How to Achieve Your Business Development Goals at the 2025 Annual Meeting

The 2025 Annual Meeting offers unparalleled opportunities for registrants to achieve their Business Development (BD) goals, catering to all networking styles and preferences. “One standout feature of this Annual Meeting is the extensive range and quality of networking opportunities available,” says Sacha Colquhoun, INTA’s Senior Manager, BD.

“Registrants can engage in curated Table Topic sessions, participate in interactive and collaborative activities, and explore innovative spaces like the GameOn Sports Arena. These offerings allow participants to forge meaningful connections, whether they seek quick introductions, in-depth discussions, or memorable shared experiences,” explained Ms. Colquhoun.

With so many exciting options to explore, registrants can be strategic in choosing BD activities that best align with their business goals and personal preferences.

Making Memories

More than 520 connections were made through BD excursions at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. According to Ms. Colquhoun, “BD excursions combine networking with local culture, allowing registrants to connect in a relaxed and informal environment.”

For registrants who believe the strongest bonds are formed through meaningful shared experiences, the Meeting offers a variety of BD excursions that highlight the culture, history, cuisine, and natural beauty of the city of San Diego.

These excursions are designed to appeal to a variety of interests. History buffs will take home many fun facts from their private tour of the USS Midway. Adventure seekers will find thrills kayaking through the caves of La Jolla Shores. Foodies will master a local recipe in a San Diego cooking class—all while connecting with members of the global intellectual property (IP) community.

How to Add a BD Excursion on the INTA Events App

Registrants should download the INTA events app before arriving at the Annual Meeting. It can also be used to sign up for BD excursions. Follow these steps on your mobile device:

Click on the link above.
Click on the “Details” button next to “2025 Annual Meeting.”
Under “Order Details” on the right side of the page, click on the “Add Session” button.
Click on the “Select” button next to the add-on/session you want to sign up for.
Click “Checkout,” and follow the prompts to make your payment.

You can also sign up for BD excursions on the INTA website.

BD excursions are selling out quickly. Be sure to sign up soon so you don’t miss out!

Santiago O’Conor (O’Conor & Power, Argentina) is one of many INTA members who finds these excursions invaluable. “I generally select those activities which I personally enjoy. It’s great for making connections because we meet through a common interest which has no international or cultural barrier. Afterwards, when we reconnect, the fact that we have shared an activity together makes our conversation flow easily.”

Other opportunities for socializing include the Meeting’s many receptions, including the Welcome Reception immediately following the Opening Ceremonies on Sunday evening, May 19, and the block party–themed Grand Finale at Big Block Social.

Debate and Discussion

For registrants who view the Annual Meeting as an opportunity to immerse themselves in all things IP, discussion-oriented activities are critical to connecting with like-minded colleagues. This year’s Meeting offers several curated add-on workshops, as well as the ever-popular Table Topics and Speed Networking sessions to keep the conversation going.

For in-house practitioners and government officials, the Anticounterfeiting Workshop and Luncheon will delve into the complexities of anticounterfeiting strategies, focusing on the transition from online investigations to offline enforcement.

Additionally, in-house practitioners are invited to sign up for the In-House Practitioners Workshop and Luncheon—Corporate Connections: Your Company and Beyond, presented by the In-House Practitioners Committee. Participants will gain practical insights on how to make connections both within their companies and in the larger IP community.

From anticounterfeiting and enforcement to AI and emerging technologies, this year’s Meeting features 500+ Table Topics, covering many of the critical challenges and opportunities facing IP professionals today.

Registrants looking to make quick connections will enjoy Speed Networking. Tuvshin Saikhan (ATS Partners, Mongolia) has found great value in its global reach:

“One of the most memorable aspects of these sessions is the diversity of professionals I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Each interaction offers a glimpse into different cultures, traditions, and perspectives within the IP community,” said Ms. Saikhan. “These enriching conversations have not only expanded my professional network but also broadened my understanding of the global IP landscape. The structured format ensures meaningful conversations, making it easier to exchange ideas and establish lasting professional relationships.”

Finally, designed specifically for students, the Academic Committee will present Career Development Day. This workshop will feature (1) a panel discussion led by seasoned practitioners; and (2) a hands-on training session that provides valuable insights, equipping registrants with specific skillsets crucial for their career journey. This workshop is free of charge and open to all Annual Meeting registrants.

Pre-registration is required for the three workshops mentioned above.

Friendly Competition

This year, Annual Meeting registrants can once again try their hand at pickleball and lawn games at the GameOn Sports Arena. These games are opportunities to get active, connect with fans or fellow athletes from around the world, and build friendships while having some fun.

The fun continues with INTA’s 2025 TM Cup Golf Outing at the Maderas Golf Club on Thursday, May 22—a great option for those staying in town after the conclusion of the Annual Meeting. Registrants are invited to connect with colleagues and enjoy a day of fun on the green before leaving San Diego.

“This outing is designed to offer registrants a relaxed and informal atmosphere where they can continue the conversations and connections sparked during the Annual Meeting. It presents a unique opportunity to unwind while networking amid the beautiful surroundings, extending their BD experiences,” said Ms. Colquhoun.

The Annual Meeting’s BD offerings provide key opportunities for registrants of all interests, personalities, and networking styles to create meaningful connections and grow their businesses. Registrants who participate in excursions, engage in Table Topic discussions, or challenge a colleague to a friendly game in the sports arena are likely to make new friends they will connect with at INTA events year-after-year, helping to foster the amazing community spirit that defines our Association and industry.

Learn more and register for the 2025 Annual Meeting.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

Topics Annual Meeting Business Development