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The world's largest biotechnology exhibition will be in our backyard this summer at the BIO 2018 International Convention. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization, or BIO, will be hosting their annual convention in Boston on June 4-7 for its 25th anniversary.
BIO represents 1,100+ biotech companies, organizations, research institutions, and more across the US and internationally. Their membership covers the full range from entrepreneurs to multinational corporations, but the majority are small companies. While BIO is an active organization influencing policy and providing member support year-round, their annual convention is their most publicized event, drawing 16,000+ attendees from 74 countries. The goal of the convention is to support the growth of the global biotechnology industry and profits fund BIO's on-going programs and initiatives.
The convention started small in 1993 with just 1,400 attendees and a handful of trade press. While it has grown greatly in participation, the convention has kept many familiar themes, including educational and networking opportunities around raising capital, negotiating federal regulation requirements, and understanding patent trends.
Today the BIO Exhibition showcases the latest trends, technology, and breakthroughs on the largest tradeshow floor in the biotechnology industry. At the exhibition, the convention has something for everyone with 1500+ educational sessions, networking events and locations, and their special partnering system.
BIO One-on-One Partnering assists companies in finding potential partners and investors through a profile system that allows participants to pre-schedule half-hour private meetings during the convention. Once at the convention, the partnering program provides access to the BIO Business Forum, with rooms and suites for pre-scheduled meetings, Company Presentations to raise participants' visibility in the BIO community, an Academic Campus focused on the university and technology transfer sectors, and Exhibitor Booth Partnering during the exhibition.
The exhibition is organized into Product Focus Zones that allow exhibitors to strategically position themselves, highlighting their area of expertise and becoming more findable to attendees with specific interests. The Focus Zones support specialty networking within the areas of Bioprocessing, Contract Services, Digital Health, Discovery, and Innovation.
Recognizing the unique needs of start-ups, the exhibition hosts the Start-Up Stadium where emerging biotech companies can connect with investors, venture philanthropists, and industry advisors. Start-ups are invited to participate in an interactive pitch experience where they present 5- to 7-minute pitches to a panel of investors and receive live feedback.
The exhibition is also host to the Patient Advocacy Pavilion, aimed at connecting biopharmaceutical companies, patient advocacy organizations, and venture philanthropists with the goal of advancing therapy development. 40+ patient organizations participate in the Patient Advocacy Pavilion, all keen to further drug development by funding research and helping companies understand patient needs.
The 25th anniversary BIO 2018 International Convention promises to be another exciting event with presentation, education, and networking opportunities for everyone in the biosciences. Registration is open now and you can find more information at http://convention.bio.org/. Can't make it to the 2018 Convention but still want to learn more? You can check out their blog, BIOtechNOW at http://www.biotech-now.org/.
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