Chefs, Pets and Sweats
After attending a host of educational and networking sessions, don’t miss out on honing a new skill, getting a good workout or simply having some fun—all from the comfort of your own home. Muireann Bolger discovers what social networking activities are in store at the 2020 Annual Meeting & Leadership Meeting.
Marina Stipanac, Partner at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall (Canada), can be dubbed a “super user” of the social networking opportunities on tap at the 2020 Annual Meeting & Leadership Meeting. She’s already signed up for 16 activities that align with her interests and affinities.
So what will she be doing? Among others, on the food front, Ms. Stipanac will be learning how to make pasta ,and she’ll whet her palate with wine and coffee tastings; on the wellness side, she’ll be immersed in yoga and meditation; and for her creative slant, she’ll be dabbling in phone photography and sketching.
While the upcoming Meeting offers registrants an unparalleled forum to network with like-minded brand owners and intellectual property (IP) practitioners, and to learn more about the latest cutting-edge topics in the industry, there are also plenty of opportunities to unwind and learn something new—experiences that have become increasingly important in these unprecedented times. The virtual social networking schedule offers a range of activities to engage with others, while enabling you to make valuable connections worldwide.
“I find the social element during usual INTA meetings has always been important, but the isolation and uncertainty that 2020 has brought makes it even more important this year to see and speak with people from all over the world,” Ms.Stipanac said. Working exclusively from home since mid-March, she noted, “The INTA Meeting is coming at the right time: I am craving interaction with my peers.”
“The feeling of unity and sharing the same destiny is reassuring, and I feel that INTA will play a big role in bringing us together, even if it is from our own home offices,” she added.
“The feeling of unity and sharing the same destiny is reassuring, and I feel that INTA will play a big role in bringing us together, even if it is from our own home offices.”
Marina Stipanac, Partner at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall (Canada)
Broaden Your Horizons In all, from November 11 to 20, the Meeting will feature 31 social networking sessions—with 10,000 seats available in total. Registrants can sign up for as many sessions as they’d like.
The activities fall into four main categories: experiences, sports, tastings, and wellness.
If you’re in the mood for a tipple, join mixologist Dean Stojanov on November 12, at 7:00 pm–8:00 pm (EST), who will demonstrate how to craft the perfect cocktail in a Masterful Mixology session. Highlights include the preparation of crowd favorites such as a Margarita, Old Fashioned, Martini, Negroni, Daiquiri, or Mint Julep.
At the same time, those who prefer photography can pick up tips and tricks to capture and edit high-quality photos from a smartphone in a Phone Photography class. Topics will include basic composition, and frequent mistakes to avoid. Guests will learn editing basics they can do straight from their phone to produce professional-quality photos.
If you’re an avid soccer fan, eight registrants will be facing off in a 2v2 game of FIFA. Tune in to see if your favorite team wins on November 11, 8:00 am–9:00 am (EST), and on November 16, 7:00 pm–8:00 pm (EST).
The fast pace of the Annual Meeting can demand a lot of stamina—and caffeine. If you want to perfect your coffee-making knowledge and technique, discover distinct coffee regions, styles, tasting techniques, and how to turn coffee into a masterpiece during Coffee Tasting sessions on November 11 and 16 at 8:00 am–9:00 am (EST).
And if you seek downtime with some furry friends, there are three Pet Meet-ups scheduled, on November 9, 11, and 17, at 3:00 pm (EST). Each 30-minute session allows you to socialize with other registrants and their pets in an informal, virtual environment. Fancy dress, for you and your pets, is highly encouraged.
“INTA’s virtual social networking schedule offers a range of engaging activities, while enabling you to make valuable connections worldwide.”
A Creative Challenge
Channel your inner creative and learn the skill of sketching with artist Erin Hennessy in a Sip and Sketch session on November 17, 7:00 pm–8:00 pm (EST). This interactive session requires only a pencil, marker, and paper and will conclude with the chance to display completed works.
Or if you’re struggling in the kitchen, learn the fundamentals of how to “sharpen” your cutting skills during a Chef Demonstration. A trained chef will showcase the four types of cuts as he slices and dices his way through a salad demonstration on November 18, 7:00 pm–8:00 pm (EST).
Working in IP requires investigative and problem-solving skills, so put your already well-honed amateur sleuthing skills to the test for fun in a Virtual Room Escape. Join your colleagues on November 18, 7:00 pm–8:30 pm (EST), to piece together evidence to solve clues, crack codes, and escape before the clock runs out!
Aspiring cheese aficionados can improve their knowledge—and palate—with former President of the American Cheese Society and owner of award-winning Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread and Wine, Greg O’Neill, at a Cheese Tasting session on November 18, 8:00 am–9:00 am (EST).
To find out about more social networking opportunities,
click here.
Working Out An intense week of learning and networking doesn’t mean you have to miss out on exercise—or a bit of dressing up. Don 1980s workout attire inspired by actress and exercise guru Jane Fonda and let music from the era motivate you to move and break a sweat in a H.I.I.T. Workout, an interval-based cardio and strength class on November 18, 8:00 am–9:00 am (EST).
We all want to learn how to help the environment, and the home is the best place to start. In Going Green: Home Edition, discover how simple yet effective changes at home can make an impressive impact on your carbon footprints. Learn best practices for effective recycling, greener shopping habits, and where to find the tools to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle on November 19, at 7:00 pm–8:30 pm (EST).
And, lastly, get ready to dance! Join our virtual Grand Finale to conclude the 2020 Annual Meeting &Leadership Meeting. Song requests are highly encouraged, but cutting loose is mandatory on November 20, at 7:00 pm–8:30 pm (EST).
Noted Ms. Stipanac: “The great variety of events that INTA is offering shows that a lot of thought has been put into creating an out-of-the-box experience for the attendees.”
Footage used under license from Envato Elements / Synel
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
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