Description

This is a Fully In-Person LIVE Conference in Incheon, Songdo, South Korea (about 45 minutes from Seoul)

Conference Location: George Mason University Korea, Songdo, Incheon, South Korea

Conference Date: 15 to 16 October 2026 (optional DMZ trip on 17 October)

Organizer: This seminal international conference is being held by the Conflict Analysis and Resolution Program and Peace and Conflict Studies Center Asia (PASC Asia) at George Mason University Korea in collaboration with GRO (Global Mediation and Community Resolution Organization).

Language of Conference: Primary English Language with Korean Language Assistance

Early Registration: Early registration ends July 15, 2026. Regular registration fee of $245 will apply July 16 until September 10, 2026. Late registrants after September 10 will incur a fee of $295.

Conference Registration includes:
• Two full days of programming
• Hosted networking lunches
• Curated break refreshments
• Conference materials
• Certificate of Professional Development

Executive Summary

This two-day international conference will convene scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students to examine the evolving relationship between Conflict Resolution (CR), Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Artificial Intelligence and Technology (AI/Tech). The program is designed to clarify foundational concepts, assess emerging technologies, strengthen professional standards, and produce practical recommendations for the responsible integration of AI/Tech into mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and online dispute resolution systems.

For those who choose to stay, the conference will also include an optional third-day experiential seven-hour day trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone to explore and connect macro- and regional-level geopolitical conflict with the conflict management and alternative dispute resolution frameworks discussed during the conference.

Rationale and Strategic Significance

Conflicts, disputes, and social challenges worldwide are increasing in both frequency and intensity, often driven by cultural divisions, identity-based tensions, power imbalances, and longstanding grievances. At the same time, dispute resolution systems are becoming more complex, with uneven professional standards that limit consistency, effectiveness, and public confidence. Although conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms provide effective, empathetic, and human-centered alternatives to litigation, inconsistent definitions, methods, and tools continue to create fragmentation within the field. Emerging AI and technological tools offer promising analytical and efficiency gains, yet they also raise serious concerns regarding bias, confidentiality, procedural fairness, human empathy, and institutional legitimacy.

This conference helps position George Mason University Korea, with its Conflict Analysis and Resolution (CAR) Program, and the Peace and Conflict Studies Center Asia (PACSC Asia) as a regional hub in responsible innovation by convening cross-disciplinary dialogue that integrates scholarship with CR, ADR, AI/Tech governance, and practitioner experience. Likewise, this conference highlights GRO’s deep professional expertise, its myriad practitioners, and its dynamic training and certificate programs.

This conference further positions George Mason University Korea as a regional hub for responsible and innovative approaches to Conflict Resolution (CR), Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and AI/Technology governance. The event further demonstrates the close and synergistic relationship between the Conflict Analysis and Resolution (CAR) Program and the Peace and Conflict Studies Center Asia by fostering cross-disciplinary and multicultural dialogue that integrates scholarship, policy, and professional practice. Likewise, this conference highlights GRO’s deep professional expertise, its myriad practitioners, and its dynamic training and certificate programs known worldwide.

Conference Objectives

The conference seeks to:

• Clarify definitions and professional roles within CR and ADR across the global spectrum.
• Examine the ethical, legal, and cultural implications of AI/Tech in conflict and dispute resolution.
• Strengthen cross-cultural competency in CR and ADR practices.
• Create pathways for student research, professional development, and career opportunities.
• Produce a formal point paper and roadmap on Human Centered AI in ADR.
• Develop publishable proceedings and policy recommendations.
• Create the momentum for an annual event for students, scholars and practitioners.

Speaker Opportunities  

Scholars and practitioners interested in potential speaking opportunities related to the conference themes are encouraged to contact the conference organizers listed below for further information and consideration.  

Student Research Presentation Opportunities  

Undergraduate and graduate students interested in presenting research aligned with the conference themes are encouraged to submit abstracts for review and consideration through the following link. 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Organizations and individuals interested in supporting the conference through potential sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact the conference organizers for additional information regarding sponsorship packages and partnership options.  

For inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Roland B. Wilson, [email protected]

Dr. Kimberly Schreiber, [email protected]

Ms. Yanghyun Im, [email protected] (Korean Language)

Refund & Cancellation Policy:

• 60+ days prior to the conference: Full refund (minus payment processing fees).
• 30–59 days prior: 50% refund.
• Within 30 days: No refunds. All sales are final. No refunds will be issued within 30 days of the event for any reason.

Registrations may be transferred to another attendee with written notice prior to the conference.

All refunds, when applicable, will be issued to the original payment method.

Registration fees are processed in USD. International transactions may be subject to currency conversion rates and foreign transaction fees determined by your card issuer. The conference is not responsible for exchange rate fluctuations or related bank charges.