2008 BIO International Convention Focuses on Global Reach of Biotechnology
The BIO International Convention, hosted by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), will take place June 17-20, 2008 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif.
“The 2008 BIO International Convention truly is the global event for biotechnology with industry leaders coming from around the world to share their unique perspectives and experiences and connect with others,” said Robbi Lycett, BIO vice president, conventions and conferences.
Since 2006, the international attendance has grown by more than 24% and now makes up more than 30% of the audience. The 2007 BIO International Convention in Boston saw double-digit percentage growth from Spain, Malaysia, Canada, German, India, and the United Kingdom. In 2008, more growth is expected from Asia and Latin America.
The convention has seen a significant increase in attendance of international public officials from 45 in 2005 up to 72 during the Boston event. Notable leaders in attendance have included the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Deputy Director General of the China State Food and Drug Administration, India’s Director of the Department for Biotechnology, and South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture.
Sean Darragh, BIO executive vice president, international affairs, added that “The spike in attendance of public officials from around the globe to the BIO International Convention in recent years reflects a growing recognition that the BIO International Convention offers thought leaders a unique venue to interact, collaborate and exchange ideas.”
Global health breakout sessions will highlight numerous issues, including research and development, partnership opportunities, and the new business models required to meet global health challenges. Sessions include:
· International Networking of R&D for Neglected Diseases
· How Can Industry Collaborate with Public Health Organizations in Emerging Markets?
· Innovative Business Models to Balance Developed World Revenues with Developing World Access
· New Partnership Models in Advancing HIV Vaccine Development
International case studies on biofuels, biomanufacturing, research funding, and international collaborations will focus on examples from Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, North America, Singapore, and Sweden. A sample of sessions includes:
· Biotechnology and Life Sciences in the EU: Current Developments in Regulations, IPR and Research Funding
· Biotechnology and Sustainable Energy Production: EU-U.S. Cooperation in Research
· International collaboration through EU research programs, with case studies from North America and the Pacific Region
A special super session, “The Dynamics of a Globalized World and the Future of the Biotechnology Industry,” moderated by Dr. Moira Gunn, host of National Public Radio’s Biotech Nation, along with panelists James C. Mullen, CEO, Biogen Idec, Inc.; Kapil Sibal, Minister of Science and Technology, India; and José Lino Salvador Barañao, Minister of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation, Argentina will offer an industry perspective on evolving business models, country-by-country policy making and global economic dynamics.
In addition, an International Biotechnology Marketplace and Reception will be held on Wednesday, June 18, as part of BIO International Day. The event will highlight the global issue of how to fuel the world efficiently and effectively. This table-top display networking event will spotlight the next generation of innovative biotechnology with a focus on biofuels. The International Biotechnology Marketplace will facilitate connections for governments, companies, and organizations from around the world to explore and discuss potential solutions to energy and environmental challenges.
Attendees will have the chance to engage the participating organizations and examine a wide range of issues surrounding technology development and production, regional legislation and supporting infrastructure and environmental impact. The Marketplace will stimulate discussions of the various technical, social, economic and policy scenarios for the next generation of biofuels. For more information on the International Biotechnology Marketplace, please visit www.bio2008.org/international.
The BIO International convention will highlight how biotechnology, the life sciences, investments, policy, and the international community work together to heal, fuel, and feed the world. This year, the day pattern will change to Tuesday through Friday (previously, the convention was held Sunday through Wednesday). The convention features more than 200,000 square feet of exhibitions showcasing the latest advancements in biotechnology alongside an array of potential partners, service providers, and state and international delegations. The 2008 convention also will include more than 175 breakout sessions, keynotes from global leaders, business partnering meetings, and several networking events.
BIO anticipates more than 20,000 industry leaders, government officials, and others will attend the 2008 International Convention. The convention was last held in San Diego in 2001 and attracted 14,731 professionals. In 2007, the convention attracted 22,366 attendees and exhibitors with approximately one-third from countries outside the U.S. The 2007 event also hosted more than 300 domestic and international public officials including seven U.S. governors.
Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. To register, please visit www.bio2008.org/mediaregistration. Reporters and editors working full-time for print, broadcast, and online news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials. All freelancers, college and online publications are strongly encouraged to register in advance by Wednesday, June 4, 2008.
Registration for attendees is offered at an early-bird discounted rate until May 8, 2008. Online registration is available at www.bio2008.org/registration.
The BIO International Convention helps to support the association’s programs and initiatives. BIO works throughout the year to create a policy environment that enables the industry to continue to fulfill its vision of bettering the world through biotechnology innovation. For more information on the global event for biotechnology, including program, registration, and housing information, please visit www.bio2008.org.
Upcoming BIO Events
· BIO-Europe Spring
April 7-9, 2008
Madrid, Spain
· BIO National Venture Conference
April 22-23, 2008
Boston, Mass.
· World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
April 27-30, 2008
Chicago, Ill.
· 2008 BIO International Convention
June 17-20, 2008
San Diego, Calif.
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the annual BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
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