BIO Announces Venues for Future International Conventions
BIO Returns to Chicago in 2010 and Washington, DC in 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 3, 2006) -- Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), announced today the future locations of the BIO International Convention will be Chicago, IL in 2010 and Washington, DC in 2011.
“We are excited to return to these cities to build upon the success of BIO 2003 in Washington, DC and BIO 2006 in Chicago,” stated Greenwood. “The cities of Washington, DC and Chicago were very accommodating, as were the state governments in both regions. We look forward to collaborating with them again to showcase the strengths of the biotechnology industry.”
The 14th International Convention held in Chicago in April 2006 drew a record-breaking 19,479 attendees, including 12 Governors, from 62 countries. The exhibition at BIO 2006 was the largest gathering of biotechnology exhibitors in history, encompassing more than 1,700 companies, organizations, and institutions representing every aspect of the biotechnology industry. Within 176,000 net square feet of exhibit space, the exhibition housed the world’s largest cornfield, an Indy Racing League racecar and driver, and exhibitors from 43 states and 36 nations. Speakers included former President Bill Clinton, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency R. James Woolsey; NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actor Bernie Mac, journalist Neil Cavuto and top biotechnology industry leaders.
“Scientists are using biotechnology to try and find solutions to everything from cancer and Alzheimer’s to safer food for our children. This research is cleaning our air and fighting crime. We are also putting science to work in Illinois by taking discoveries and turning them into new companies, marketable products and high-paying, high-tech Illinois jobs. Our state has been recognized as a national leader in this emerging science, and BIO 2006 is going to help us achieve things we haven’t even thought of yet,” Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich stated. “Bringing BIO 2010 back to Chicago is going to make an even greater impact as biotech continues expanding in companies, laboratories and universities across Illinois.”
“Having Chicago selected again to host BIO 2010 demonstrates a great vote of confidence for our region as a major player in the biotech industry,” said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. “We look forward to welcoming BIO back to Chicago and Illinois to showcase the depth and breadth of biotechnology in the Midwest to the international leaders of the industry.”
BIO 2003 was held in Washington, DC and attracted an unprecedented number of foreign and U.S. government leaders, including President George W. Bush, Majority Leader Bill Frist and the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security.
"Washington, DC is honored to host BIO 2011 which will draw biotechnology executives from around the world," said Mayor Anthony A. Williams. "We look forward to showcasing our city and our region as the biotech industry expands in the area."
As previously announced, BIO 2007 will be held in Boston, MA, BIO 2008 in San Diego, CA, and BIO 2009 in Atlanta, GA.
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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