In just over a week, Senior Associate Robecca Davey will be heading to the International Trademark Association (INTA) 2024 Annual Meeting for the first time. We had a chat with her about the trip, and she has been given some very important advice from M&C’s seasoned INTA attendees...
It'll be your first time attending INTA, what are you most looking forward to?
This will be my first INTA and I’m so excited. Attending INTA has been such a massive ambition of mine since I entered the trade mark profession so I am utterly thrilled to have been given the opportunity to attend. I really can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere, catch up with friends, colleagues and clients, many of whom I rarely get to see in person. My schedule is bursting at the seams but it’s going to be so much fun to get stuck in. Events like this make me so proud to work in such a great industry and I’m keen to make the absolute most of spending time with my friends, colleagues and clients from across the globe. I’m going to make the most of every minute!
What makes INTA different to other events?
The sheer size of the conference. Where else would you find over 10,000 people from across the globe, all with one thing in common – TRADE MARKS?! It really can’t compete with other events in this respect and I’m so excited to be part of it.
Have you been given any tips by your colleagues?!
I have ‘forget about heels’ whirling around in my head from the very wise (and seasoned INTA attendee), Esther Gottschalk. And I know this is sound advice, I really do. THAT SAID, anyone who knows me well will understand that I’m struggling to come to terms with this and I’ve got four pairs of contingency heels earmarked for the trip just in case the occasion presents itself! (Esther – I’m fully braced for the ‘I told you so’ conversation).
Other great advice I’ve had is to be really savvy when arranging meetings / lunches / breakfasts in terms of location, factoring in travel time, etc. It’s been really great to pool ideas for fun meetings and spots for coffee and lunch with colleagues (Inès Garlantezec – I’m looking at you!). I’ve tried my absolute best to put together a really sensible schedule, however, I’m almost certain that I’ll still be frantically running from place to place. But would it be INTA if it wasn’t like this? Maybe I will need those flats after all…! Wish me luck!
