On May 2, thousands of intellectual property professionals will gather in London for the start of the INTA Annual Meeting 2026.
While many INTA attendees will be used to hopping between meetings on foot or in a taxi on expansive American roads, London will offer a different, although still enjoyable, prospect.
The conference hub for this year’s meeting is the Excel Centre in London’s Docklands area, to the east of the city centre.
With many firms now likely finalising their itineraries, we asked five seasoned Londoners who have spent many years either living or working in the city to share their top tips for navigating the capital.
Far and wide
Paula Flutter, partner at EIP, says that while INTA usually sees delegates donning trainers and clocking up steps between meetings, London will require a different strategy.
“The location of the conference centre means hiking from most of the city’s hotels won’t be practical, and traffic can make sitting in the back of a London taxi an exercise in patience,” she says.
Flutter notes that although there are some hotels close to the conference centre, many meetings and other events will be in more central areas.
Daniel Chew, partner at Haseltine Lake Kempner (HLK), agrees, adding: “Unlike US host cities, where much of the action tends to happen around one convention centre and a tight cluster of hotels, London is a true metropolitan city with so much to explore and people to meet. Meetings, events and activities will be spread across the capital.”
Chew recommends being sensible, organised, strategic and time-efficient to move swiftly between conference venue, hotel lobbies, client dinners and rooftop receptions.
“If you have a morning session at the convention centre, do not schedule a breakfast meeting in Mayfair,” he says. “On a map, it might not look far, but in reality, you will lose time and energy crossing the city. Getting taxis will be harder than usual.”
Joanne Gibbs, partner at Wiggin, recommends exploring everything that London has to offer, including choosing unconventional meeting spots.
“There is no need for meetings in personality-free hotel rooms or bland coffee shops,” she says. “Most museums have free entrance and good cafes, there are lots of green spaces to explore, and local coffee shops, restaurants, pubs and bars to suit every taste.”
Tunnel vision
Rob Jacob, partner at Stephenson Harwood, says mastering ‘the tube’ – the nickname for the London Underground – is a must.
“Avoid taxis and Ubers, or you will end up spending your INTA in a traffic jam and pay an absolute fortune for the privilege,” he tells Managing IP.
“The new Elizabeth line connects the city to the conference centre in 15 minutes, and don't worry about paper tickets – cash is out, convenience is in. You can use your contactless credit or debit card (or Apple/Google Pay) to tap in and out.”
Sarah Wright, partner at CMS in London, says her top tip is to wear sensible shoes as “getting around London by taxi is slow and expensive”.
“The best way to travel is likely to be the tube and the Elizabeth line. It is excellent, clean, air-conditioned and has Wi-Fi,” she adds.
Flutter at EIP agrees that the Elizabeth line will be the “string that holds it all together”.
But beware of tube etiquette.
Jacob at Stephenson Harwood adds: “My tube tip: stand on the right of the escalators – the left is for Olympic sprinters and late commuters – and, on the train, don't be offended if everyone avoids eye contact; it’s not unfriendly, just a cherished local tradition.”
Gibbs at Wiggin relays an important message for non-Londoners: “Don’t forget that the tube map isn’t geographically accurate – before jumping on for a stop or two, check whether it might actually be quicker (and nicer) to walk!”
Weather watch
It’s a famous adage that the British love to talk about the weather.
Fortunately for us, May can be very changeable, providing plenty of conversation starters.
Jacob says: “Carry an umbrella, sunglasses, and a healthy sense of optimism. London weather is famously unpredictable, so you may need all three in a single afternoon. Hope for sun, plan for rain!”
However, Wright offers a more optimistic view and says the weather in May should allow for some fresh air, if you choose to travel by foot rather than underground.
“Walking is another great way to get around the city – and often quicker than you would think.”
Echoing Gibbs, she adds: “I’d recommend downloading Citymapper, which can recommend hidden walking savings by comparing travel times on foot versus by tube. This also means you get the benefit of seeing some sights and topping up on your vitamin D, so a win-win situation.”
She adds that navigating the city by bike can also be a fun and efficient way to get around.
“The most popular e-bike operator is Lime (also accessible via the Uber app), followed by HumanForest and Santander Cycles (now with e-bikes at docking stations).”
Eels anyone?
A staple part of any INTA Annual Meeting will, of course, be dinners with clients and contacts.
Jacob at Stephenson Harwood says you should not leave London without sampling fish and chips, a Sunday roast, a proper cup of tea and a pint in a crowded English pub.
“If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for pie, mash and liquor with a side of jellied eels. You’ve been warned.”
However, while that is traditional cockney cuisine, London can offer almost anything.
“London prides itself on being a truly global city, with languages, cuisines, and cultures from every corner of the world,” Jacob adds. “Be open to new experiences and enjoy being part of the vibrant mix.”
Flutter at EIP recommends booking dinner early.
“Soho, Shoreditch, the City, and the West End fill up fast, especially for bigger groups or private rooms. A little planning now means no last-minute table scramble.”
For Chew at HLK, London will play host to a significant number of receptions hosted by firms across the City, West End and beyond, with events often in different parts of town on the same evening.
“Be selective and realistic,” he says. “It may be tempting to try to attend three receptions in one night, but travel time will limit how long you can meaningfully stay at each. Most importantly, have fun!”
Lastly, when in the UK, be prepared to queue.
Jacob at Stephenson Harwood finishes: “Whether at a café, museum, or INTA event, join the queue and wait your turn. Jumping the line is the quickest way to earn a chorus of polite but pointed sighs.”
So, get ready to sample dishes from around the world, perfect your navigation skills, potentially get wet, and, of course, master the tube network.
Next stop: London.
