Registrations for INTA’s 2024 Annual Meeting surpass 6,500

New York, New York—March 5, 2024—As preparations begin to take shape for its 146th Annual Meeting, the International Trademark Association (INTA) hit a milestone today with over 6,500 brand owners and professionals, government officials, business leaders, and academics from 120 countries registered to participate in the global intellectual property (IP) community’s premier event of the year. The 2024 Annual Meeting takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, May 18–22. 

With the Annual Meeting returning to the US this May, it is not surprising that North America currently leads in terms of regional representation, with 2,079 registrants, followed by Europe (1,710) and Asia (1,551). Registrations from the US are highest at 1,884. This is followed by China (390), the United Kingdom (348), Germany (297), and India (239). Rounding out the top 10 countries are Canada (196), Japan (190), Brazil (166), Mexico (159), and France (125). 

Notably, more than 600 brand owner representatives from 33 jurisdictions have signed up. The US tops this list in terms of registrants, followed by Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, South Korea, Japan, Canada, and China, respectively. These numbers are on track to double over the next two and a half months. A number of brands are also sending large delegations. LG Corp; Ralph Lauren Corporation; Beam Suntory, Inc.; Mars, Incorporated; Merck; and Nestlé are among those sending six or more team members. 

Currently, Amazon, Inc. is sending the largest delegation to Atlanta. Dana Northcott, Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Amazon’s Intellectual Property team and the 2024 INTA President explained, “I try to send as many of my colleagues as possible to the Annual Meeting because of the opportunity to engage with trademark and other IP leaders, academics, and brands from around the world. Engaging with the INTA community through committee work, as well as the many networking opportunities, is priceless.”  

Themed around the business of innovation, this year’s educational program features an impressive roster of more than 100 speakers and moderators, 40 of whom represent brands. The program includes 32 sessions, four capsule keynotes, and seven workshops. It is designed around two curated tracks: the IP and Innovation Track and the Business Track. 

To help registrants build their schedules around the issues and topics most pertinent to their businesses and around their personal interests, the educational sessions are further divided into themed “journeys.” For example, the IP and Innovation track features four journeys: IP and Beyond, A Day in the Life, Regional Updates, and Capsule Keynotes. Sessions in each journey are scheduled at the same time each day.  

“‘The Business of Innovation’ speaks to the ways in which innovation and technology are transforming how we do business today. We’re being called on to be more holistic and well-rounded in our approach to IP and as business lawyers. The program is designed with this in mind,” said 2024 Annual Meeting Co-Chair Urko Ochoa (MINIÑO, Dominican Republic).  

“But you must be registered to participate in the program,” added Mr Ochoa. “If you’re not registered, you’re not part of the change our industry is experiencing right now!” 

The educational program is complemented by an array of Business Development (BD) activities. The more than 350 table topics cover the gamut of topics and issues brand professionals face today. There will also be 10 speed networking sessions and 10+ receptions. More than 15 BD excursions will take advantage of Atlanta as the regional center for art, business, sports, and, of course, the Civil Rights Movement.  

New this year, INTA celebrates Atlanta’s love of sport with “Game On,” a first-ever Annual Meeting sports arena. A dynamic way for registrants to join in on a range of planned activities—soccer, volleyball, tennis, and, even, mini-golf—and network while enjoying the game or the view. A sports-themed grand finale will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

With 143 exhibitors from 35 jurisdictions already having secured their spots, the Innovation Marketplace is a central meeting place for registrants to connect with the latest services, innovations, and vendors from around the world to experience the Business track programming and visit INTA’s photography exhibition. More exhibitors are expected to register in the coming weeks. Currently, 40 exhibitors are hosting a booth for the first time.   

With more than 10,000 registrants expected in Atlanta for the Annual Meeting, INTA is calling on all participants to help the Association in reaffirming its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. “We strongly encourage all members traveling to the Annual Meeting—or to any INTA gathering—to find meaningful ways to decrease their carbon footprint from their travel. The Carbon Offset Program is an easy and convenient way to offset the emissions from your flight and other transportation,” said Susan L Crane (Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., USA) and Chair of INTA Brands and Sustainability Committee. The Carbon Offset Program allows participants to mitigate their carbon footprint by donating to projects designed to provide cleaner air, land, and water.  

“In addition, help us reward the exhibitors taking steps to provide more sustainable promotional items by visiting the Innovation Marketplace and voting for those with the best and most creative sustainable giveaways in the Green Swag Awards,” added Ms Crane. INTA’s Green Swag Awards honors organizations and projects creating innovative solutions to waste, climate change, and pollution. 

“Atlanta is a fantastic host city for an Annual Meeting of this size and scope. It’s business-friendly, accessible, and diverse, not to mention steeped in history,” said INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo. “The Meeting is also taking place in a world-class conference center, which will serve as the hub for all Annual Meeting activities. I encourage everyone to register and be part of the action!” 

“As a reminder, the meeting officially kicks off on Sunday afternoon with the Opening Ceremonies and Welcome Reception,” added Ms Northcott. “And we have the most incredible keynote speaker: Dr Bernice A King. Do not miss the Opening Ceremonies!”  

Learn more and register for the 2024 Annual Meeting. Early Bird registration closes on March 8. 

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