Not quite a lifetime with PATLIB

The author provides a picture of the annual PATLIB conferences for European patent librarians. He explains how they have developed, for example embracing more countries, more delegates, an exhibition, workshops, and internal and external training sessions. This story is set within the context of what goes on "behind the scenes" in the preparation of these events, with highlights of some of the dramas--both good and bad--in both a factual and an amusing way.