MONTREAL, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- BIOMEDEX 2005, the pre-eminent life science industry conference-exhibition in Canada, will be held next March 30 and 31 at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Organized by BIOQuebec and the Association of Health Technologies Industry (AITS), the event strives to be the ultimate meeting place for the key players working in the areas of biotechnology, health technology, pharmaceuticals, venture capital, research and development.
"The participants can expect a first-class edition of this event, which will be characterized by the exceptional quality of the various guest speakers and the contemporary subjects they will address, which at times might even be a tad controversial", proclaims Perry Niro, Executive Director of BIOMEDEX. "In addition to bringing the industry up to date on innovations and the most recent breakthroughs, BIOMEDEX 2005 strives to be a unique opportunity for fruitful networking leading to worthwhile business opportunities, including the crafting of strategic alliances, which are vital to the industry's prosperity."
Conference-Debate
More than 500 participants from Canada, the United States and Europe, are expected to come hear the many prestigious speakers coming from all Four Corners of the globe. Amongst the latter, there will be S. Jay Olshansky, PhD, from the University of Chicago, and Aubrey De Grey, PhD, from the University of Cambridge, who will confront each others' opinions in a conference-debate on immortality, a utopia or a scientific truth?
BioPharma Sessions
Several BioPharma sessions will also be presenting an impressive number of speakers from prominent companies, who will be discussing subjects on the cutting-edge of the life sciences. Amongst other subjects, the new role of alliance managers will be explored by Mr. Ian McKenna, Alliance Manager, Eli Lilly and Company, United States, and Mr. Nicholas Franco, Global Head, Business Development and Licensing, Novartis Pharma AG, Switzerland. While Mr. Dane Bedward, Senior Vice-President and General Manager, Genzyme Americas and Mr. Jim Adair, Senior Manager, Portfolio Planning, Genentech, United States, will share with the participants their experiences involving partnerships with major biotechnology companies.
BIOMatch
The financing and pharmaceutical partnership forum BIOMatch will be providing life science companies with the opportunity to introduce themselves to Canadian, European and American investors and venture capital firms, notably ProQuest Investments and Carrot Capital.
Annual Convention of the Association of Health Technologies Industry (AITS)
Since 1987, the AITS has been encouraging the creation and development of health technology companies. This year, it is presenting a program under the theme "A Deal with Health". The session will begin with the launch and analysis of the Profile of the Health Industries in the Province of Quebec, the first comprehensive census of this key sector. There will also be a discussion of the probable consequences of public-private-partnerships - (PPP) upon the health care system and the improvement of health care management via new technology.
5th EDITION OF THE GENESIS AWARDS GALA
The Genesis Awards, which pay tribute to the personalities and companies that have played a key role in the growth of Quebec's life science industry, will be given out on March 31 at an inspiring gala that brings together numerous industry representatives. BIOQuebec and the AITS are moreover inviting Quebec entrepreneurs to submit their names until February 18 in one or more of the following categories: Entrepreneurship Biotechnology/Biopharmaceutical, Entrepreneurship/Health Technology, Innovation and Transfer-Emergence. During this Gala Tribute, builders and pioneers who have shaped the industry will be inducted into the ranks of the prestigious Excelcia Club, as well.
Industry Trade Show-Exhibition
More than 900 visitors strolled the aisles of the trade show-exhibition last year. This year, 60 suppliers will be showcasing a variety of products and services related to the life sciences and the health technology industry.
Fonds de la recherche en sante du Quebec (FRSQ) Symposium
The FRSQ will be underlining its 40th anniversary on March 30 during BIOMEDEX 2005 by presenting a symposium under the theme "Marriage between university and industry-based research: who brings the dowry?"
For more details regarding BIOMEDEX 2005, please visit the event's Web site at: http://www.biomedex.info/ .
BIOQUEBECCONTACT: Dean Dussault, Media Relations, (514) 843-2309,Cell.: (514) 795-5757, ddussault@national.ca; Celine Vaillancourt,Director, Communications and Marketing, BIOQuebec, (514) 733-8411, poste 207,communications@bioquebec.com
