Chinyere Okorocha, the Past Chair of the NBA Women Forum, shared her experience of attending the International Trademark Association (INTA) meeting in the U.S., the world’s largest and most influential conference focused on trademarks, intellectual property (IP), and brand protection. With over 10,000 attendees from across the globe, the event presented both a challenge and an opportunity for her.
Recalling her first INTA meeting in 1996 in San Diego, she traveled with a senior colleague on what was also her first trip to the USA. Instead of easing her into the experience, her colleague left her to navigate the event on her own. It was a trial by fire, requiring her to adapt quickly. She soon realized that networking at INTA was not just about attending plenary sessions, workshops, or discussions but also about engaging in numerous cocktails, parties, and social events that ran well into the night. These gatherings were more than social; they were vital business opportunities.
Stepping into a room filled with over 500 people, all engaged in conversations and deal-making, she faced a decision—either blend into the background or push herself out of her comfort zone. Choosing the latter transformed her career. She learned that networking is about making the first move, that small talk is a skill that enhances connections, and that real business deals often happen in informal settings over coffee and cocktails. She also discovered the practical importance of wearing sensible shoes.
By the end of the conference, she had gained invaluable experience in confidence, networking, and business development, skills that have served her well throughout her 34-year career. Looking back, she expressed gratitude for being thrown into the deep end, which ultimately pushed her to grow and show up for herself. She posed a question to others, asking if they had ever faced a professional challenge with little preparation and how they handled it.
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