2026 FAQs

Please email Maria DePinto at studentprogram@bio.org if you have any additional questions about the Student Program at the 2026 BIO International Convention.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be accepting students on a rolling basis until slots are filled.

No. Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.

Yes, students must be 21+ to attend.

If you have not yet applied, please submit your application. Once reviewed, you will receive an email with next steps, including registration instructions for those who are accepted.

Student Program registrations include access to Educational Sessions, Exhibition, Company Presentations and Start-Up Stadium. It does not include networking receptions or lunch

No session content can be captured by either photo or video.  Any photography, videography, screen capture, taping, recording, or reproduction in any medium, including but not limited to capture or recording via the use of tripod-based equipment or screen recording applications, of any of the presentations or official BIO International Convention program elements without the express written consent of BIO is strictly forbidden. How about posting on LinkedIn, taking selfies, or other personal photography / video? Limited non-flash photography, audio, or video recording using hand-held personal equipment are permitted for strictly personal, social, and noncommercial use, unless disruptive, as determined solely by BIO. 

BIO aims to have all our events be respectful, inclusive, professional, and safe environment for business, discussion, and ideas. Please review our Attendee Policies for specific information about conduct, registration cancelations, photo/videography, and more. 

BIO International Convention has a Call for Sessions application process, which ended in October. If you applied through this process, you will be notified in January if your session has been accepted. However, if you would like to participate in a Company Presentation session, a 13-minute slot to talk about your company's innovations and breakthroughs, you can apply now. Learn more about Company Presentations.

Promotion can be coordinated upon approval however, there is specific criteria for approval.

Approved affiliate events include receptions, dinners, panel discussions, and networking sessions organized by industry or organization partners.

Please contact Bianca Mack bmack@bio.org .

Yes! The BIO Partnering mobile app is available for iPhone and Android. Send and respond to new meeting requests on the go and get notifications for your meetings during the event. Please note: the BIO Partnering mobile app is separate from the BIO event app.

Yes, affiliate events must not conflict with official BIO programming and should adhere to venue and scheduling guidelines provided during the approval process.

We recommend submitting your application at least [4-6] weeks prior to the event date to allow for review and coordination.

Please check the exhibitor list here.

Partnering will open in mid April. You’ll receive an email with instructions for logging in when your account is activated. Make sure to add biopartnering@bio.org to your safe senders list so our login email reaches your inbox.

https://cdn.asp.events/CLIENT_BIO_7BB99CBA_BAD1_B8C8_CF9F25DA29A80CC6/sites/bio-partnering/media/BIO-Partnering_QuickStartGuide.pdf https://cdn.asp.events/CLIENT_BIO_7BB99CBA_BAD1_B8C8_CF9F25DA29A80CC6/sites/bio-partnering/media/BIO-Partnering-Tutorial.pdf

https://cdn.asp.events/CLIENT_BIO_7BB99CBA_BAD1_B8C8_CF9F25DA29A80CC6/sites/bio-partnering/media/First-time.pdf

Starting in early June, the BIO Partnering system will automatically match availability and schedule meetings at mutually convenient times, and provide you with a meeting location.

BIO Partnering™ has a Help & Support section within the system itself – you can find this toward the bottom of the main menu on the left-hand side of the screen. We will also have webinars focused on how to get the most out of the BIO Partnering platform.

Exhibiting and sponsoring the event provides the best opportunity for bioprocess, service providers, consultants and CROs/CMOs to showcase their company's brand, help them identify new partners, and strengthen their business connections. Learn more about how to get involved here.

https://cdn.asp.events/CLIENT_BIO_7BB99CBA_BAD1_B8C8_CF9F25DA29A80CC6/sites/bio-partnering/media/Service-Provider-Tips.pdf

There are several new, unique ways you can elevate your company’s visibility at BIO 2026. Showcase thought leadership via a regional presentation, maximize your deal-making experience and access your target audience through BIO Partnering™, deliver a Company Presentation, spotlight your company via digital advertising, boost brand visibility through convention and city-wide signage, and other promotional opportunities, and more. For more information on ways to showcase your company, request the sponsorship prospectus.

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted for review until June 1, 2026. 

BIO offers unique ways for start-ups to engage. Start-ups are encouraged to apply to participate in the Start-Up Stadium. This program is designed to provide start-up companies with the opportunity to engage with key members of the investment community, venture philanthropy groups, strategic partners, and non-dilutive capital at the world’s largest biotechnology event. There is no fee to apply and, if selected, Start-Up Stadium finalists receive a discount to register for Convention.

Company Presentations are 13-minute presentations given by senior-level executives. They showcase a company’s pipeline, R&D activities, business objectives, and investment goals.   For more information, or to apply to present, please go here.

The Exhibitor Resource center is a platform for our Exhibitors to have access to all the forms needed to plan for BIO International. Once you are a contracted exhibitor, you will receive an email with login instructions. If you have issues logging in, please contact Exhibit@bio.org

Exhibitor Booth Partnering is available for purchase to exhibitors that are independent or within a pavilion. These meetings are conveniently scheduled in meeting points within individual exhibit booths and pavilions in the Exhibition. Exhibitor Booth Partnering meetings can only be scheduled during exhibition hours. Exhibitor Booth Partnering Pricing: 2 partnering accounts per 100 square feet of exhibit space may be purchased. BIO Member: $750 per account Non-Member: $950 per account Pavilion: $800 per account

Our exhibition is curated through a priority point program allowing current exhibitors to have priority booth selection for the following BIO international. Priority points are comprised over a three-year rolling period and include points for exhibit space, sponsorship and membership. Any new exhibitor will have the opportunity to join the show floor on the Thursday afternoon ending the exhibition. New exhibitors may also be added to our waitlist for exhibit space by contacting Exhibit@bio.org in the event space is not available at the time of the request.

You can see a floor plan of the exhibition here. We encourage you to download the BIO events mobile app, which has a map of the exhibition and turn by turn directions. The BIO events mobile app will be available in May.

Exhibit space Comes with an exhibitor name badge, (5) exhibitor level badges per 10 x 10, the responsibility of the exhibitor to dress the space. This will include carpet as we are a carpet mandatory show.

BIO Partners with Freeman Decorating for booth furnishings, although the exhibiting company can choose to use an outside company and register them for your booth construction.

Gain inspiration and critical insights from global thought leaders addressing critical topics at the intersection of science, business and policy. The 2026 BIO International Convention will feature 125+ interactive sessions across 4 days covering a variety of Focus Areas: business development, AI & digital health, patient advocacy, public policy, next-generation biotherapeutics, and the latest updates on infectious diseases and vaccines. In order to attend the conference program, you must register for a Premier Access or General Access registration.

You can expect to find senior biotech executives and business development leaders from thousands of companies from around the globe participating in BIO Partnering™.

The BIO International Convention is intended for professionals working in biotechnology, life sciences, investors, and providers of services to the biotechnology industry.

The BIO International Convention is the largest and most comprehensive event for biotechnology, representing the full ecosystem of biotech with 20,000 industry leaders from around the world. Whether you work at a public pharmaceutical company, biotech startup, academia, non-profit organization, or government agency; or you work as a researcher, business development professional or investor, BIO is where you'll make valuable connections and build relationships.

We expect 20,000 participants at BIO 2026.

No. BIO 2026 will be held in person at the San Diego Convention Center June 22-25.

You must be 21 years of age or older to attend the BIO International Convention. As there are a few exceptions, if you are under the age of 21, you will need to fill out the required waiver when you visit the registration desk for your credentials.

Water fountains are available at the convention center. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle.

There is complimentary Wi-Fi provided by the San Diego Convention Center in lobby spaces, meeting rooms, and ballrooms.

We recommend business attire.

Yes. The cost is $2,000 for members; $2,475 for non‑members. At least one attendee from the presenting company must be registered at the Premier Access rate. For more information, or to apply to present, please go here.

There are two mobile apps for BIO 2026: the BIO Events app, which gives you information on sessions, speakers, exhibitors, locations, and general information; as well as a BIO Partnering app, which is used to manage your BIO Partnering meetings. Both apps will be available in May.

Yes, there are several sessions held concurrently. Please review the session list when it is available in March to choose which sessions are most valuable to you. You will also be able to watch select session recordings after the event.

Yes, at least one person from your company must be registered with a Premier Access registration package in order to apply to present. There is an additional fee for a presentation. Learn more.

Pre-event from Friday, June 19 –Sunday, June 21, BIO offers deep dive professional development courses in business development, advanced business development, and valuation of companies and products. Professional development courses have an additional fee over and above your BIO 2026 registration package. Individuals are not required to register for BIO 2026 to attend a professional development course.

You will receive an email from BIO 2-3 weeks after the event with instructions on how to access session recordings.

BIO prohibits attendees from recording session content. Select session recordings will be available after the event, and any slides shown during the session will be viewable.

Presentations will not be shared after the session; however, you will be able to watch session recordings after the event.

BIO offers a student program (upon application). Please check back with us in the spring for more information.

BIO offers discounted Early Bird and Advance rates. The Early Bird rate is the lowest rate and expires on March 26, after which time, the Advance rate applies. The Advance rate still offers a discount off the regular registration rates, and expires on May 23.

Yes, you may register onsite at the Registration Solution counter at the Convention Center (Ground Floor, Lobby D).

San Diego International Airport (SAN), which is located 3 miles from the San Diego Convention Center.

Please bring your email confirmation with the bar code and a government issued photo ID.

Reservations are made online through the BIO Housing Website. A valid credit card for the entire stay is required, but it won't be charged at booking.

All confirmations are HTML (Web) pages at the conclusion of your registration and are printable. Additionally, an email confirmation is sent immediately following the completion of online registration. If you have not received a confirmation, please check your spam or junk mail folder. 

San Diego Convention Center (111 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101), Marina District of downtown San Diego, CA. Learn more about the venue.

Yes. Use the BIO Housing platform to find discounted rates on select hotels.

Parking rates range due to event activity. For example, different pricing rates apply to Padres games, Shell concerts, Petco Park events, and other special events. Pricing for those events ranges from $30-$50 and will be posted at the entrance of the ACE Parking Garage.You can visit the San Diego Convention Center website for projected rates and more information. https://www.visitsandiego.com/parking

Housing opens on Monday, February 2, 2026, via the BIO Housing Website managed by Maritz.

You can use both Uber and Lyft to get to the convention center. The driver will be able to drop you off at the designated curbside pickup and drop-off areas in front or nearby the entrance to the convention center.

Submit your request on the Maritz platform; guest names can be added later. All rooms require occupant names by May 1, 2026, or they risk cancellation.

Requests for more than a 5% increase over 2025 usage need to be justified and reviewed. Increases over 5% require a reason on the block request site.

To avoid attrition penalties, at least 70% of your requested rooms must be used. For example, if you book 100 rooms, you must fill at least 70. Unused rooms below this threshold may incur fees invoiced up to 120 days after the event.

Yes. Cancellation must be made at least 72 hours before your arrival date to avoid a fee. Later cancellations or no-shows will be charged one night’s room and tax. If you need to change your stay, notify the hotel before arrival to avoid early departure fees.

Yes. Some hotels have a limit of 20 rooms per night per company (combined group and individual bookings). Requests exceeding 20 rooms will be assigned to non-restricted hotels.

Some hotels may charge a fee for early departure if changes aren't made before arrival. Check individual hotel policies.

FHTglobal is partnering with Maritz to offer international travel packages. Contact BIOgroup@Maritz.com for assistance.

You can enter the parking garage on Harbor Drive. There are no in-and-out privileges. Overnight and RV parking are not permitted. Parking rates range due to event activity and payment is due upon entry.

Please review the BIO Housing guidelines for a full list of restricted hotels.

For questions or support, contact BIOhousing@Maritz.com or call (864) 658-5392 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET).

You must submit your event details through the official application portal for review and approval. Learn more about Affiliate Event guidelines and apply.

BIO Partnering™ enables you to search through companies and send and respond to meeting requests up to ten weeks before BIO International Convention. Once you’ve registered and received your log in credentials, complete your company and personal profiles, open your BIO Partnering™ calendar, and begin sending requests. Starting in early June, the system will automatically match availability and schedule meetings at mutually convenient times.

For access to BIO Partnering™ you must register for the Premier Access registration pass. If you are an exhibitor, you can purchase Exhibitor Booth Partnering for access to BIO Partnering™. The BIO Partnering™ system will open mid-April and you can expect to receive your partnering login information and access to the system within 1-2 business days of your completed registration. Be sure to add biopartnering@bio.org to your safe senders list to receive your login credentials.

Each company profile is allowed 150 outstanding outgoing meeting requests. Once a meeting request is accepted, declined, or canceled, it no longer counts against that limit. There is no limit on the total number of requests a company can send, only a limit on how many can be outstanding at any one time.

BIO Partnering™ meetings are held in the Business Forum, which is a separate, dedicated meeting area within the Exhibition. The Business Forum is accessible only to registrants with a Premier Access registration. Exhibitor Booth Partnering is available for independent exhibitors or exhibitors within a pavilion to purchase.  These meetings are conveniently scheduled in meeting points within individual exhibit booths and pavilions in the Exhibition. Exhibitor Booth Partnering meetings can only be scheduled during exhibition hours. Both levels of partnering use the same BIO Partnering™ system, which allows all partnering participants to schedule face-to-face meetings with senior level management. All Exhibitor Booth Partnering meetings take place within the exhibit booths and pavilions in the Exhibition. This means that when an exhibitor has a meeting with a Business Forum delegate, the Business Forum delegate exits the Business Forum and meets with the exhibitor in the exhibitor’s booth. Exhibitor Partnering Contacts (EPCs) and Exhibitor Booth Staff (EBS) may not enter the Business Forum.

The BIO International Convention is 4 days of BIO Partnering™ for business development, the Exhibition, networking events, along with expert-level sessions focused on the most pressing industry topics including oncology, financing trends, cell and gene therapy and genome editing, biomanufacturing, and more. There will be a variety of panels and presentations across all four days.

For access to BIO Partnering™ you must register for the Premier Access registration pass. If you are an exhibitor, you can purchase Exhibitor Booth Partnering for access to BIO Partnering™. The BIO Partnering™ system will open mid-April and you can expect to receive your partnering login information and access to the system within 1-2 business days of your completed registration. Be sure to add biopartnering@bio.org to your safe senders list to receive your login credentials.

BIO hosts networking events on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. In order to attend the Monday and Wednesday networking events, you must have a Premier Access or General Access registration. The Tuesday Exhibition reception is open to all attendees.

If you have Premier Access or General Access registration, complimentary grab-and-go style boxed lunches will be provided in the Sails Pavilion starting at 11:30 (Tue–Thu), on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

If you have Premier Access or General Access registration, complimentary grab-and-go style boxed lunches will be provided in the Sails Pavilion starting at 11:30 (Tue–Thu), first‑come, first‑served. Concessions for limited purchased items will also be open throughout the Convention Center during open hours. Water fountains are available—bring a bottle to reduce single‑use plastic. Nearby options: Gaslamp District (across the rail tracks) has many restaurants open during BIO 2026.

Please contact us at customercare@bio.org for information.

Registration and General Questions: E-mail: CustomerCare@bio.org Tel: +1 (202) 962-6655  Customer Service Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Eastern Time Monday-Friday BIO Partnering™: BIOPartnering@bio.org  Sponsorship: Sponsor@bio.org  Exhibiting: Exhibit@bio.org Media: eventmedia@bio.org Educational Sessions: Program@bio.org Company Presentations: Present@bio.org  BIO Membership: BIOmember@bio.org

Please bring your own laptop and mobile phone chargers as well as any adapters to be used with US outlets (Type 2 & Type 3, which operate on a voltage of 120V). BIO does not provide chargers or adapters.

BIO is committed to ADA accessibility. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, contact customercare@bio.org before May 27, 2026.

BIO is more than our annual convention! We are the premier biotechnology advocacy organization representing biotech companies, industry leaders and state biotech associations in the United States and more than 35 countries around the globe. BIO membership connects you and your team to the cost savings, partnerships, and policy solutions needed to drive biotech breakthroughs and advance your business. See BIO's impact and how membership can benefit your organization.

Through BIO Partnering™ (only available with Premier Access registrations), any contacts that you have scheduled meetings with can be contacted through the BIO Partnering™ platform.

Select sessions will be recorded by BIO. You must have a Premier Access or General Access registration to watch sessions after the event. No session content can be captured by BIO 2026 participants either by photo or video.  Any photography, videography, screen capture, taping, recording, or reproduction in any medium, including but not limited to capture or recording via the use of tripod-based equipment or screen recording applications, of any of the presentations or official BIO International Convention program elements without the express written consent of BIO is strictly forbidden.

Premier Access registrations include BIO Partnering™, our meeting request and scheduling platform. Learn more about BIO Partnering here.

Registration opens February 2, 2026. Visit the registration page to review offerings and subscribe for BIO 2026 updates.

Premier Access Includes access to BIO Partnering™, education sessions, networking receptions, lunch, Exhibition, Company Presentations and Start-Up Stadium. General Access Includes education sessions, networking receptions lunch, Exhibition, Company Presentations and Start-Up Stadium. Does not include BIO Partnering™. Basic Access Includes access to Exhibition, Company Presentations and Start-Up Stadium only.

When registering you can only pay by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express).  Wire transfer will be accepted upon request. Please send your request to customercare@bio.org.

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to customercare@bio.org on or before Thursday, May 7, 2026, to receive a partial refund. A $600 administrative fee will be deducted from all cancellation refunds. Additionally, funds cannot be transferred/credited to future events.  Approved refunds will be processed after the conference. BIO regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows/non-participants. Basic Access registrations or additional Exhibitor Booth Staff registrations cannot be canceled and are non-refundable. Cancellation requests received after May 7, 2026, will not be honored. 

Corrections to your name or title, etc., should be emailed to customercare@bio.org. Please allow up to 4 business days for a new confirmation to be sent. 

Yes, BIO members receive reduced rates at all BIO events. To learn more about member benefits, please click here.

To transfer your registration to another individual from your company, please follow the instructions below: Select the "Click here to access your record" link located in your confirmation email.  On the Dashboard select the " I would like to request a substitution" button Follow the instructions and submit the required information.  Registrations can only be substituted once. We will only process substitutions for new registrations or registrations that have not been completed. Deadline: Thursday, May 21, 2026

Please email customercare@bio.org for instructions.

Corrections to your email address should be emailed to customercare@bio.org. Please allow up to 4 business days for a new confirmation to be sent.

Please contact us at customercare@bio.orgfor information.

You must first register. Once you arrive at the checkout page, send your request to customercare@bio.org, and a team member will send the invoice within 3 business days.  Wire payments will not be accepted after May 14, 2026.

Registration is complimentary for qualified media. Check here to see the qualification criteria.

Visit the Registration Solution counter at the Convention Center (Ground Floor, Lobby D). Badge replacement fee: $700.

BIO offers a deeply discounted government/academic/non-profit rate. See the registration page for pricing.

You should contact the BIO International Convention team at customercare@bio.org, and after verification from the BIO Membership department, the proper adjustment will be made to your record, and a refund will be processed by the same payment method (credit card/wire transfer).  Note: You must have joined BIO and paid dues by June 30, 2026, in order to receive the member rate at BIO 2026.

BIO provides shuttle bus service between the San Diego Convention Center and several hotels. Shuttle Schedule Runs every 5–20 minutes during the event at designated pick-up and drop-off times and locations. Hotel Service Areas Serves numerous official hotels, please see the BIO Hotels & Amenity Chart for a full list. Pick-Up & Drop-Off Locations Multiple coordinated sites, with signage posted in hotel lobbies and key points. Please review the 2026 Shuttle schedule (coming soon). Updates & Changes Real-time schedule updates will be communicated via signs and the event app. Questions: Contact housing@bio.org for more information

Yes. Only Maritz and FHTglobal are authorized housing providers. Bookings through third-party resellers are at your own risk and may lead to issues. For verification, contact customercare@bio.org if approached by unrecognized providers.