R-8. Mediation

At any stage of the proceedings, the parties may agree to conduct a mediation conference under the Commercial Mediation Procedures in order to facilitate settlement.  The mediator shall not be an arbitrator appointed to the case.  Where the parties to a pending arbitration agree to mediate under the AAA’s rules, no additional administrative fee is required to initiate the mediation.

R-9. Administrative Conference

At the request of any party or upon the AAA’s own initiative, the AAA may conduct an administrative conference, in person or by telephone, with the parties and/or their representatives.  The conference may address such issues as arbitrator selection, potential mediation of the dispute, potential exchange of information, a timetable for hearings and any other administrative matters.

R-10. Fixing of Locale