Passport to Calgary!

• Program schedule. HYLA’s Passport to Calgary Program brings together partners University of Houston Law Center, University of Calgary Faculty of Law, and Canadian Bar Association - Alberta (Calgary Office) for a unique conference that will take place over five days/four nights in Calgary, from Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (Arrival) to Saturday, April 26, 2025 (Departure).

• Overview.  This enriching experience will provide participants with engaging collaboration and discussion, while exchanging insights on legal practices and international trends of import to U.S. and Texas-based attorneys.  Building bridges abroad and strengthening personal connections worldwide within the legal profession, while inspiring growth across a range of practice areas, Passport to Calgary has been curated to include:

• • Dynamic presentations by leading legal professionals that will deepen your knowledge on various international cross-border topics such as energy law, sports law, business/transactional law, comparative constitutional law, family and immigration law, employment law, litigation/arbitration, and pro bono/legal aid (accredited for 9 hours of MCLE including 2 hours of ethics in Texas).

  • Guided excursions to cornerstones of the legal community in Canada: the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, Canadian Bar Association – Alberta (Calgary Office), and Calgary Courts Centre (with the potential for an observation of the Court of King's Bench).

  • Exclusive gatherings including a welcome/networking reception, law firm visit, and CBA Alberta’s Annual Bench Bar Reception and Dinner at the Calgary Petroleum Club.

  • Social outings and cultural exploration with CBA Alberta Young Lawyers Section including the Calgary Zoo-Wilder Institute and Stephen Avenue Walk, a National Historic Site.

  • Commemorative souvenir T-shirts for all members of the Houston delegation.

• Presenters.  Passport to Calgary's lineup of distinguished speakers includes:

• • Dean Leonard M. Baynes, University of Houston Law Center, Dean, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Chair, and Professor of Law

  • Director Karen L. Jones, University of Houston Law Center, Executive Director of Global and Graduate Programs

• Flights. Flight costs are on your own. There are a number of nonstop flights from Houston, TX to Calgary, Canada through several airlines, namely, Air Canada and United Airlines. Costs are especially low right now so don't wait to purchase your ticket.  As of March 2025, there are options for round-trip direct flights for less than $300.

• Hotel. Hotel costs are on your own. HYLA has secured a room block reserved at the Courtyard Calgary Downtown from Tuesday, April 22, 2025 through Saturday, April 26, 2025. The cost per night is $213.00 Canadian Dollar which comes to ~$148.00 USD, pre-tax, as of March 2025. Participants in the full program are required to stay in the HYLA room block from April 22nd (check-in) to April 26th (check-out).  Space is limited and reservations must be made by March 28th. 

• Program Fee. The cost to register for the program is as follows:

• Remember–you will need a passport!

Space is limited! Sign up now for this premier inaugural program to join the Houston/Texas delegation alongside our colleagues in Calgary/Canada to bring together international legal communities in friendship while advancing HYLA's Mission of "Learn, Lead, Network, Serve" globally.

Questions? Contact Anietie Akpan (aakpan125@yahoo.com), Mariame Aana (mariame.hyla@gmail.com), or Lucy Cain (lucy.cain@hyla.org).

For a special preview of the program, sign up for the virtual info session on March 24th at 3:00 p.m. CST!