The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will hold its annual Trademark Expo next May 8-9 at the agency’s headquarters in Alexandria , Virginia .  The 2008 Expo attracted 7,000 people and received wide media coverage.  Next year’s two-day event will focus again on educating the public about the value and important role trademarks play in our society and the global marketplace.  It will feature themed displays, company booths, costumed characters interactive exhibits and trademark-related seminars for attendees.  An intensified effort will be made this year to attract school children to the event.

All individuals, companies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions that own a valid registered U.S. trademark are invited to apply to exhibit.  The deadline for applications is January 9, 2009 . Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: Brand recognition, educational value of the proposed exhibit and category diversity.  Those selected to exhibit will be notified by February 1, 2009 .

http://www.uspto.gov/surveys/tmexpo2009.htm