WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 20, 2008) – After a successful run in San Diego, Calif., the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today announced future locations of the BIO International Convention. The Convention next heads to Atlanta for 2009, expecting to attract industry leaders from around the world and shine a global spotlight on the region’s burgeoning biotech sector. BIO International Convention organizers project that the event will continue to grow year-over-year, reflecting the dynamism of the international biotechnology sector while boosting development of the industry in the geographic regions hosting the event.
“We are excited to bring the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry to Atlanta in 2009. The convention will help showcase the regional biotechnology community and drive further biotech investment throughout the Southeastern United States,” said Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO, producer of the International Convention. “Our Convention has grown from an intimate industry gathering to a major global event, with more than one-third international attendance, including the most prominent industry leaders and public officials from around the world. The Convention draws a global focus to the host region’s biotech community, helping attract continued biotech investment.”
The BIO International Convention typically brings over $30 million in economic impact to the city in which the event is held. This includes direct spending, tax revenue and hotel room nights during convention.
Future cities and dates include:
Atlanta, Ga. – May 18-21, 2009
Chicago, Ill. – May 3-6, 2010
Washington, DC – June 26-30, 2011
Boston Mass. – June 18-21, 2012
Chicago, Ill. – April 22-25, 2013
San Diego, Cal. - June 23-26, 2014
Philadelphia, Pa. – June 15-18, 2015
Chicago, Ill. - May 2-5, 2016
For the next seven years, BIO has chosen a Monday – Thursday day pattern for each year for the event. The Monday – Thursday is a good pattern for the event because it allows for four days of BIO Business Forum Partnering, ample networking and education for the diverse topics and affiliated events that are hosted in conjunction with BIO.
The convention attracts approximately 20,000 industry leaders and 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 included more than 175 breakout sessions, keynotes from global leaders, business partnering meetings, and several networking events.
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.
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 BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
Upcoming BIO Events
· Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
Sept. 10-12, 2008
Vancouver, BC, Canada
October 29-31, 2008
San Francisco, Calif.
November 17-19, 2008
Mannheim/Heidelberg, Germany
###
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,100 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 BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.