On Wednesday spouses and guests of registrants are invited to attend this special presentation by retired White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier was hired by First Lady Rosalynn Carter as the White House’s sole pastry chef. After 25 years at the White House he retired, never having made the same dessert twice for a state occasion. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe and learn from a master chef. Afterward Tea will be served, along with a sandwieches and pastry treats.

On Wednesday evening after the first CLE program of the conference there will be a short reception. This is a relaxing and fun opportunity for the younger and newer members, as well as the first time conference participants, who may be looking to increase their participation in section activities, to meet and greet the leadership of the Section. All registrants and their guests are invited and encouraged to attend. A special "Bloggers' Corner" will be set up at the reception where attendees can meet with and discuss IP blogs with a number of IP "bloggers."
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The Section Council will follow the Get Acquainted Reception with a Council Dinner at Locke-Ober Restaurant. The recently remodeled restaurant has been a cherished Boston tradition since its opening in 1875. Locke-Ober has hosted the nation’s elite for over a century. Notable figures such a Henry Cabot Lodge and John F. Kennedy and Hollywood greats like Princess Grace and Ginger Rogers have all dined there. There will be a ticket fee for the Council Dinner and attendance at the dinner will be by invitation only. Invitations will be sent separately to.

Each evening, starting at 9:00 p.m., all attendees spouses and guests are invited to stop by our after-dinner hospitality room, where light dessert snacks, and cordials will be available. We invite everyone to gather at their leisure and mingle with other section members in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

All attendees will convene to open the 2006 Summer IPL Conference at the special opening Plenary Session on Thursday morning from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Our Keynote Speaker for this special kick-off session will be U.S. District Judge William G. Young, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Judge Young has written thought-provoking opinions in patent cases and will enlighten the gathered conference attendees on perspectives on intellectual property litigation, effective advocacy in IP cases and the impact of some of the Federal Circuit’s recent decisions on practice in the District Court.

ABA President Michael S. Greco will address the entire group at the opening Plenary Session on Thursday morning, June 22, to give an overview of the American Bar Association and its activities and goals.

Section leaders will also present a discussion of the Section and some of its current activities, and there will be award presentations.

On Thursday, June 22, the Section will host the annual Welcome Reception at the Marriot Copley Place Hotel. Guests will enjoy music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. All are invited to attend and meet and greet other Section members at this enjoyable evening before departing for dinner on your own at one of Boston’s many fine restaurants.

On Friday, June 23, between the two sessions of CLE, there will be a ticketed Conference Luncheon, featuring special guest speaker John Doll, Commissioner for Patents and Deputy Commissioner for Patent Resources and Planning with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, whowill address USPTO policy plans and initiatives.

On Friday evening, June 23, immediately following the CLE programming of the day, the Committee on Women and Minorities in IP Law invite all attendees and guests to a cocktail reception. Attendees will be able to meet members of the committee and other conference attendees and enjoy a quick social event at The Marriot Copley Place Hotel.

On Thursday, June 22, between our morning CLE programs and the Section Business Session in the afternoon, we will have a ticketed Conference Luncheon, featuring special guest speaker Alberto Gonzales, U.S. Attorney General, will speak about the efforts of the Department of Justice to strengthen protection of intellectual property.

On Friday, June 23, between the two sessions of CLE there will be a ticketed Conference Luncheon, featuring special guest speaker John Doll, Commissioner for Patents and Deputy Commissioner for Patent Resources and Planning with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, who will address policy plans and initiatives.