No city knows how to navigate stormy waters quite like Amsterdam—so why keep that talent at sea?

The International Business Mediation Competition (IBMC) brings together negotiation and mediation enthusiasts from all corners and currents of the world. It offers a dynamic setting where participants solve realistic cross-border business disputes under time pressure.

Over the course of three days, student teams move through multiple rounds of negotiation and mediation, developing practical skills in strategy, communication, and collaboration.

For students, IBMC is a unique opportunity to experience what it's like to operate in a professional, international dispute resolution setting. The competition challenges them to put theory into practice and builds confidence through hands-on experience, critical reflection, and direct feedback from experienced practitioners.

For professionals, the competition offers a meaningful way to contribute to the next generation of mediators and negotiators. Whether shaped by years of experience or motivated by a commitment to developing talent, every contribution plays a role in shaping the learning journey.

In short, IBMC combines daily engagement, meaningful challenges, and plenty of opportunities to connect—whether you’re meeting new people or reuniting with familiar faces.

IBMC is facilitated by Centrum voor Conflicthantering and De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek.