Patent Information Users Group, Inc.

We are getting closer to the 2020 Annual Conference.  It is going to be virtual this year (no surprise).  But what does that mean?  It means that we will be using a meeting app (Socio) for all of our content.  The plenary sessions will be live streamed but they will also be recorded so that they can be viewed by conference registrants at a later time.  So you won't miss anything if you have to step away from your computer.  In addition to plenary talks, there will be several breakout sessions.  Some of those will be with sponsors and exhibitors.  Each sponsor will have a channel (or a room) where you can go interact with them during their time.  In addition, you will be able to make appointments to interact with the sponsors and exhibitors at an agreed upon time.  There will also be social breakouts.  So there will be rooms (or channels) with themes (I am pretty sure there will be a dog room at some point) where you can go and chat with people just to socialize.  None of the breakouts will be recorded.

Also, you can connect with other registrants through the app.  There will be games.  There will be polls.  There will be workshops on Monday and the STN Patent Forum on Friday morning.

There will be lots of learning opportunities.  There will be lots of social opportunities.  There will be opportunities to interact with sponsors and exhibitors.  It won't be quite as much fun as in person, but I am optimistic that it will still be a great experience.

By the way, please be sure and thank all of our sponsors and exhibitors and interact with all of them.  We really appreciate their support.  It makes a huge difference.

Also, thank you to all the volunteers who are working to make this a great conference.  It seems like virtual requires quite a bit more preparation because you have to be organized.  All of our speakers and sponsors and exhibitors have been wonderful and very flexible as we all navigate these times.

If you have any suggestions for things you have seen at other conferences that you think we should be aware of, please let us know.  If we can't do it this year, then we can think about it for next year.  We anticipate that 2021 will also be virtual.

Registration is now open and we look forward to "seeing" you there.