The BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech, offers key networking and partnering opportunities, and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry.

The event features keynotes and sessions from key policymakers, scientists, CEOs, and celebrities. Past speakers include President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Sir Elton John, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, and General Colin Powell, among many others. The Convention also features the BIO Business Forum (One-on-One Partnering), hundreds of sessions covering biotech trends, policy issues and technological innovations, and the world's largest biotechnology exhibition - the BIO Exhibition.

In 2007, 2008, and 2009 Tradeshow Week (TSW) named the BIO International Convention as one of the Fastest 50, a list of the fastest-growing trade shows. TSW editorial and research staff selected the Fastest 50 based on 50 percent total net square footage growth and 50 percent net growth between 2004 and 2008. In 2008, the BIO International Convention won the award for the fastest-growing Convention owned by a not-for-profit trade association.

BIO

BIO performs many services for members, but none of them is more visible than the BIO International Convention, the largest biotechnology event in the world. The BIO International Convention helps BIO fulfill its mission to help grow the global biotech industry.

Profits from the BIO International Convention are returned to the biotechnology industry by supporting BIO 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.

History and Background

The event dates back to 1987, when the Association of Biotechnology Companies hosted an international conference in Washington, D.C., that exceeded expectations by attracting 155 attendees - the goal had been 100. Some of the session topics would become perennial themes: raising capital in the venture and public markets; FDA, USDA, and EPA regulation; and patenting trends.

Since then, growth has been steady - attendance hit 1,400 in 1993, the year BIO was formed, and more than 22,000 in 2007, with representatives from 68 countries. Media coverage has increased as well, from a smattering of trade-press reporters in the early years to more than 500 reporters in recent years. Growth of the meeting, and BIO overall, has paralleled that of the young, dynamic industry BIO represents.

2009 Event Recap

Biotech Moves Forward in Atlanta: High Energy and Super-Charged Connections at the 2009 BIO International Convention
The overall mood at the convention in May can best be described as refreshingly energetic. And, people were getting down to business! Attendees and exhibitors alike spoke highly of the quality interactions and valuable business contacts. See for yourself and order sessions here.

The BIO Business Forum conducted a record-setting 14,202 30-minute partnering meetings (with 190 companies presenting), in addition to the 15-minute company presentations. Packed sessions (170 total in 22 tracks), lively receptions, inspirational keynoters and an energetic exhibition across 176,000 net square feet, helped create a spirited event.

For the 14,352 in attendance, you know how difficult it is to take everything in during the convention. We’ve recapped some highlights for you—and for those who couldn’t make it to Atlanta. Not to worry for you non-attendees—we’ve already started planning the 2010 event in Chicago! We’re building on the new opportunities and fresh solutions that started to emerge this week!

Wednesday’s health care policy keynote featured Sen. Thomas Daschle (D-S.D.); William Frist M.D., former Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; Gov. Howard Dean (D-Vt.); Mr. Karl Rove, former Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to former President George W. Bush; and, Susan Dentzer, Editor-in-Chief of Health Affairs. The panel discussed current bills being proposed in House and Senate, options for a public health insurance program, the need for capital and investment in biotech industry, and how to control costs within the health care system. Order super sessions here.

In his keynote speech, Sir Elton John demanded that the biotech industry confront the reality of the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic.To support his foundation efforts, BIO has pledged $150,000 to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Watch Sir Elton John being interviewed on CNN May 19.

See a powerpoint recap of our event here.