INTA Day 1 (or Posing as a Professional Again)

Yesterday was the first day of the International Trademark Association Annual Meeting. (It’s the 131st annual meeting!)  I had a great time!

I started my events by attending a special luncheon talk about enforcement of trademarks in Africa.  It was a small group, but very interesting and very rewarding.  An attorney from Zimbabwe, two Yoruba attorneys from Nigeria and an attorney from a large pharmaceutical company in the UK who’s in charge of the African region for her company.   I learned a lot and had a very little contribute.  One of the most amazing parts was when the lady from Zimbabwe recognized my name from the Afro-IP blog!  And of course, the Nigerians were surprised I could tell what tribe they were by their names.

The big opening event ceremonies later in the day were nice.  Elle McPherson was the keynote speaker.  It’s kind of funny, her face doesn’t look 45 but her arms, shoulders and body skin do.  Always remember to put your age-reducing make-up on your décolletage as well as your face!

After the ceremonies was the obligatory giant reception.  I wasn’t too keen on going.  I’m not a fan of large crowds and there’s 7500 attendees at this meeting!  But, my friend wanted to check it out so I agreed to go for it and munch a bit.  Glad I did – met some neat people and didn’t have to buy dinner. :)

Registration included the requisite schwag and name badges.  Everyone got a black shoulder bag. Many people are still using theirs.  Not me – I don’t want to carry the same bag as everyone else!  I transferred the important info stuff to my new special bag that Alfred got me for graduation.  It’s made out of two old record sleeves: Sleeping Beauty (my fav Disney movie) and Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes (an album we had when we were little).  Much more appropriate for me than a black bag.  I think it goes nicely with my black suit ;)