The Hispanic National Bar Association (“HNBA”) will gather for its annual corporate counsel conference on March 17, 2016 in Las Vegas, where presentations and discussion will focus on technology and cybersecurity issues that have the potential to significantly impact manufacturers in 2016 and beyond. The theme of the HNBA conference is “Embracing Technology,” and is further confirmation that cybersecurity and disruptive technology are two of the top trends to watch for in 2016.

Cybersecurity and technology topics to be covered at the HNBA conference that may be of interest to manufacturers include:

• Technology Trends in International IP: Practitioner’s Insight into Foreign Trends and Global Treaties

• The State of Cybersecurity Report: An In-House Perspective

• Data Breach Insurance: What to Seek from D&O and Cyber Insurance Policies

The HNBA’s focus on technology reflects, at least in part, the ongoing challenges and opportunities that cybersecurity, disruptive technology, and related issues present for manufacturing and other industries. For example, the auto industry is experiencing rapid developments in vehicle-to-infrastructure and autonomous vehicle technologies  that have the potential to outpace both existing regulations and the regulatory process for updating those regulations. Drone technology is another area where regulators are racing to catch up with technology. These challenges and opportunities will only grow as technology continues to evolve, and manufacturers should take every opportunity to be aware and, where possible, stay ahead of these developments.