Your Passport to Barcelona & INTA 2017
Alt Legal Team | March 10, 2017
(If you’re looking for INTA 2017 Event Guide–Click here!)
Benvinguts a Barcelona! INTA’s 2017 annual conference will take place from May 20-24 in Barcelona, the cosmopolitan Catalonian capital. With over 9,000 attendees already registered, the event is sure to be another excellent networking opportunity. Our CEO, our legal product manager, and others from Alt Legal will be at booth D84/86.
If you have not registered for INTA yet, you can do so here. The current price for non-members is $2420 and $1664 for members. Special rates are listed here.
In the meantime, to help you prepare for meetings around Barcelona and for your trip, we have put together this guide to Barcelona. We have also included some fun trademark facts for the trademark nerds among us.
Making the most of INTA
Planning
INTA Barcelona will be packed with events, talks, and sessions. And, of course, you will likely be scheduling several of your own meetings throughout the conference.
- Review INTA’s Schedule by Day
- See the INTA conference floor plan
- Register for Table Topics to meet with other professionals
Networking
With thousands of individuals from around the world in attendance, INTA 2017 is the perfect opportunity to speak with potential future clients, form partnerships, and cultivate international relationships. INTA arranges some unique networking opportunities as well, such as excursions to attractions, and group jogs. Stay tuned for these!
Staying Connected
Be sure to share your experiences on social media using #INTA2017. The Annual Meeting Portal, INTA mobile app, and INTA Daily News are also great ways to remain up-to-date on the happenings of the conference.
Do’s and Don’ts
- DO spend time in the Exhibit Hall. The booths will feature a wide variety of valuable tools for intellectual property professionals. These will include research tools, trademark docketing software, and search and renewal services.
- DO bring your business cards. You will be meeting hundreds of people, many of whom will be interested in connecting.
- DON’T exchange business cards with everyone you meet. If you collect a card from everyone you cross paths with, you’ll need to bring an extra suitcase to get them home. Save yourself baggage fees and reserve your cards only for those you intend to contact and only distribute your business card to those with whom you have developed a relationship or intend to contact after the conference.
- DO attend the Annual Meeting Registrant First-Time Orientation and Reception if you are a first-time attendee or a new INTA member. This is a great way to meet INTA leaders, staff, and attendees and learn how to make the most of the conference.
- Do spend time going to unofficial events — there is often as much to be gained at these events as there is at the official events.
- DON’T stress! It is bound to be a hectic five days, but make sure you set aside time to eat, sleep, and enjoy the beautiful city of Barcelona.
- DO come visit us in the Exhibit Hall. We’ll have spots for you to recharge – both physically and mentally.
- DO attend the INTA Closing night party and the other evening events. Also, don’t forget to pack Advil and water, to stave off INTA party hangovers.
Scheduling Meetings
With how hectic your schedule will be, the last thing you need to worry about is where to have your meetings. Consider these places throughout the city:
- Onna Coffee: Located in the Gràcia district, near the central square of Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, this coffee shop is perfect for a quick chat. Plus, locals swear that they serve some of the best coffee in Barcelona.
- La Roseta: Located by the beach in Barceloneta, this shop is a great place to grab coffee, pick up a cronut, and have a quick conversation.
- Cafè de la Plaça: Only about a 15-minute walk from Fira Gran Via, this is one of the closer coffee shops to the INTA conference. Stop here for a quick bite and chat in between events.
Our Picks for INTA Sessions
With several sessions taking place each day, there are more than enough worthwhile events to attend. Here are some of the highlights:
Saturday, May 20th
- 8:00 am-5:00 pm (2-Day Session): Course on International Trademark Law and Practice
- 12:00-1:15 pm (General Sessions): Geo-Branding – The Global Interplay Between Geographical Indications and Trademarks
Sunday, May 21st
- 9:30-10:30 am: INTA’s International IP Court is in Session: Judges from International Jurisdictions Discuss Hot Topics in Trademark Law
- 11:30 am-1:30 pm: Trademark Administrators Brunch
Monday, May 22nd
- 10:15-11:30 am (General Sessions): Industry Breakout: Trademark Issues in the News and Publishing Industries
- 3:30-4:45 pm (General Sessions): The Trademark Attorney’s Second Job: Spotting Key (Non-IP) Issues in Social Media
Tuesday, May 23rd
- 10:15-11:30 am: Trademark Scholarship Symposium
Wednesday, May 24th
- 10:15-11:30 am (General Sessions): Contracts with Vertical Restrictions: Trademarks and Selective Distribution Agreements—Protecting Distribution Networks Around the World with Trademarks
- 10:15-11:30 am (General Sessions): The Future of Trademark Protection in a World of Mega-Regional Agreements
Our Favorite Unofficial INTA Events
(A full list of all the events happening around INTA can be found at our INTA 2017 Event Guide.)
- Chadha & Chadha’s IP Block Party: What better way to close off INTA 2017? Last year they rented out space for over 5000 attendees for this event. This year’s is sure to be just as spectacular. Stay tuned for details.
- Meet the Bloggers: They’re back for the 13th year in a row! Get a chance to mingle with the people who write the intellectual property blogs you read. Last year’s bloggers included Ron Coleman of Likelihood of Confusion, Marty Schwimmer of The Trademark Blog, and Pamela Chestek of Property, Intangible. For updates on this event, fill out this form.
- E-Trademarks Listserv Reception: As a member of E-trademarks’ listserv, you may take this opportunity to get to know members of the listserv. Click here to sign up for updates.
Travel Tips
General
- Emergency Number: Dial 112
- Time: Barcelona is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time.
- Language: Catalan is the official language of Barcelona, which differs from the dialect of Spanish spoken in Spain’s other major cities.English is spoken quite extensively in most parts of the city, although locals will appreciate your attempts to use any Spanish that you know. Be sure to download the Google Translate app prior to your departure; the app allows you to scan and translate signs, menus, and documents.
Technology
- Outlets: 220-volt electricity- Spain uses Europe’s standard 2-prong plug (you will need an adapter if you are traveling from outside of Europe).
- Cell Phones: Your North American cell phone will most likely not work in Spain, unless you have an international plan. It is common for travelers to purchase a prepaid sim card upon arrival. The largest mobile service providers in Spain Vodafone, Movistar, Orange, and Yoiga.
Money
- Exchanging Money: Spain is on the Euro. For best rates, take out money at ATMs. Avoid exchange centers at the airport, main tourist areas, and banks. The current exchange rate is approximately 0.94eur/1usd (check up-to-date rates here).
- Tipping:
- Tipping is not expected in restaurants, coffee shops, or bars in Barcelona. You can leave a small tip as an acknowledgment of good service after a meal, but it is not required since service is included in the bill. A tip of a few coins or the leftover change under €1 is standard. At more upscale restaurants you may leave bigger tips of 10-15%, but again, only if you are satisfied with the service.
- Leave about a 10% tip for your cab driver
- Tip doormen, maids, and hotel porters about €1
Hours
- Meals: Restaurants are typically open for lunch from 1 to 4pm, and dinner from 9pm to midnight. Typically in Spain, the largest meal is eaten in the afternoon rather than in the evening.
- Siesta: Avoid making plans to shop and eat out between 4 and 9pm, as this is when most businesses take a siesta.
Getting Around
- Maps: Google Maps is a reliable tool for navigation. It works well for walking directions and for navigating public transportation.
- Public Transportation: Barcelona’s public transport network is extensive, consisting of both metros and buses. For fares, see the Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona web page here.
- Car Service: Uber does not operate in Barcelona, but cabs are easy to hail down on all main streets. Cabs are a minimum of €7.00.
Eating and Drinking
Bars
Barcelona is home to some of the best bars in Europe. Check these out:
- Espit Chupitos: This interactive shot bar has over 500 different types of shots (including some that involve campfires) for €2 a shot.
- Dow Jones: Here, a stock market crash is actually a good thing. This bar has created a drinking game out of the New York Stock Exchange.
- L’Ovella Negra: Sip beer or sangria from pitchers in this barn-styled bar. Free popcorn is also a perk.
- Icebarcelona: Set at 20ºF, you can enjoy your drink out of an ice glass, surrounded by ice sculptures.
- Can Paixano: This dive bar also serves up delicious tapas and is packed with both locals and tourists.
- La Luna: This wine bar, known for its steak and sangria, has low lighting and brick walls that embody the gothic vibe of the district in which it is situated.
- Marsella: One of the oldest bars in Barcelona, this spot is known for having the best absinthe in the city.
- Barcelona Pipa Club: This spot, tucked away in the Gothic Quarter, boasts a smoking room and a jazz room with a Sherlock Holmes vibe.
- Pippermint: Drinks here are served in giant “fishbowls,” which can be downed individually or shared. This place is perfect if you’re traveling in a large group.
Classic Spanish Food
Barcelona is known for its burgers, tapas, and paella. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Quimet & Quimet: Located in El Poble-sec near Montjuic, this restaurant is known for its classic Spanish seafood. Customers rave about the salmon with yogurt and truffle honey.
- Xiringuito Escribà: This restaurant, situated right on the beach near Port Olimpic, is known for its mouthwatering paella variations.
- Bacoa Kiosko: Centrally located near both Ciutadella Park and Museo Picasso, this restaurant makes world-famous burgers.
Dietary Restrictions
Traveling in an unknown city with a dietary restriction can be a headache. Don’t worry, we’ve got you:
- Vegetarian and Vegan
- Amaltea: Amaltea is located and Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. They prepare vegetarian-friendly Spanish cuisine.
- L’Hortet: Down the street from Barcelona’s Museum of Contemporary Art, check out this innovative vegetarian place. They offer a breadth of options for both lunch and dinner.
- Gluten and dairy-free:
Coffee, Quick Bites, and Groceries
These are all near the Fira Gran Via convention center, so check these out in between INTA events:
- Cafè de la Plaça: 15-minute walk from the INTA conference center, this is a good dining spot for lunch or dinner.
- Palmer Restaurant: Located inside the Renaissance Hotel, less than a 10-minute walk from Fira Gran Via, this restaurant offers a stunning terrace for you to enjoy a nice sit-down meal in between INTA events.
- UDON Gran Via 2: Looking for a change from typical Spanish food? Less than 10 minutes walking from INTA, this spot offers classic Japanese Udon noodles.
- Spiral: Near the south entrance of the conference center, in Hotel Porta Fira, this modern restaurant offers a unique take on traditional Spanish cuisine.
- Piripipao: This is a classy sit-down restaurant featuring traditional Spanish tapas.
- Niza Xurreria: Pick up churros, waffles, or french fries for under €3 at this food truck!
- Mercadano: Spain’s leading supermarket chain. They have a location under a 10-minute walk from the conference center.
- Condis: Another popular Barcelona supermarket. They have locations scattered throughout the city, so be sure to look for one near your hotel or Airbnb.
For good measure , here is a list of 38 essential Barcelona restaurants and 9 great ones near the beach.
Must-See Tourist Sites
- Parc Guell: This iconic park, a collaboration between Antoni Gaudi and Eusubi Guell, offers a beautiful view of the city as well as breathtaking design and architecture.
- La Sagrada Familia: Another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces, this temple is still in the works. Known for its high ceilings and stained glass windows, La Sagrada Familia is well worth a visit. Be sure to get there early, as long lines start to form after 11am.
- Casa Milà (La Pedrera): This modernist building is the last civil work by Gaudi.
- Mercado de La Boqueria: Stop by this market for fresh fruit, delicious tapas, and freshly made sangria.
- Montjuic: Check out the spectacular fountain show on the steps of Montjuic. Shows start every day at 9pm and last until 11:30.
- Ciutadella Park: Stroll through, take a look at the city zoo, or rent rowboats at this sprawling green space.
- Museo Picasso: Visit this museum to see one of the most extensive Pablo Picasso collections in the world.
- Barcelona Pavilion: Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the pavilion is a serene piece of architecture.
Map
All of the locations listed above can be found on this map.