Roundtable Discussion at PIUG 2009

Dear PIUG Leadership,

I have drafted the intro for the panel discussion on Wed morning and would like to solicit any questions that you might like to pose to one or more members of the panel?  I may use one of your questions to open up the discussion, after they each give their 10 min talks.  Please see below for more detail about their talks. 
Thanks in advance for any tips...

Lucy Akers

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Roundtable Discussion: Challenges and Opportunities Facing Patent Information Analysts and Providers in this Economic Downturn

The first speaker (Ford Khorsandian) may generally discuss some of the challenges facing patent info analysts and ways for them to perform well, e.g. engage management, keep abreast of new technologies, and more. 

The second speaker (Orlando Fuentes - Questel) will highlight some of the challenges facing patent information providers, e.g. industry consolidation, need to refocus business on IP, expand services, working with a limited budget and head-count.

Then the last speaker (Adrienne Shanler) will talk as a newly established - independent patent info professional.  She will give you some tips about how to set up as an independent searcher (should you decide this as an option for dealing with the economic downturn), e.g. by talking about key tools/resources recommendations, and ideas for professional development.