2007 BIO International Conference to Highlight Industrial & Environmental Biotechnology as the Wave of the Future

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 2, 2007) -- From May 6-9 in Boston, Massachusetts, the 2007 BIO International Convention will showcase how industrial biotechnology, by introducing environmentally positive manufacturing methods, is revolutionizing the way we produce energy, chemicals and plastics, and is having a significant impact on the global economy.  More than 20,000 leaders from across the industry, many of whom will be focusing on the opportunities and benefits of biotechnology to industrial and environmental applications, will be in attendance.  Seen as the “Third Wave of Biotechnology,” the use of enzymes to replace chemicals and microorganisms to manufacture polymers or transportation fuels from renewable resources – including dedicated energy crops –  are just a few of the topics that will be in focus at this year’s BIO International Convention.

“Innovations in industrial biotechnology are now successfully competing with traditional manufacturing processes, and the possibilities are limitless,” stated Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the producer of the BIO International Convention. “Biotechnology is helping us unlock the benefits of crop feedstocks and previously unusable agricultural residues by converting them into biofuels, alternative energy sources, and biodegradable products.  These advances can help reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, clean the environment, increase economic development in rural areas, and potentially save over $20 billion by 2050 if a successful conversion to biofuels occurs.”

Each year, industrial and environmental issues have become a larger component of the BIO International Convention. This year’s convention features ten panels focusing on topics such as energy crops for biofuels, biodiesel, and industrial biotechnology investing. Some of the key panels include:

- “Energy Crops for Biofuels”

- “Fuel for the Future: Biodiesel Facts and Fiction”

- “Leading Pretreatment Technologies with Corn Stover and Poplar Wood”

- “From Fuel to Food: the Global Benefits of Biotechnology”

Seeing the economic potential of this “Third Wave of Biotechnology,” states such as Iowa, Wisconsin and Nebraska, all of which are leading the charge for industrial biotechnology in the United States, will have pavilions on the BIO International Convention’s the 200,000-square-foot trade show floor.  Each pavilion will feature exhibits from research organizations and companies who are pursuing innovations to bolster this promising component of an already successful industry.  The pavilion will open on Monday, May 7 at 9:30 a.m. and will be open each day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., except for Wednesday, May 9 when it will close at 3:00 p.m. 

This year’s BIO International Convention, themed “New Ideas. Bold Ventures. Global Benefits,” will feature a program packed with more than 200 sessions and speakers focusing on the global aspects of biotechnology, including industrial and environmental issues, business development, global health, clinical research/clinical trials, policy, bioethics, devices and diagnostics, biopreparedness, intellectual property/legal, food and agriculture.  International seminars will spotlight national-level developments from more than 30 countries and regions worldwide.  To view the full conference program, please visit http://www.bio2007.org/Attendees/educational_sessions/index.htmlhttp://w.... 

General registration for the BIO International Convention is now available at http://www.bio2007.org/Registration/index.htmlhttp://www.bio2007.org/Reg....  For more information about the global event for biotechnology, including housing and program updates, please visit the event homepage at http://www.bio2007.org/www.bio2007.org.

Advance media registration for the BIO International Convention is now available online.   Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media.  To register, please visit http://bio2007.org/Media/index.htmlhttp://www.bio2007.org/Media/index.html.  Reporters and editors working full-time for print or broadcast news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials.  All freelancers, college and online publications are strongly encouraged to register in advance by Friday, April 20, 2007.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

Upcoming BIO Events