General Colin L. Powell to Deliver Keynote Address at BIO International Convention
“General Colin Powell has made a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of diplomacy and effective leadership during his career as a military leader and statesman,” said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. “We are honored to have him join us at the 2008 BIO International Convention to share his thoughts on how our industry can work toward a better tomorrow.”
Gen. Powell will deliver his keynote speech, titled “Leadership: Taking Charge” on Thursday, June 19. Powell will draw from his experience as both a leader on the world stage and as eyewitness to leadership in action to illustrate precisely what it takes to be a leader in industry.
Gen. Powell was appointed the 65th Secretary of State by President George W. Bush, a position he held from 2001-2005. A four-star general, Powell’s numerous awards include two Presidential Medals of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal over the course of his 35 year career in the United States Army. He served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989-1993, and also as a key aide to the Secretary of Defense and National Security Advisor to President Reagan.
Powell was at the forefront of the administration's efforts to advance economic and social development worldwide - in the fight against HIV/AIDS, in the promise of the Millennium Challenge Account, the most significant change in helping needy nations since the Marshall Plan, and in pursuing a freer trading and investment climate worldwide. He is also on the Board of Directors of Revolution Health Group, a company developing strategies for consumer-directed health care.
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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