As one of Europe’s leading arbitral institutions, the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (“VIAC”) serves as a focal point for the settlement of commercial disputes in Central and Eastern Europe and beyond, both with their seat in Vienna and elsewhere. VIAC was founded in 1975 as the permanent arbitral institution of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and has since then enjoyed a steadily increasing caseload from a diverse range of parties spanning Europe, the Americas and Asia. In this, VIAC benefits from the hospitable and supportive legal environment offered by Vienna and the Austrian judicial system as well as its deep-rooted experience with legal systems and industry sectors prevalent in Western, Eastern and Central Europe. With its new Mediation Rules, VIAC also offers the administration of mediation and other ADR proceedings. VIAC is very proud to announce that Vienna is among the 7 cities that pre-qualified to bid to host the 2020 ICCA Congress. VIAC has successfully organized and hosted the XIIth International ICCA Congress 1994 in Vienna and is keen to do so again in 2020. Vienna is located in the very heart of Europe. For many industries, including energy, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, automotive, financial services, and many others, Vienna is the hub into CEE, a market of more than 250 million. VIAC has been at the forefront to service this market as the region’s premier dispute resolution provider. As a result, VIAC’s bid to host ICCA 2020 has the support from industry leaders, law firms and arbitration specialists from all across the region. As many in the arbitration community have experienced, Vienna has established an outstanding reputation as conference city. For 8 years in a row, Vienna wasthe no 1 destination worldwide for association meetings (Source: Int'l Congr.&Conv. Ass. Statistics 2005-2012). Vienna provides all the infrastructure required for an unforgettable week in one of the world’s most charming and historic cities.