Five things we learned from INTA in Hong Kong
Wifi
Dealing with slow wifi can be like pulling teeth at the best of times, and WIPR has found at the previous two annual conferences of the International Trademark Association (INTA) that a patchy internet connection can be troublesome. But as it’s based in California, home to some of the world’s biggest tech companies including Google and Apple, we hope San Diego offers an easier ride for attendees. Having said that, with so much demand for internet use, be prepared for even minor delays.
Top tip: take a dongle (does anyone actually use them?)
Sleep
They say that eight hours is the optimal level of sleep, but we’d be surprised if anyone at INTA gets even close to that amount on any given night. A combination of jetlag (for some), a busy day schedule, and plenty of receptions to attend can leave you feeling exhausted (or could that be the partying?). But if you can’t resist having 40 winks during the day, it might be best to take a seat at the back of the room, firmly out of view.
Top tip: pray you don’t snore
Organisation
Being organised at INTA is crucial, as wall-to-wall sessions and meetings can easily eat into your day. For those who take an interest in attending the various discussions, having a map is crucial in order to avoid getting lost or being late. The Dallas Convention Center (the venue two years ago) was enormous, and although we’re not sure how the San Diego Convention Center scales up, be prepared for plenty of walking.
Top tip: don’t leave things to the last minute
"If you can’t resist having 40 winks during the day, it might be best to take a seat at the back of the room, firmly out of view."
Business cards
If you gave us a pound for the number of business cards exchanged at INTA, we’d be very rich indeed. The cards themselves appear to be increasingly colourful and gimmicky, while the practice of handing your card to someone has become so entrenched that some people offer one without even having spoken to you, which always seems a little odd. On the flip side, forgetting your business card can be a hugely annoying and could lead to lost opportunities.
Top tip: take boxes’ worth of business cards
Get to know your colleagues
Conferences such as INTA require spending a lot of time with colleagues, people you might typically see only between 9.00am and 17.00pm. They can be stressful and busy—the conferences, not just your colleagues—but provide a good opportunity for team bonding and getting to know co-workers in a different environment. Who could ask for somewhere better to do this than in California?
Top tip: don’t embarrass yourself
