancun, Mexico at the lovely Le Meridien Hotel the weekend of November 30, 2007 for the annual regional conference. The conference was hosted by ILF’s member in Mexico City, NDA Najera Danieli & Asocs., S.R.L. Najera Danieli attorney and ILF Vice Chairman, Juan Najera, and his staff arranged for the conference.

         The all-day Saturday meeting was chaired by ILF’s Chairman, Howard Slavit, who traveled to the conference from Washington, D.C. Highlights of the meeting included the consideration and admission of a new member in Panama, Mizrachi, Davarro & Urriola. One of the firm’s principals, David Mizrachi, made an excellent presentation about his firm and its capabilities. Mr. Najera also made a very informative presentation on “Tax Law Changes in Mexico.”

         Besides attending the business meeting, the delegates had ample opportunities to socialize and foster personal relationships. They enjoyed some excellent cuisine at outdoor dinner receptions at the Hotel on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Oct 16, 2007 – Oct 18, 2007, Barcelona/Spain

Fall 2007 Regional Conference

Regional Conference (Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia)

About 25 delegates from 18 member firms in Europe and the Middle East met in Barcelona, Spain the weekend of November 16, 2007 for the annual regional conference. The conference was hosted by ILF’s member in Spain, Dr. Fruhbeck Abogados y Economistas and its office in Barcelona. Fruhbeck attorney and ILF Board member, Astrid Dorfmeister, and her staff arranged for the conference.

The all-day Saturday meeting was chaired by ILF’s Chairman, Howard Slavit, who traveled to the conference form Washington, D.C. Highlights of the meeting included the consideration and admission of new members in Finland and the United Arab Emirates and the appointment of the delegates from Poland and the U.A.E. to the Membership Committee. Also, Fruhbeck attorney David Elvira also made a very informative presentation on “Company Law and the New Accounting in Spain.”

Besides attending the business meeting, the delegates had ample opportunities to socialize and foster personal relationships. They enjoyed some excellent cuisine at dinner receptions on Friday evening at the Posit Maritim at the harbor and on Saturday evening at the Botafumerio Restaurant. The latter is very well-known for its fine Galician dishes.

Apr 27, 2007 – Apr 29, 2007, Washington, DC/USA

International Conference 2007

Each year, members of International Law Firms (ILF) take turns in hosting ILF’s annual conference. This year the conference took place in Washington, D.C. the weekend of April 27-29, 2007 and was hosted by ILF Chairman Slavit’s law firm, Saul Ewing, LLP.
The conference attracted over 40 delegates from locations as distant as South Africa, Russia and Argentina. The conference venue was the beautiful Hotel Monaco in downtown Washington. The hotel, built in 1839 and on the registry of national hotel landmarks, is within walking distance of the White House, National Mall and other Washington landmarks.
As a new feature for ILF conferences, Saul Ewing arranged for a number of delegates during the day on Friday to have one-on-one and small group meetings with Saul Ewing attorneys, clients and potential clients. This new feature was quite successful in fostering closer relationships between member firms and also presenting potential business opportunities to members and their clients.
On a lovely Friday evening the delegates enjoyed cocktails and dinner on the roof of the Hotel Washington, which overlooks the White House. The reception was co-hosted by Saul Ewing and R.F. Smith & Company, a business consulting firm based in the Washington, D.C. area with international operations and which has been working closely on projects with some ILF members. Delegates were joined at the reception by a number of Saul Ewing attorneys both from the firm’s Washington office as well as other offices. Saul Ewing visiting attorneys included Connie Foster, Chairman of the Business Department from the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania office and Mark Minuti, a prominent member of the firm’s Bankruptcy Department, the firm’s Wilmington, Delaware Office Managing Partner and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Tim Stevens, the firm’s Executive Director from Philadelphia, also attended. Chairman Slavit took the opportunity at the dinner to thank everyone for attending and to extend greetings.
The conference’s all-day Saturday meeting began with Chairman Slavit’s annual report to the members. His remarks included recognition of ILF’s newest members from Switzerland, Honduras, Nicaragua and Malaysia, reference to the increasing number of business referrals between members, and optimistic predictions for the continued growth and development of ILF as one of the world’s leading organizations of its type.
Highlights of the Saturday meeting included by unanimous vote the admission of new members from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Santa Ana, California. Both firms made excellent presentations to the delegates about their firms and practice areas.
The delegates also elected officers and directors to 3-year terms, as follows:
Chairman and Board Member:                Howard Slavit (Washington, D.C., USA)
Vice-Chairman and Board Member:        Juan Najera (Mexico City, Mexico)
Chairman Emeritus and Board Member: William Stockler (London, England)
Secretary-Treasurer:                                Salomon Esquenazi (Coral Gables,
                                                                                                    Florida, USA)
Board Member:                                         Astrid Dorfmeister (Barcelona, Spain)
Board Member:                                         Lutz Kaiser (Baden-Baden, Germany)
Board Member:                                         Erol Bircanoglu (Istanbul, Turkey)
At the meeting delegates also received samples of ILF’s newly published brochure, a pocket size booklet which includes information about ILF and all of its members. Chairman Slavit recognized the exceptional effort of Alejandro Bettoni, the delegate from San Jose, Costa Rica, who had arranged for the design and printing of the brochure.
The conference’s keynote luncheon speaker was Daniel D. Bradlow, Professor of Law and Director, International Legal Studies Program, American University College of Law, Washington, D.C. Professor Bradlow’s remarks focused on how law schools can better prepare students to become successful lawyers in the global marketplace.
Other speakers at the meeting were Saul Ewing partners John Meigs and Mateo Paz-Soldan. Mr. Meigs, a partner from the firm’s Philadelphia office in its Personal Wealth, Trusts & Estates Department, spoke on the” Use of United States Qualified Personal Residence Trusts in Cross Border Planning.” Mr. Paz-Soldan, who chairs the firm’s legislative and international trade practice and is in the Washington office, spoke on “Perspective on Saul Ewing’s International Trade & Government Relations Practice.” Russell Smith of R.F. Smith & Company also made a brief presentation to the delegates about his firm. He stressed how it is currently working with members and could potentially assist other members.
While the delegates were meeting, spouses and guests traveled to nearby Mount Vernon, Virginia to tour the estate of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Their tour also included shopping and lunch in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
On Saturday evening the delegates and their spouses/guests enjoyed a twilight bus tour of Washington which included stops at the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol and Lincoln Memorial. Everyone then gathered in the grand ballroom of the Hotel Monaco for cocktails and a gala conference dinner. David Antzis, Saul Ewing’s Managing Partner from Philadelphia, and his wife were special guests at the event. In his remarks, Mr. Antzis greeted the delegates, presented some background about Saul Ewing, and thanked the delegates for the excellent legal services which their firms provide to Saul Ewing clients, citing several recent examples. He also thanked the delegates for allowing Saul Ewing to service legal needs of their clients.
The delegates widely praised the Washington conference as one of ILF’s most successful and enjoyable. The conference also was the highest attended. Delegates will next gather in the Fall for regional conferences in Barcelona, Spain and Cancun, Mexico. ILF’s annual conference in May, 2008 will take place in Athens, Greece.

Dec 1, 2006 – Dec 3, 2006, San Josè/Costa Rica

Fall 2006 Regional Conference

Regional Conference (North, South and Central America)

Oct 27, 2006 – Oct 29, 2006, Berlin/Germany

Fall 2006 Regional Conference

Regional Conference (Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia)

May 5, 2006 – May 7, 2006, Istanbul

International Conference in Istanbul

More than 25 delegates met at the beautiful Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey the weekend of May 5-7 for ILF's annual international conference. Bircanoglu & Bicanoglu, ILF's Istanbul member, hosted the conference. The conference was led by Chairman Howard Slavit with the assistance of Secretary-Treasurer Juan Najera and Chairman Emeritus William Stockler.
At the all-day meeting on Saturday, a number of important matters were addressed.
The delegates welcomed new members from Paris, France and Johannesburg, South Africa. Delegates from those firms made presentations about their firms' practices and capabilities. Membership Committee Chariman Patrick Birden led a discussion regarding the potential addition of new members in other strategic locations and several such new members were identified.
The delegates engaged in final discussion regarding proposed By-Laws for ILF. The members then voted on and adopted the By-Laws subject to proxy voting by members who were unable to attend.
The delegates approved funds for the design and printing of brochures which will be made available to all members to help further promote ILF and its capabilities. Other potential ways to promote the organization also were discussed.
A number of the members discussed business referral opportunites they had received from other members over the past year. Mr. Slavit also announced the formation of a new committee intended to further increase business referral opportunities among the members.
ILF's new and improved website was officially unveiled with the assistance of Technology Committee Chairman Lutz Kaiser. The website was very well received.
The delegates heard a fine presentation by the host firm on legal questions affecting real estate investment opportunities in Turkey.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the members voted to hold the next annual conference, in May 2007, in Washington, D.C. They also agreed to hold the Fall 2006 regional conferences in San Jose, Costa Rica and Berlin, Germany.
During the conference the delegates also enjoyed some wonderful social events together. On Friday evening, after a cocktail reception at the hotel, the delegates, many accompanied by spouses and guests, dined on excellent Turkish food at the renowned Beyti Restaurant. On Saturday evening the delegates, spouses and guests again dined together as they cruised the Bosphorus and marveled at the fantastic sights of Istanbul at sunset.
The enthusiam and comararderie displayed by the delegates throughout the conference left little doubt that it was one of ILF's most productive and enjoyable ones.

About ILF Find a firm Join ILF Events Future events Past events News Publications FAQ Contact us Member area Login: Password:	Events > Past events May 16, 2008 – May 18, 2008, Athens Annual Conference 2008 in Athens About 40 delegates representing about 30 firms attended this year’s conference. Delegates from as distant as Malaysia, Nigeria, the United States and Canada participated. The conference took place at the Royal Olympic Hotel, one of the finest in Athens and close by the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus and “Plaka” area. The conference was hosted by the law firm of George Tsakonas & Associates, a long-time member of ILF. For the first time, an annual conference featured a special event at which local companies, government officials and others participated together with conference delegates. This event, which opened the conference on Friday evening, included a seminar and cocktail reception. Given the importance of the Greek shipping industry, and that a number of ILF members have maritime law practices, the seminar focused on shipping issues. Speakers included Mr. Vasileios Logothetis, the Vice President of the Greek Chamber of Shipping, Mr. Dimitrios Paxinos, the President of the Athens Bar Association, Mr. Geoffrey Brunton, a partner with ILF’s London member, Stockler Brunton, and Dr. Evi Polmaritou, a prominent shipping consultant. The subject of Dr. Polmaritou’s remarks was “How Shipping Companies View Chartering Policy and Marketing Strategy.” After the seminar delegates and guests adjourned to the hotel’s pool area for a reception hosted by Kyknos S.A., a client of the Tsakonas firm and the oldest canning company in Greece. Guests included representatives of Kyknos, several shipping lines and the Consul of the Bahamas to Greece. On Friday evening the delegates, joined by many spouses/guests, walked through the “Plaka” on their way to the famous Pil Poul restaurant. Dinner was served on the roof top where everyone also enjoyed a fantastic view of the Acropolis and the lit up Parthenon. The conference’s all-day meeting on Saturday began with Chairman Slavit’s annual report to the members. He highlighted ILF’s accomplishments since the previous annual conference in Washington, D.C. as including the addition of several new members in strategic locations, the increase in member referrals and the enhanced reputation of ILF as one of the world’ leading organizations of its type. Mr. Slavit stressed that ILF is an organization in which members are selected based on their ability both to refer business to other members and to competently handle referrals made to them (or, if lacking the required expertise for a given referral, to recommend another local firm). He also stressed that ILF members actively participate in conferences and in various other ways maintain contact with each other throughout the year, reminding everyone that “ILF is not just a listing of firms.” After each delegate informed everyone of significant developments with his/her firm, representatives from applicant firms in Bucharest, Romania, Montreal, Canada and Prague, Czech Republic made presentations about their firms. They were invited to the conference at the invitation of Chairman Slavit following the successful completion of “due diligence” of their firms by ILF’s Membership Committee. All applicants were well-received and the members then voted on and approved their applications. Other meeting highlights included presentations by two attorneys from Mr. Slavit’s firm, Saul Ewing LLP. Konstantina Katcheves, from the firm’s Baltimore, Maryland office, spoke on “Securing Patent Rights in the U.S.: From Filing to Commercialization.” Paul Heylman, from the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, spoke on “Fraud and Asset Recovery Litigation in the U.S.: An Introduction for Non-U.S. Entities.” Both presentations were strongly applauded. Detailed reports were presented by Treasurer, Salo Esquenazi, and Membership Committee Chairman, Patrick Birden. Several members spoke about particular client and other business opportunities of general interest to the members. While the delegates were meeting, spouses/guests participated in a guided tour of some of the most famous sites in Athens. On Saturday evening, after a bus tour of the Athens area, the delegates and spouses/guests dined outdoors at the “Elaia” restaurant where they enjoyed traditional Greek food and another wonderful view of the Acropolis. Everyone agreed that the Athens Conference was a great success in all respects. Members will next meet in October, 2008 for regional conferences in Panama City, Panama and Warsaw, Poland. Delegates voted to hold the 2009 annual conference in Dubai. Nov 30, 2007 – Dec 2, 2007, CancúN/Mexico Fall 2007 Regional Conference Regional Conference (North, South and Central America) Delegates from members in South America, Central America and the United States met in Cancun, Mexico at the lovely Le Meridien Hotel the weekend of November 30, 2007 for the annual regional conference. The conference was hosted by ILF’s member in Mexico City, NDA Najera Danieli & Asocs., S.R.L. Najera Danieli attorney and ILF Vice Chairman, Juan Najera, and his staff arranged for the conference. The all-day Saturday meeting was chaired by ILF’s Chairman, Howard Slavit, who traveled to the conference from Washington, D.C. Highlights of the meeting included the consideration and admission of a new member in Panama, Mizrachi, Davarro & Urriola. One of the firm’s principals, David Mizrachi, made an excellent presentation about his firm and its capabilities. Mr. Najera also made a very informative presentation on “Tax Law Changes in Mexico.” Besides attending the business meeting, the delegates had ample opportunities to socialize and foster personal relationships. They enjoyed some excellent cuisine at outdoor dinner receptions at the Hotel on Friday and Saturday evenings. Oct 16, 2007 – Oct 18, 2007, Barcelona/Spain Fall 2007 Regional Conference Regional Conference (Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia) About 25 delegates from 18 member firms in Europe and the Middle East met in Barcelona, Spain the weekend of November 16, 2007 for the annual regional conference. The conference was hosted by ILF’s member in Spain, Dr. Fruhbeck Abogados y Economistas and its office in Barcelona. Fruhbeck attorney and ILF Board member, Astrid Dorfmeister, and her staff arranged for the conference. The all-day Saturday meeting was chaired by ILF’s Chairman, Howard Slavit, who traveled to the conference form Washington, D.C. Highlights of the meeting included the consideration and admission of new members in Finland and the United Arab Emirates and the appointment of the delegates from Poland and the U.A.E. to the Membership Committee. Also, Fruhbeck attorney David Elvira also made a very informative presentation on “Company Law and the New Accounting in Spain.” Besides attending the business meeting, the delegates had ample opportunities to socialize and foster personal relationships. They enjoyed some excellent cuisine at dinner receptions on Friday evening at the Posit Maritim at the harbor and on Saturday evening at the Botafumerio Restaurant. The latter is very well-known for its fine Galician dishes. Apr 27, 2007 – Apr 29, 2007, Washington, DC/USA International Conference 2007 Each year, members of International Law Firms (ILF) take turns in hosting ILF’s annual conference. This year the conference took place in Washington, D.C. the weekend of April 27-29, 2007 and was hosted by ILF Chairman Slavit’s law firm, Saul Ewing, LLP. The conference attracted over 40 delegates from locations as distant as South Africa, Russia and Argentina. The conference venue was the beautiful Hotel Monaco in downtown Washington. The hotel, built in 1839 and on the registry of national hotel landmarks, is within walking distance of the White House, National Mall and other Washington landmarks. As a new feature for ILF conferences, Saul Ewing arranged for a number of delegates during the day on Friday to have one-on-one and small group meetings with Saul Ewing attorneys, clients and potential clients. This new feature was quite successful in fostering closer relationships between member firms and also presenting potential business opportunities to members and their clients. On a lovely Friday evening the delegates enjoyed cocktails and dinner on the roof of the Hotel Washington, which overlooks the White House. The reception was co-hosted by Saul Ewing and R.F. Smith & Company, a business consulting firm based in the Washington, D.C. area with international operations and which has been working closely on projects with some ILF members. Delegates were joined at the reception by a number of Saul Ewing attorneys both from the firm’s Washington office as well as other offices. Saul Ewing visiting attorneys included Connie Foster, Chairman of the Business Department from the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania office and Mark Minuti, a prominent member of the firm’s Bankruptcy Department, the firm’s Wilmington, Delaware Office Managing Partner and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Tim Stevens, the firm’s Executive Director from Philadelphia, also attended. Chairman Slavit took the opportunity at the dinner to thank everyone for attending and to extend greetings. The conference’s all-day Saturday meeting began with Chairman Slavit’s annual report to the members. His remarks included recognition of ILF’s newest members from Switzerland, Honduras, Nicaragua and Malaysia, reference to the increasing number of business referrals between members, and optimistic predictions for the continued growth and development of ILF as one of the world’s leading organizations of its type. Highlights of the Saturday meeting included by unanimous vote the admission of new members from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Santa Ana, California. Both firms made excellent presentations to the delegates about their firms and practice areas. The delegates also elected officers and directors to 3-year terms, as follows: Chairman and Board Member: Howard Slavit (Washington, D.C., USA) Vice-Chairman and Board Member: Juan Najera (Mexico City, Mexico) Chairman Emeritus and Board Member: William Stockler (London, England) Secretary-Treasurer: Salomon Esquenazi (Coral Gables, Florida, USA) Board Member: Astrid Dorfmeister (Barcelona, Spain) Board Member: Lutz Kaiser (Baden-Baden, Germany) Board Member: Erol Bircanoglu (Istanbul, Turkey) At the meeting delegates also received samples of ILF’s newly published brochure, a pocket size booklet which includes information about ILF and all of its members. Chairman Slavit recognized the exceptional effort of Alejandro Bettoni, the delegate from San Jose, Costa Rica, who had arranged for the design and printing of the brochure. The conference’s keynote luncheon speaker was Daniel D. Bradlow, Professor of Law and Director, International Legal Studies Program, American University College of Law, Washington, D.C. Professor Bradlow’s remarks focused on how law schools can better prepare students to become successful lawyers in the global marketplace. Other speakers at the meeting were Saul Ewing partners John Meigs and Mateo Paz-Soldan. Mr. Meigs, a partner from the firm’s Philadelphia office in its Personal Wealth, Trusts & Estates Department, spoke on the” Use of United States Qualified Personal Residence Trusts in Cross Border Planning.” Mr. Paz-Soldan, who chairs the firm’s legislative and international trade practice and is in the Washington office, spoke on “Perspective on Saul Ewing’s International Trade & Government Relations Practice.” Russell Smith of R.F. Smith & Company also made a brief presentation to the delegates about his firm. He stressed how it is currently working with members and could potentially assist other members. While the delegates were meeting, spouses and guests traveled to nearby Mount Vernon, Virginia to tour the estate of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Their tour also included shopping and lunch in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. On Saturday evening the delegates and their spouses/guests enjoyed a twilight bus tour of Washington which included stops at the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol and Lincoln Memorial. Everyone then gathered in the grand ballroom of the Hotel Monaco for cocktails and a gala conference dinner. David Antzis, Saul Ewing’s Managing Partner from Philadelphia, and his wife were special guests at the event. In his remarks, Mr. Antzis greeted the delegates, presented some background about Saul Ewing, and thanked the delegates for the excellent legal services which their firms provide to Saul Ewing clients, citing several recent examples. He also thanked the delegates for allowing Saul Ewing to service legal needs of their clients. The delegates widely praised the Washington conference as one of ILF’s most successful and enjoyable. The conference also was the highest attended. Delegates will next gather in the Fall for regional conferences in Barcelona, Spain and Cancun, Mexico. ILF’s annual conference in May, 2008 will take place in Athens, Greece. Dec 1, 2006 – Dec 3, 2006, San Josè/Costa Rica Fall 2006 Regional Conference Regional Conference (North, South and Central America) Oct 27, 2006 – Oct 29, 2006, Berlin/Germany Fall 2006 Regional Conference Regional Conference (Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia) May 5, 2006 – May 7, 2006, Istanbul International Conference in Istanbul More than 25 delegates met at the beautiful Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey the weekend of May 5-7 for ILF's annual international conference. Bircanoglu & Bicanoglu, ILF's Istanbul member, hosted the conference. The conference was led by Chairman Howard Slavit with the assistance of Secretary-Treasurer Juan Najera and Chairman Emeritus William Stockler. At the all-day meeting on Saturday, a number of important matters were addressed. The delegates welcomed new members from Paris, France and Johannesburg, South Africa. Delegates from those firms made presentations about their firms' practices and capabilities. Membership Committee Chariman Patrick Birden led a discussion regarding the potential addition of new members in other strategic locations and several such new members were identified. The delegates engaged in final discussion regarding proposed By-Laws for ILF. The members then voted on and adopted the By-Laws subject to proxy voting by members who were unable to attend. The delegates approved funds for the design and printing of brochures which will be made available to all members to help further promote ILF and its capabilities. Other potential ways to promote the organization also were discussed. A number of the members discussed business referral opportunites they had received from other members over the past year. Mr. Slavit also announced the formation of a new committee intended to further increase business referral opportunities among the members. ILF's new and improved website was officially unveiled with the assistance of Technology Committee Chairman Lutz Kaiser. The website was very well received. The delegates heard a fine presentation by the host firm on legal questions affecting real estate investment opportunities in Turkey. At the conclusion of the meeting, the members voted to hold the next annual conference, in May 2007, in Washington, D.C. They also agreed to hold the Fall 2006 regional conferences in San Jose, Costa Rica and Berlin, Germany. During the conference the delegates also enjoyed some wonderful social events together. On Friday evening, after a cocktail reception at the hotel, the delegates, many accompanied by spouses and guests, dined on excellent Turkish food at the renowned Beyti Restaurant. On Saturday evening the delegates, spouses and guests again dined together as they cruised the Bosphorus and marveled at the fantastic sights of Istanbul at sunset. The enthusiam and comararderie displayed by the delegates throughout the conference left little doubt that it was one of ILF's most productive and enjoyable ones.