BIO Announces Business Forum Program for the 2008 BIO International Convention

                 “The 2008 BIO Business Forum offers an unparalleled opportunity for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, and investors from around the world to gather in one place, meet one-on-one, and discuss business opportunities,” said Alan Eisenberg, executive vice president, Emerging Companies and Business Development, BIO.  “This year’s program will offer sessions for everyone - from the founder of a start-up company to the seasoned life science innovator.”

                   More than 300 companies have been invited to make partnering-oriented presentations at the Business Forum - the world’s largest life sciences partnering event. Participants in the Business Forum will also have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one partnering meetings.  In 2007, more than 12,000 partnering meetings took place between over 1,500 Business Forum participants over the course of the convention.  To view a full list of the companies invited to participate in the Business Forum, please visit http://www.bio2008.org/businessforum. 

                   In addition, the 2008 BIO International Convention will feature educational programming highlighting biotech entrepreneurism, business development, and capital formation.  Session topics include:

·        Public vs. Private Valuation: Making Transaction Decisions

·        Taking it into Their Own Hands: Working with Patient Advocacy Groups to Fund Early Research

·        Payor Oncology Pharmaceutical Management: Is it Going to be Revolution or Evolution?

·        New Partnership Models for Early Stage Investments

                BIO will also offer two executive training programs and an Entrepreneurial Bootcamp.    The “Business Development Basics” will take place Saturday, June 14 – Monday, June 16 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and the “Executive Presentation Workshop” will take place Monday, June 16 at the San Diego Convention Center from 8:00 am – 4:45 pm.  For more information on these sessions, including registration, please visit http://bio2008.org/subpage.aspx?pagename=cv08_bf_bdexecutiveprograms. 

                 The Biotechnology Entrepreneurial Bootcamp will take place at the San Diego Convention Center Monday, June 16, 8:00 am-6:45 pm – Tuesday June 17, 8:15 am - 5:45 pm.  Space for this event is limited.  To register, please visit http://bio2008.org/subpage.aspx?pagename=cv08_attendee_sessions_bootcamp. 

                 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 discount of up to 40 percent off the regular 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.