BIO 2005 Sets New Records, Introduces World to Tri-State Region’s Strengths
Philadelphia (June 22, 2005) — The BIO 2005 Annual International Convention today ends its four-day run at the Philadelphia Convention Center with new records for attendance and international representation. Total registration as of 4 p.m. today was 18,730, with representatives from 56 countries and all 50 U.S. states. More than 500 journalists from 36 countries covered BIO 2005.
“This has been BIO’s best convention ever, and we could not have pulled it off without a tremendous outpouring of support from government and industry leaders in the tri-state region of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware,” said BIO President James Greenwood.
“As we close the world’s largest biotechnology gathering, I want to thank our more than 300 volunteers in the tri-state biotechnology community. I also want to thank the city of Philadelphia, including Mayor Street and the hundreds of city employees who helped us host the world.
“We are especially grateful to the Philadelphia police officers who kept our attendees and the surrounding area safe throughout the convention. We join the city today in mourning the loss of one its finest, Officer Paris Williams, who died of an apparent heart attack while trying to keep protestors from entering the convention center.”
BIO 2005’s Impact
BIO 2005’s economic impact on the city of Philadelphia — its hotels, restaurants, taxi operators, etc. — is estimated at more than $35 million.
“But that’s only the beginning of the impact of this convention,” said Greenwood. “We scheduled 7,500 meetings between companies seeking partners for collaboration and development, and many thousands more discussions took place informally. We expect the momentum of BIO 2005 to translate into new business and new breakthroughs for biotech.
“The convention will yield a lasting legacy for the tri-state region’s biopharmaceutical industry,” said Greenwood. “It has put the local life-sciences community on the map globally and should boost venture-capital interest in the region’s startup companies over the long term. As a Philadelphia native and resident, I am especially proud of that accomplishment.”
Other Facts about the Convention
· The exhibit hall featured a record 1,525 displays, with more than 60 state and international pavilions.
· More than 200 companies delivered business presentations.
· More than 900 speakers shared their expertise in 180 program sessions.
· BIO 2005 was hosted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of Delaware, and the State of New Jersey.
BIO 2006 and Beyond
Chicago is the site for BIO 2006, to be followed by Boston (2007), San Diego (2008), and Atlanta (2009).
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.