AIPPI Congress Report 3: Young AIPPI Forum

The newest members of AIPPI

Although not historically known for an overwhelming younger membership, AIPPI has taken significant steps over the last several years to encourage the participation of the next generation of IP lawyers and leaders.  Over the past five years, the AmeriKat has noticed a huge change in the demographic of participation at AIPPI with an increasing number of next generation participants.  This year's Congress in Sydney marked the first Young AIPPI Forum form which James Ellsmore (King & Wood Mallesons) reports:  

"Saturday afternoon saw approximately 80 young AIPPI members descend on Home Nightclub for the Young AIPPI Forum. The Forum offered young lawyers and attorneys aged 36 and under the opportunity to network with peers over drinks in an informal setting. This experience was very different from the ‘networking’ that this guest Kat last engaged in on the dancefloor of Home Nightclub in another life!

The Forum began with a ‘Networking and Fun’ session delivered by personal coach Derek Percival of MMA Team. Derek spoke about the importance of networking for young professionals and offered some tips for building networking skills and making strong connections with other members during the Congress. He suggested that members be aware of personality types, as well as cultural and social differences, and how those differences might affect their conversations. He also encouranged members to take themselves out of their comfort zones and demonstrate vulnerability.

Derek then had members break into small groups to share their networking experiences and to perform some short, icebreaker activities. One of these activities involved participants roping each other together and then working out how to disentangle themselves without letting go of the ropes. After a few minutes of passing each other’s arms and legs around and under each other it was safe to say that the ice had well and truly been broken.

Having mastered these activities, AIPPI’s up and coming members were provided with perhaps the missing ingredient for effective networking – alcohol – and set loose to put their newly acquired skills to practice. Members from many countries and backgrounds mingled, exchanged experiences working in the IP field and swapped business cards whilst overlooking the International Convention Centre.

All told, the Forum was a valuable experience for young AIPPI members looking to meet other members, build confidence and connect with familiar faces during the remainder of the Congress."