The who, why and how of the ICC Hearing Centre

ICC Hearing Centre Manager Fiona Dermody answers five questions on the Centre’s history, guests and features that make this facility unique.

Why did ICC open the Hearing Centre?

ICC has a long history of organizing hearings and mediations at its global headquarters in Paris. In 2008 we opened the Centre in response to growing demand from business and legal communities for a neutral venue that was purpose-built for hearings.

What does the Hearing Centre offer guests over other venues?

Our location on avenue Kleber is the best possible location in Paris for a hearing centre. All rooms benefit from high ceilings and natural light. As it is a custom-built facility for arbitration hearings, we have taken into account every aspect of a hearing in its design. Rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, built-in simultaneous translation booths, video conferencing equipment and wi-fi as well as the most comfortable seating.

Our objective is to provide excellent service and thus ensure all the operational aspects of the hearings run as smoothly as possible.

And what about its offer in terms of services?

Our objective is to provide excellent service and thus ensure all the operational aspects of the hearings run as smoothly as possible. Hearings are generally very stressful events for its participants so we strive to create a calm environment. Our bilingual staff members are trained to understand and anticipate the specific needs of guests attending a hearing.

Is the Hearing Centre exclusively for ICC Arbitration hearings?

No, we welcome hearings from all other institutions. The 800-square-metre venue is available for any kind of institutional or ad hoc arbitration hearings as well as for the conduct of ADR procedures.

Since opening, the Hearing Centre has welcomed hearings from the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and hearings under the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) rules, among others. In addition, we host corporate meetings, trainings and presentations.

What’s new for the Hearing Centre in 2015?

Since January 2015 we have extended our services to provide an additional suite of basic rooms designed to facilitate smaller hearings, as well as corporate meetings. The modular design offers greater flexibility while clients with no audiovisual requirements can benefit from the services and facilities of the Hearing Centre at a lower rate.

ICC Hearing Centre facilities include three custom-built hearing rooms with seating for up to 43 people, and seven break-out rooms, all of which benefit from daylight and soundproofing.

Learn more about the Hearing Centre’s services and facilities.