BIO Convention expects strong international participation.

Press Release Summary:



Scheduled for June 17-20 at San Diego Convention Center, 2008 BIO International Convention will feature 36 country and regional pavilions with Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia having highest attendance. Internationally focused educational sessions and events will include International Think and Drink Discussion Forum, International Biotechnology Marketplace, and Super Session - The Dynamics of Globalized World and Future of Biotechnology Industry.



Original Press Release:



Increased International Activity at 2008 BIO International Convention



WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, June 05, 2008) - The global reach of the biotechnology industry will be visible through strong international participation at the 2008 BIO International Convention. The global event for biotechnology will take place June 17-20, 2008 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif.

Nearly one-third of this year's convention attendance will be international, representing more than 50 countries. The five countries with the highest attendance at this year's event include Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia.

The 2008 BIO Exhibition will feature 36 country and regional pavilions, which create a shared space for companies from each region to exhibit. First time pavilions for 2008 include South Africa, Chile, Brazil, Dubai, Argentina, and Portugal. The top ten international pavilions in terms of size include Canada, Germany, France, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Italy, Spain, and Australia.

"We are very pleased with the increased level of international participation," said Robbi Lycett, vice president, Conventions & Conferences, BIO. "Additionally, we are excited to welcome more than 80 high ranking public officials from 17 different countries."

International Public Officials in attendance include:

o The Hon. Lino Baranao, Minister of Science, Technology & Production Innovation, Argentina

o The Hon. Dr. Ewa Bjorling, Minister for Trade, Sweden

o The Hon. Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science & Research, Australia

o His Excellency Suwit Khunkitti, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Industry, Thailand

o The Hon. Kapil Sibal, Minister of Science & Technology, India

The convention will also feature internationally-focused educational sessions and events such as:

o International Think & Drink Discussion Forum - "The Bioeconomy to 2030: What is the Landscape for Innovation, Economics, and Policy for Biotechnology?"

Wednesday, June 18, 5:00pm - 6:30pm

o International Biotechnology Marketplace - "Future Scenarios for Sustainable Energy Innovation"

Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Bayside Pavilion & Terrace, San Diego Convention Center

o Super Session - "The Dynamics of a Globalized World and the Future of the Biotechnology Industry"

Thursday, June 19, 2008, 8:30 am - 10:00 am

Ballroom 6

Wednesday, June 18 is International Day at the convention.

Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. For onsite registration times, please visit bio2008.org/subpage.aspx?pagename=cv08_media_main. Reporters and editors working full-time for print, broadcast, and online news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials.

Registration for attendees is available at www.bio2008.org/register.

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.

Check out BIO's events blog at www.bioontheroad.org and listen to podcasts on the convention at biotechnow-org.

Upcoming BIO Events

BIO International Convention

June 17-20, 2008

San Diego, CA

Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy

Sept. 10-12, 2008

Vancouver, BC

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.

Contact:

Contact Tracy Krughoff

202-312-9274,

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