A short report about the "Welcome Reception" during the annual INTA meeting in San Francisco from May 6 to 9, 2001.

During the Annual INTA meeting this year in San Francisco, the CTM-AI presented itself for the first time to the public. For this purpose, a Welcome Reception was organized in a Hospitality Suite in the Marriot.

The reception was opened on several days in the morning as well as in the afternoon. On two notebooks the homepage was presented and explained and the visitors could surf through the different sites of the homepage.Some members of the CTM-AI were always available for answering questions.

Although such a Welcome reception was held for the first time, it was amazing how many colleagues from all over the world took advantage. Many participants were attracted and their feedbacks were unanimously positive.

The casual atmosphere, a cool glass of wine or beer and canapés invited the visitors to ask many special questions concerning the Community Trade Mark or merely to meet and talk with colleagues in a private atmosphere.

The great success of this event encouraged all members of the CTM-AI to repeat this experience and to organize a Welcome Reception also at the next INTA meeting.

We would like to thank all active members of the CTM-AI who organized and attended the Reception and who were responsible for the big success of this event.

And, of course, we would like to thank the many visistors for coming and showing such a lively interest. So, we hope to see you at the next Annual INTA meeting in Washington from May 18-22 2002!