Global Meeting of the Biotech Sector in Chicago at the BIO International Convention

The biotech world met once again in the USA from 3 – 6 May at the BIO International Convention, which was held in Chicago this year. At the request of the Federal Economics Ministry, Bio Deutschland also provided support to the central information stand at the German Pavilion, which had been redesigned for this year’s event. On its own stand, Bio Deutschland presented its aims and measures, as well as the 35 member firms that had sent us data to be shown on a screen. In addition, Bio Deutschland, along with some 18 other national biotech associations, supported the International Soirée initiated by the Canadian biotechnology representation, BioteCanada. The impressive hall at Union Station in Chicago provided the type of spectacular setting found at BIO for some 600 registered participants.

The BIO organisers stated that the event was a complete success once again this year. In total, there were over 15,300 visitors (in comparison with over 14,300 in 2009), 1,700 exhibitors (in comparison with 1,800 in 2009) and a large number of sessions (over 120 in total) on the conference programme.

Although the aisles at the exhibition and some of the lecture halls looked empty, the participants surveyed indicated that the quality of the visitors to the stands was very good and that the discussions revealed good preparation and keen interest.

It became clear that many discussions had been shifted to the BIO Business Forum. At the 2009 event in Atlanta, somewhat more than 14,000 meetings were held between around 1,800 industry representatives. In Chicago, over 2,100 representatives took part in a total of 17,100 meetings.

The next BIO International Convention will be held in Washington D.C. from 27 – 30 June 2011.