How to turn your meetings at AIPPI 2025 in Yokohama into real clients

Will you be attending the AIPPI World Congress 2025 in Yokohama?

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If you’re an IP professional, this is your chance to turn casual conversations into long-term business relationships.

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This global IP event, scheduled to take place from September 13 to 16, 2025, will bring together over 2,000 IP professionals from around the world.  

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You’re probably already planning plenty of meetings, hoping to turn them into valuable clients. But here’s the catch: conversations alone don’t guarantee real clients or receiving work.

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So how do you turn those conversations into meaningful, lasting business partnerships?

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Let’s talk strategy and how WeCrest can help you make the most of your time at AIPPI 2025.

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Step 1: Connect with the right clients at AIPPI 2025

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Going to a global event like AIPPI Yokohama without a plan is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. There are hundreds of firms attending, but not all of them are relevant to your jurisdiction or practice area. 

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That’s where WeCrest comes in.

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Before you even book your flight, you can use WeCrest to:

Don’t wait until the last minute!

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If you’re thinking of reaching out to firms just a week before AIPPI 2025, it might be too late. High-profile attendees fill up their schedules quickly.

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Start scheduling your meetings 2 or 3 months in advance. The earlier you start, the better your chances of securing meetings with the most important clients for your business.

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Best places to connect at AIPPI 2025 World Congress

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Start with the exhibition hall at the tables where the networking breaks happen. They're great for casual chats and making introductions. 

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But don’t stop there. After your initial meeting, ask if they are going to any social events and whether they are open to all. If there are any events you know that are open to all, invite them too! Check the 2025 AIPPI Congress Programme to select the suitable events.

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Key Social Events in 2025 AIPPI World Congress* 

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• First Time Attendees' Cocktail - 12 September 2025 (Only if you are a first time attendee)

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• Opening Ceremony - September 13, 2025

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• Welcome Reception - September 13, 2025

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• Cultural Evening – Kabuki Performance - September 14, 2025

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• Networking Coffee Breaks - September 14-15, 2025

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• Lunches 1 & 2 – September 14-15, 2025

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• Networking Lunch - September 14-16, 2025

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• Young AIPPI Forum - September 15, 2025 (For young members)

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• Women in AIPPI - September 15, 2025

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• Closing Dinner - September 16, 2025

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• After-Party - September 16, 2025

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*May be subject to change.

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These relaxed settings often lead to deeper conversations. You’ll be surprised how much easier it is to build trust over a shared laugh or cultural experience.  

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This way, instead of “hoping” to meet the right people at AIPPI 2025, you’ll go in with a clear plan and meetings already lined up with firms who actually need your services.

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Step 2: Make the most of your meetings in AIPPI 2025

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Once you’ve scheduled your meetings, it’s time to prepare. When you’re meeting firms that you already know have cases in your jurisdiction, the conversations get a lot easier (and more relevant).

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Here’s what you can do:

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• Learn about their recent cases in your country before you meet, so you understand the issues they’ve been facing. WeCrest gives you that visibility. Curious how? See how it works here.

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• Show them the value of working with a reliable local partner (that’s you!)

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Keep it natural, no hard sales, just a conversation around how you can help each other

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Most of all, focus on building trust. Relationships come before referrals. Don’t forget to snap a quick photo together to remember the moment!

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And don’t worry if you don’t close a deal on the spot. The goal is to leave a great impression and open the door for collaboration.

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Step 3: Keep the momentum going after the event

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Once AIPPI 2025 wraps up, your work isn’t done just yet.

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This is actually where many attendees drop the ball. They collect business cards, promise to follow up, and then never do. But with WeCrest, you can manage all your conference leads, keep track of your follow-ups, and send the right message at the right time.

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Here’s how to follow up effectively:

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• Send a personalized thank-you email a day or two after the event. If you took a selfie together, include it. It’s a great way to make your message more memorable!

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• Mention something specific from your conversation to jog their memory

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• If they had relevant cases, remind them how you can help with future ones

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• Use WeCrest to monitor new refusals and reach out when you see activity in your country.

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It’s a smooth, professional way to stay in touch and gradually turn your AIPPI leads into real clients.

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Want to try WeCrest before the event?

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Start your 14-day free trial and get ready to connect with high-value clients at AIPPI 2025 and read what other IP law firms say about growing their international client network with WeCrest.

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Make AIPPI 2025 count

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The 2025 AIPPI World Congress in Yokohama, Japan, isn’t just another event. It’s a great chance to grow your network and position your firm as a go-to partner for foreign IP professionals. 

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So don’t just attend. Go with a plan. Use WeCrest to find the right clients and people, start valuable conversations, and build partnerships that last beyond the Congress.

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Good luck and happy networking!