The 2026 Soft Law Summit, presented by BBB National Programs’ Center for Industry Self-Regulation (CISR), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, convenes leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society to explore how independent accountability frameworks, voluntary standards, and collaborative governance approaches are addressing today’s complex policy challenges.

 

As technology and markets evolve, organizations are increasingly looking beyond traditional regulatory models to build trust, support innovation, and promote responsible practices.

When

November 17, 2026

Where

The George Washington University
Washington, D.C.

The Soft Law Summit is a full-day event including breakfast, lunch, and a networking reception. This event has been organized with the intent to comply with House, Senate, and OEG ethics rules regarding widely attended events or gatherings.

The Summit will examine:

  • The role of industry self-regulation in addressing emerging policy and governance challenges.

  • How independent accountability frameworks can strengthen trust and credibility.

  • The relationship between voluntary standards, self-regulation, and government oversight.

  • New approaches to governance in areas such as AI, youth online protection, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

  • Lessons from real-world self-regulatory and co-regulatory initiatives across sectors.