Attending theINTA Annual Meeting can be a game-changer for trademark and patent professionals looking to expand their network, forge partnerships, and stay abreast of industry trends. However, maximizing your time at such a massive event requires careful planning and strategy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five easy steps to ensure you make the most of your INTA Annual Meeting experience.
Step 1 – Have a strategy
Before diving into the whirlwind of the INTA Annual Meeting, take a moment to outline your objectives and your firm’s strategic priorities. Identify key areas where your firm can benefit from forging new relationships or strengthening existing ones.
For example, if your firm has lots of trademark or patent cases to send to China, and you weren’t getting much work back from Chinese associates you are partnering with currently, the best thing would be to find some Chinese attorneys that are open to the idea of establishing reciprocal relationships.
Step 2 – Leverage the INTA Annual Meeting attendees list
One of the most valuable resources at your disposal is the list of attendees provided by INTA. Use this information to create a preliminary list of firms and professionals you want to connect with during the conference.
Step 3 – Use the data to identify the most relevant people to meet
While personal referrals and online rankings can be helpful, leveraging data can provide invaluable insights into potential meeting prospects. To get the precise facts and figures you can use public data, which, unfortunately, can be costly and time-consuming, or the tools like IP Pilot. IP Pilot can help you identify firms with significant caseloads in your jurisdiction, as well as those exhibiting reciprocal behavior. Armed with this information, you can prioritize meetings with high-value potential partners. This approach will ensure you make the most of your time on the ground.
Step 4 – Schedule meetings ahead
To maximize your productivity at the INTA Annual Meeting, aim to schedule 8 to 10 meetings per day in advance. Utilize scheduling tools like Calendly or Microsoft Bookings to streamline the process and avoid conflicts. Remember to build in time buffers between meetings to accommodate engaging discussions or unexpected delays. And if your firm lacks a dedicated meeting space, take advantage of INTA’s hospitality areas for impromptu meetings.
Step 5 – Make notes and follow up promptly
After each meeting, take detailed notes to help you remember key points and follow-up actions. These notes will be invaluable when crafting personalized follow-up communications after the conference. Don’t wait too long to reach out—strike while the iron is hot to maintain momentum and solidify connections made at the INTA Annual Meeting.
Bonus Tips
In addition, bring along numerical proof of your firm’s competence and the volume of business you have to exchange with firms in specific jurisdictions. This can include data on case successes, client testimonials, and metrics highlighting your firm’s expertise and track record.
Finally, don’t forget the little details that can make a big difference at the INTA Annual Meeting. Bring plenty of business cards to exchange with newfound contacts, as this remains a common courtesy at the conference. Additionally, ensure you have a visible name badge to facilitate recognition and access to the event.
By following these five easy steps and embracing the bonus tips, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the INTA Annual Meeting with confidence, forge meaningful connections, and advance your firm’s strategic objectives. Here’s to a successful conference experience!
