It’s Never Too Late to Make New Connections: Business Development at the 2024 Leadership Meeting

Business Development (BD) is a critical aspect of every Leadership Meeting, as registrants arrive in the host city looking to make new business connections and create memories with friends, colleagues, and clients. More than 1,700 brand professionals are already registered for the 2024 Leadership Meeting taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, November 12–15. The Meeting offers a robust slate of BD activities where registrants can learn new skills, celebrate the vibrant culture and history of New Orleans, relax and recharge, and engage with other members of the INTA community.

While some popular offerings have already sold out, there are still plenty of BD activities and excursions open to registrants who are just now finalizing their plans. For registrants eager to make connections while getting their daily exercise in, the Move Ya Brass! Zumba class (Tuesday, November 12) is the perfect opportunity to let loose, show off your dance moves, and kick off the Meeting with a great workout.

On Wednesday, November 13, registrants can make a positive impact on the local New Orleans community by participating in The Green Project. Volunteers will assist in collecting and organizing unused or leftover paint, ensuring that harmful pollutants are kept out of local waterways and landfills. Also on Wednesday, history buffs are invited to Discover Hidden WWII History at the National World War II Museum. Registrants will step behind the scenes and enter one of the Museum’s exclusive vaults for a rare, hands-on experience that includes access to unique artifacts that aren’t on public display.

And, on Thursday, November 14, registrants can relax and rejuvenate at a Spa Day Getaway where they’ll choose from a menu of spa treatments and enjoy the spa’s infrared sauna and cold plunge baths. Light refreshments will be provided.

“No matter if you’re interested in getting active, giving back, or experiencing the unique flavors of New Orleans, there’s something for you in this year’s slate of BD offerings,” says Sacha Colquhoun, Manager, Business Development at INTA (USA). “Putting yourself out there and finding what you enjoy will open the door to making lasting connections and lifelong friends.”

Preregistration is required for all off-site BD excursions, and many will sell out in advance. Registrants can sign up by purchasing excursions as an add-on to their Leadership Meeting registration, or by visiting the BD desk on-site at the Meeting. If there are any sold-out activities you’d still like to register for, stop by the BD Desk to join a waiting list in case there are any cancellations.

BD at the 2024 Leadership Meeting extends beyond off-site excursions. Registrants are also invited to relax, have fun, and make connections on-site at the BD Lounge between meetings and educational sessions. For this year’s Leadership Meeting, the BD Lounge will serve not only as an informal gathering space where registrants can chat over a snack or a board game, but also as a venue for structured BD activities. Registrants can register in advance for Crown Your Cake: A NOLA King Cake Decorating Class to be held in the BD Lounge on Friday, November 14. This 30-minute class will teach registrants how to decorate their very own mini version of a King Cake, a traditional New Orleans confection.

Some additional activities being offered at the BD Lounge include Mandalas Painting and Stained-Glass Craft for arts enthusiasts, and a Sip & Savor in New Orleans tasting event for those who enjoy chatting over tasty beverages. There’s also a complimentary Connection Mixer, as well as a Trivia Competition and Let’s Play Giant Jenga match for anyone looking to make time for some fun and games.

If your company or firm is interested in hosting its own event in New Orleans during the Leadership Meeting, the Association requests that you submit a Plan Your Own Event form prior to reaching out to venues in order to avoid schedule conflicts with official INTA events. Reporting your events and meetings also helps the host city measure INTA’s true economic impact. This increases the Association’s negotiating power at future Meeting destinations, which would in turn allow INTA to pass the savings on to members.

Committee meetings represent one of the most important opportunities at the Leadership Meeting for registrants to connect in person to celebrate achievements, brainstorm, and set goals for the second year of the committee term. More than 125 committee meetings will take place in New Orleans, including meetings for full committees, subcommittees, project teams and Group Meetings. Please check with your Committee Chair or staff liaison with any questions regarding scheduling.

First-time registrants shouldn’t miss the First-Timers Social Hour taking place on Tuesday, November 12. This relaxed event—new in 2024—is designed to help first-time Leadership Meeting registrants make new connections and learn insider tips to help navigate the rest of the Meeting, through brief, lighthearted networking activities and casual conversation over refreshments.

Receptions provide one of the most convenient options for meeting many people in a relaxed setting over food and drinks. There will be five receptions at this year’s Leadership Meeting, starting with the Welcome and Awards Reception immediately following the Welcome and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, November 12. Stop by this reception to meet fellow registrants, with whom you can connect over the course of the Meeting.

On Wednesday, November 13, Keli Zinn, Executive Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer, LSU Athletics (USA) will speak at the INTA Political Action Committee (PAC) Reception to inspire registrants with insights she’s gained from her outstanding achievements at LSU, including three national championships in baseball, gymnastics, and women’s basketball, along with two SEC championships in gymnastics and women’s track. A contribution for this event will be used to support the campaigns of U.S. federal candidates identified by the INTA PAC Board as having shared interests with the trademark community.

Also on Wednesday, registrants who have served or are currently serving on the INTA Board of Directors are invited to attend the Current and Former Board Member Reception.

Thursday night brings another chance to give back at the INTA Foundation Reception. Your participation in this Mardi Gras–themed fundraiser will help advance the Foundation’s mission to empower diverse and underrepresented populations worldwide by fostering educational and professional development opportunities in the IP field.

Closing Cocktails on Friday, November 15, will provide one last opportunity to connect in person with fellow registrants and make plans to follow up back home after the Meeting and at future INTA events. Please note that Closing Cocktails will begin at 3:00 pm, which is earlier than at last year’s Meeting.

Throughout the Meeting, registrants are encouraged to share their experiences and join the social conversation by using the hashtag #LM2024. INTA looks forward to seeing photos of the memories and connections registrants make in New Orleans.

Learn more and register for the 2024 Leadership 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.

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