Mewburn Ellis hosted the annual AIPLA Women in IP Global Networking Event in Manchester, joining more than 50 events taking place simultaneously around the world. The evening formed part of a truly global initiative, bringing together IP professionals across borders to connect, share experiences and reflect on this year’s theme.
As part of the programme, attendees we dialled into the AIPLA global call, where we heard updates from events taking place in Italy, Copenhagen, the US, Brazil, as well as London and Leeds. This shared moment created a strong sense of connection with the wider AIPLA community and highlighted the scale of engagement across the profession.
To reflect this year’s theme, “Rooted in real – Women in IP Redefining the Narrative" all centred around being your authentic self at work, we encouraged open and honest conversation. Prompt cards were placed around the room to help spark discussion, with topics including career twists, assumptions encountered in the workplace, work–life balance myths, and what participants might redesign if shaping the profession today. These gentle prompts quickly led to thoughtful exchanges and personal reflections.
Conversation naturally moved on to practical insights, including the value of small, everyday networking habits. One discussion highlighted how simply liking and commenting on others’ LinkedIn posts can be an effective and authentic way to build professional relationships and credibility over time. Another focused-on self-perception, with attendees reflecting on how we often judge ourselves harshly for perceived gaps, such as not being clear or concise enough, when others may be viewing those same traits, for example confidence in speaking openly, as strengths they aspire to.
The atmosphere was further enhanced by excellent cocktails and mocktails from Spin and Shake, adding a touch of theatre to the evening, alongside food provided by Nibbles, a women owned, gluten free and vegan friendly café. With relaxed sharing boards and a space deliberately set up for mingling, the setting made it easy for conversations to flow and for connections to form organically.
The event welcomed a fantastic mix of internal and external guests, all of whom engaged in the discussions and generously shared feedback on what resonated most. It was a fitting reflection of the collaborative, supportive spirit of the AIPLA Women in IP community.
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