An Early Welcome to the 2026 Annual Meeting

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is with tremendous excitement and gratitude that we extend this early welcome to the 2026 Annual Meeting. In just a few weeks, our global community will gather in London, one of the world’s most extraordinary cities, for what promises to be a truly memorable and meaningful experience.

London is a city unlike any other. Few places so seamlessly blend centuries of history and tradition with constant reinvention, innovation, and global business leadership. From its historic legal institutions and storied neighborhoods to its role as a modern hub for finance, technology, creative industries, and professional services, London reflects the very duality that defines our profession: respect for established frameworks combined with an unwavering focus on what comes next. It is a city where the past informs the future—and where ideas, cultures, and commerce intersect every day.

As the host city for this year’s Annual Meeting, London offers more than a stunning backdrop. It provides an environment that mirrors the evolving world of intellectual property (IP) itself: dynamic, interconnected, and global. Whether you are participating in educational programming, running (literally!) between business meetings, or taking a moment to explore London’s many iconic landmarks, we hope our host city inspires you as much as it has inspired us.

That inspiration is especially important now. We are living and working in a time of profound global challenges—economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change, and increasing complexity across legal and regulatory systems. In moments like these, the value and importance of coming together as a community cannot be overstated. The Annual Meeting is not just a conference; it is a rare opportunity to connect across borders, perspectives, and disciplines, and to remind ourselves that we are stronger when we collaborate, share knowledge, and support one another.

Year after year, we are reminded that what makes INTA truly special is its people. The Annual Meeting creates space for meaningful conversations (planned and unplanned) that spark ideas, build trust, and foster long-lasting professional relationships. It is where experienced practitioners and first-time registrants alike find a sense of belonging, connection, and shared purpose. At a time when so many forces are pulling us apart, this opportunity to come together, face-to-face, matters more than ever.

We are incredibly proud of the educational program you will experience this year. The 2026 Annual Meeting offers a rich, forward-thinking curriculum designed to meet the needs of today’s IP professionals while also preparing us for the challenges ahead. From cutting-edge legal and policy discussions to sessions focused on transformational technologies, business strategy, and professional development, the three-track program reflects the breadth and depth of our community. This is also our largest-ever educational program with three tailored series—the In-House Practitioners Series, the Patent Series, and the Professional Development and Career Advancement Series. We must also mention the incredible speaking roster with notable speakers representing academia, business, government, the judiciary, in-house teams, and the non-profit sector. This is in addition to our daily keynote speakers. No matter your role, region, or level of experience, you will find sessions that inform, challenge, and empower you.

Equally important are the unparalleled Business Development opportunities that define the Annual Meeting experience. The Meeting brings together decisionmakers, solutions providers, and advisors from around the world in one place, creating countless opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones. Whether through structured networking, spontaneous conversations, or dedicated business-focused events, the Annual Meeting is designed to help you connect in ways that are both meaningful and enjoyable.

As we come together in London, we encourage you to engage fully—attend sessions that push your thinking, meet someone new, reconnect with colleagues, and take advantage of the many opportunities to learn and grow. Leave room for discovery and conversation and allow yourself to be energized by the collective expertise and generosity of this community.

We also take this opportunity to thank our incredible Project Team and the INTA staff for all their work over the last year. We are honored to serve as your co-chairs and cannot wait to welcome you to London and to share this remarkable Annual Meeting with you.

Thank you for being part of INTA, and for contributing to a global community that continues to learn, grow, and lead together.

Warm regards,

Lara Kayode and Tanya Fickenscher
2026 Annual Meeting Co-Chairs