BIO 2006 to Draw Diverse Group of International Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 22, 2006) – Representatives from more than 60 countries will converge April 9-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center for the BIO 2006 Annual International Convention.

The number of countries represented at the convention has grown throughout BIO’s history, from 22 countries in 2000 to more than 60 this year, demonstrating the increased global interest in cutting-edge science, business, networking, and educational opportunities offered at the event.

International participants will represent about one-third of the convention’s overall attendance, which is projected to reach 18,000 this year. The two largest delegations attending BIO 2006 will be Canada and the United Kingdom. Delegations that have increased the most during the last year include China, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Twenty-eight countries from around the world will have pavilions in the BIO 2006 exhibit hall.

Information on the BIO 2006 international program may be viewed at http://www.bio.org/events/2006/intlatt/.

The BIO 2006 program includes more than 30 sessions related to global issues. For more information, visit BIO’s website at http://www.bio.org/events/2006/agenda/.

To register, please visit http://www.bio.org/events/2006/reg/.

Advance media registration for BIO 2006 is now available online. Registration is complimentary for credential members of the news media. Only reporters and editors working full-time for print or broadcast news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials. All freelancers and online publications must register in advance by Friday, March 31, 2006

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.

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