WORKSHOPS DURING IPO’S 2026 ANNUAL MEETING
On Monday and Tuesday, September 28-29, during IPO’s Annual Meeting, there will be an extended lunch time frame. Attendees may use this extended time to attend a workshop, listen to an IP Hub presentation, network with colleagues, or catch up on work. IPO’s Annual Meeting will take place from September 27-29 in Toronto, ON, Canada. The following workshops will be offered. Visit the website to view the full program and to register.
Know Thyself: Why Self-Awareness May Be the Most Important Professional Skill Rarely Discussed
Organizing Committees: Women in IP; Wellness; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; and Leadership Development
IP professionals are trained to understand extraordinarily complex systems by learning the science and technology behind inventions, mastering intricate legal frameworks, and helping clients navigate domestic and international IP regimes. However, little time is often spent on learning to understand ourselves. The ability to recognize our patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving profoundly shapes how we lead, make decisions, navigate conflict, collaborate, foster inclusion, and sustain ourselves throughout our careers. This interactive workshop will guide participants through a self-awareness exercise to uncover the habitual patterns that shape perceptions and interactions and will provide the tools needed to recognize default thinking patterns, expand empathy, and apply awareness to support a more inclusive practice.
How In-House IP Departments are Deploying AI
This workshop will explore how in-house IP departments are actively deploying AI tools to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and strategic value. This session will feature practical insights from corporate legal leaders on real-world use cases, governance considerations, and evolving best practices. Participants will gain perspective on how their peers are integrating AI into internal workflows, as well as expectations for how outside counsel and law firms are leveraging AI to support IP services. The discussion will highlight opportunities, risks, and future trends shaping the role of AI in IP management.
In-House IP Leadership & Influence Development Toolkit
Organizing Committees: Leadership Development and Corporate IP Management & Operations
This workshop will introduce a new resource designed specifically for in-house IP professionals navigating leadership challenges. The toolkit will be organized in a “Choose Your Own Adventure” style format, allowing users to engage with it based on scenarios that align best with their needs. Attendees will help shape the final format of the toolkit through facilitated small-group discussions and leave with resources and ideas to support their own leadership development. Specific focus areas include change management, emotional intelligence and self-management, feedback, core leadership skills, organizational intelligence, and career development.
Inventor Rewards and Recognition Survey: Results Panel
Organizing Committees: Corporate IP Management & Operations; European Practice; and Asian Practice
This workshop will present key findings from IPO’s recent survey on inventor rewards and recognition programs. The session will highlight emerging trends, benchmarking insights, and practical considerations for designing and evolving effective recognition programs across global organizations. Attendees will engage in small-group discussions to exchange perspectives, share experiences, and explore best practices.
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