Making the Most of the Meeting
INTA’s Annual Meeting Live+ is about building a community, sharing experiences, strengthening relationships, and developing new business, in addition to learning about the latest developments in the field. Aaron McDonald reports.
“I’m fully confident in INTA’s ability to ensure that we have a safe and fruitful Annual Meeting.”
Michelle Ray-Jones, Tilleke and Gibbons (Thailand)
To make the most of these opportunities, the Annual Meeting—both Live+ (in person + virtual) and Virtual Only—offers an abundance of Business Development activities ripe for networking with peers from around the world. Registrants can select some or all these opportunities, catering to their own interests, networking styles, and preferences.
For registrants attending the in-person Meeting, opportunities available this year include old favorites like Speed Networking and Table Topics; special meeting room opportunities for Corporates (Corporate Meeting Rooms) and Associates (Reserved Meeting Rooms); and several receptions. Also on tap is a new Business Development Lounge, as well as newly rebranded, networking-friendly venues: the Brand Marketplace (Exhibition Hall) and Business Development Excursions. In addition, committee meetings held throughout the week lend themselves to networking with other members of a specific committee.
Samuel Thomas, Jr., chief operating officer at Events DC (US), which operates the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, noted that “the interior design of the Walter E. Washington Center is intended to foster collaboration and connection among our guests. Inside, attendees will experience a modern, vibrant atmosphere featuring ample meet-connect lounges, fast and free Wi-Fi and areas to relax and recharge both inside and outside of the [Brand Marketplace].”
He added: “The Center also features local merchants including Ben’s Chili Bowl and Shop Made in DC, offering guests authentic ‘made-in-D.C.’ experiences.”
Those using the virtual platform will also find an array of opportunities to connect with colleagues. Both Virtual Only attendees and those attending Live+ can access the virtual platform, where offerings include the INTA Café, Speed Networking, Table Topics, and Virtual Business Development events (to be announced).
INTA Board Member Lorna Mbatia, partner at CFL Advocates (Kenya), had been looking forward to attending the in-person meeting in Washington, D.C., but it will not be possible for her.
“Thankfully,” she said, “the virtual Meeting has lots to offer as well. I'm looking forward to connecting with friends and colleagues on INTAconnect, hosting a Table Topic, and enjoying the exceptional programming.”
“Thankfully, the virtual Meeting has lots to offer as well. I'm looking forward to connecting with friends and colleagues on INTAconnect, hosting a Table Topic, and enjoying the exceptional programming.”
Lorna Mbatia, CFL Advocates (Kenya)
Get Connected
For all registrants, INTAconnect, an online appointment and scheduling tool, is making a return visit—available to both Live+ and Virtual Only registrants. With INTAconnect, registrants can search for other registrants who have opted in, using criteria such as name, organization, and industry sector. The innovative AI-empowered tool matches registrants based on profiles and allows you to schedule one-on-one or group video and in-person meetings, where you can share information, or just get to know colleagues better.
Those attending INTA’s 2021 Annual Meeting Virtual+ ranked INTAconnect as one of the most valuable Business Development tools, and, with it already “live” for the 2022 Annual Meeting, registrants have already requested or scheduled several thousand meetings. Once you register for the Meeting, you gain access to the tool.
“The INTAconnect platform is very robust and makes connecting with others easy and efficient,” said Ahmed Bulbulia, lawyer, Pallet Valo LLP (Canada).
“Attending INTA’s Annual Meeting virtually is the right decision for me at this time,” he noted, adding that virtual attendance “allows me to still meet face-to-face with my existing network and facilitates making new relevant connections with others from around the world.”
“‘Breaking bread’ with someone, shaking their hands, and toasting a drink can only be done in person. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Peter Pang, IPO Pang Xingpu (China)
While there were small in-person mini-conferences in three cities during the Annual Meeting Virtual+ last year, Peg Reardon, INTA’s director, Member Experience, said that there is a buzz of excitement around this year’s event, given that it is the first time in two years where large numbers will be in attendance in person.
“It’s been a difficult couple of years, and everybody has been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or other. That’s why we’re more excited than ever to welcome back the INTA community,” Ms. Reardon said.
“For those attending the Annual Meeting in person or virtually, we’ve made sure that there are myriad Business Development opportunities for you to network and make the most of your INTA experience.
“Whether it is at one of the Business Development Excursions planned exclusively for registrants, a Table Topic where you can contribute to a moderated, small group discussion on a predetermined topic, a more informal Speed Networking session, or one of our receptions—you’re bound to find a networking opportunity that suits you,” Ms. Reardon commented.
Registrants have been expressing pent-up demand about reconnecting with colleagues, especially in person.
Peter Pang, chairman and managing partner, IPO Pang Xingpu (China), is looking forward to the in-person networking.
“‘Breaking bread’ with someone, shaking their hands, and toasting a drink can only be done in person. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he opined.
“Attending INTA’s Annual Meeting virtually is the right decision for me at this time.”
Ahmed Bulbulia, Pallet Valo LLP (Canada)
Deeper Dives
The Table Topics, taking place from Saturday, April 30 to Wednesday, May 4, as breakfast and lunch sessions (check the program schedule for titles and times), provide registrants with the unique opportunity to meet global colleagues in smaller, intimate group settings to discuss topics of interest. There are over 130 topics to choose from, including some moderated by brand representatives.
For just a quick taste, there will be Trademarks in the Metaverse on Saturday, April 30; Re-Filings and Bad Faith in the EU on Sunday, May 1; Issues in the Beverage Industry on Monday, May 2; Global Trademark Portfolios in the Cannabis Sector on Tuesday, May 3; and Domain Name Enforcement with Limited WHOIS Data on Wednesday, May 4.
Don’t miss the chance to check out the several in-person receptions throughout the Annual Meeting. For first timers, as well as those who want to learn more about navigating the Meeting, attending the Annual Meeting Registrant First-Time Orientation and Reception (Saturday, April 30, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT) is a must.
In addition, marking a first, many of the other networking events will be held in INTA’s Brand Marketplace, including the Welcome Reception, Regional Receptions, and the Patent Lawyers Reception.
Further, registrants are also invited to the INTA PAC Reception, (Monday, May 2, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm EDT), and the in-person INTA Foundation Reception (Tuesday, May 3, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm EDT).
And what better way to cap off the Annual Meeting than partying at the Grand Finale (Wednesday, May 4, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm EDT), and the INTA Official After Party (Wednesday, May 4, starting at 11:00 pm EDT), where you can celebrate into the early hours before you go your separate ways.
This year’s Grand Finale is set for the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, both housed in a gloriously renovated National Historic Landmark building which is only a short walk from the Convention Center. Excitement awaits, from live entertainment to interactive photo booths and art-inspired food stations.
Not ready to end the night? The INTA Official After Party will be a cash-bar event at the Ultrabar, a go-to, chic venue for any nightlife enthusiast, which fuses the appeal of an ultra-exclusive lounge and a high-energy nightclub.
“After two long years apart, I am thrilled to be attending INTA’s 2022 Annual Meeting in person to connect with long-time friends and colleagues. And to engage with new ones, too!”
Craig Stone, Phillips 66 (US)
Breaking the Ice
As always, Speed Networking will be making a welcome return. Taking place Saturday, April 30 through Wednesday, May 4 at different times, in person and virtually, Speed Networking is an exciting and fast-paced way to get to know colleagues from around the world. Fun icebreakers provided in these sessions can help get the conversation going and establish new and lasting global contacts. Hurry, though: only a few seats are left at these sessions.
On the virtual platform, don’t forget to make the most of the INTA Café and drop in when the time suits you 24/7. Running throughout the Annual Meeting, the INTA Café allows you to catch up with old friends or make new connections any time before, between, or after sessions.
You can also catch up virtually with colleagues using INTA’s Social Networking opportunities. Taking place throughout the week, these opportunities are designed to bring registrants together through mutual interests and shared knowledge. When your session ends, make sure you share your contact details on INTAconnect to carry on the conversation.
Among the 5,000+ registrants, Michelle Ray-Jones, partner, Tilleke and Gibbons (Thailand), said she is “particularly looking forward to meeting my current INTA committee members, many of whom I have not yet met face-to-face.”
Ms. Ray-Jones attended the in-person mini conference in New York as part of the 2021 Annual Meeting, and she is “fully confident in INTA’s ability to ensure that we have a safe and fruitful Annual Meeting.”
The Annual Meeting can be a busy week for anyone, and it is important to take a moment to wind down. If you will be joining the Annual Meeting in person in Washington, D.C., check out the Business Development Lounge. This space will be an area for you to kick back and relax. The lounge will be equipped with board games and will host various networking activities throughout the week.
Washington, D.C., as the nation's capital, is steeped in history, with much to see—from exploring famous monuments and renowned museums to dining in restaurants with all types of cuisine.
That is why INTA has carefully selected Business Development Excursions for in-person attendees. Among them, there is an excursion taking in the famous sights of the nation’s capital in the Monuments by Moonlight on Saturday, April 30, tasting the cuisine from various local eateries in a walking tour through the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C., in History, Connection, Bites in Georgetown on Monday, May 2, and visiting the quaint historic district of Old Town Alexandria in An Afternoon in Old Town on Wednesday, May 4.
Plus, the Business Development Excursions are not only about sightseeing. If you are looking to fit in some exercise during the Meeting, why not start the day with a yoga session, Namaste Together on Monday, May 2, an invigorating body weight workout, Buddy Bootcamp on Tuesday, May 3.
Craig Stone, senior counsel, Trademarks and IP, Phillips 66 (US), for one, cannot wait for the Annual Meeting Live+.
“It’s all about the community of people. After two long years apart, I am thrilled to be attending INTA’s 2022 Annual Meeting in person to connect with long-time friends and colleagues. And to engage with new ones, too!”
Concluded Ms. Reardon: “Ultimately, registrants can look forward to plenty of opportunities to build and strengthen their network.”
Some of the networking opportunities have limited attendance, require pre-registration, and carry an additional fee. To register for an add-on activity: log into your INTA profile; select the “purchases” tab; “go to “events” on the left navigation; select 2022 Annual Meeting and click “details”; and in the details tab, add sessions (blue button in top right box).
Footage used under license from Envato Elements / 2ragon
Thursday, March 24, 2022
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