WASHINGTON, March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Only 19 days remain until advanced media registration closes for BIO 2006, the world’s largest biotechnology convention to be held in Chicago April 9-12. After March 31, only reporters and editors working full-time for print or broadcast news organizations may register on-site with media credentials. Freelance journalists, college publications and Web-based publications must register in advance as they cannot register on-site.
From a myriad of choices, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has identified the Top 10 reasons journalists and others should attend this year’s conference.
10. World’s largest biotech networking opportunity. As many as 20,000 scientists, CEOs, investors, marketers, service providers and world class journalists will meet in Chicago for this once a year opportunity to exchange ideas and information. You may even catch a biotech CEO unawares who will agree to an interview unfettered by his PR minder. 9. 170,000 square foot exhibit floor. BIO’s trade show sells out of floor space a year in advance, and 2006 is no exception. Visit the 25 country pavilions for the niftiest tschotkes and swag while sampling free beverages during the Tuesday, April 11 reception. For the first time there will be special pavilions dedicated to Food & Agriculture; Industrial and Environmental; and Suppliers and Service Providers. 8. Join the paparazzi on the lookout for VIPs and other luminaries. BIO2006 may set a conference record for the number of state governors in attendance, with 10 confirmed to date, and many others having expressed interest. In the past, our convention has featured political luminaries such as President Bush and Senator Ted Kennedy, along with celebrities such as Melissa Etheridge, Brooke Shields and Arnold Palmer. Check the convention Web site in the coming weeks as we finalize this year’s slate of stars. 7. See and touch an Indy 500 race car powered by cellulosic ethanol. Visit the Industrial and Environmental pavilion for an up-close and personal experience with a race car featured in the Indianapolis 500. 6. Did we mention world class parties? No BIO conference would be complete without a gala. Visit top Chicago landmarks including the Navy Pier, Field Museum and Chicago Theatre which will each offer a fun-filled evening of relaxation after you’ve filed your day’s stories. 5. Practice your high school French and Spanish, or even Hungarian. More than 24 countries will present their latest innovations and product developments in an intimate atmosphere primed for exploration and possibility for collaboration on Sunday, April 9. Federal level ministers from the European Commission, Germany, Malaysia, Taiwan R.O.C., and India will discuss various areas of biotechnology including healthcare, food and agriculture, and industrial and environmental issues. 4. Return to the classroom for the latest trends and updates on Intellectual Property, Marketing, Regenerative Medicine and 21 other topics in the more than 150 educational sessions held over the four- day meeting. 3. Be a Star on BIO TV. The BIO multi-media studio returns for the fourth year. Leave your satellite truck at home and use BIO’s fully equipped satellite and fiber-connected studio facilities and pre- wired stand-up broadcast locations above and on the exhibit floor. 2. Count the corn stalks in the world’s largest indoor corn field. The food and ag pavilion will feature a 1,000 square foot corn field attended to by farmers from around the globe who are waiting to tell you how biotech crops have improved their lives in India, The Philippines, South Africa, France, Germany and five other countries. Plus, it’s planting time in the northern hemisphere and a special electronic “ticker” will track biotech acreage planted second by second. 1. And the number one reason to attend BIO2006? So you won’t be left out and reading your peer’s stories for the next year as they mine the conference for both news and ideas to keep them busy until next May when BIO2007 convenes in Boston.
Please join us for all this and more, but first you must register! Online registration information is below.
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
Registration: Online registration for conference attendees is available at http://www.bio.org/events/2006/reg/, or you may register on site.
Advance Media Registration: Advance registration is required for freelance journalists, college publications and Web-based publications. Advance registration closes Friday, March 31, 2006 at 5:00 PM EST.
On-site Registration: Only reporters and editors working full-time for print, or broadcast news organizations may register on-site with valid, current media credentials (i.e. official picture identification from the employing news organization). Without proper, approved credentials, on-site media registration will be denied. Freelance journalists, college publications and Web-based publications may not register on-site at the conference. BIO reserves the right to limit the number of admission approvals from the same publication or news outlet.
Biotechnology Industry Organization
CONTACT: Lisa Dry of Biotechnology Industry Organization, +1-202-962-9231,mobile: +1-202-345-3673
Web site: http://www.bio.org/
