Chicago to host BIO International Convention again in 2013 and 2016

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today announces that the BIO International Convention - the global event for biotechnology - will return to Chicago, Ill. in 2013 and 2016.

“We look forward to showcasing Illinois' unparalleled business, research and service capabilities to the thousands of bioscience professionals from around the world who will be attending these important events.”

"Chicago has hosted two successful and exciting BIO International Conventions, in 2006 and 2010, and we are thrilled to bring the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry back to the windy city and the Midwest," said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO, producer of the BIO International Convention. "The Convention showcases the biotechnology industry within the host city and region - Chicago and the Midwest are home to a vibrant and flourishing biotech hub, which set a strong example for the entire industry."

The Convention attracts more than 15,000 industry leaders from 48 states and 60 countries and highlights the latest advancements in biotechnology.

"The State of Illinois salutes the Biotechnology Industry Organization's decision to return to our great state for their 2013 and 2016 international conventions," said Governor Pat Quinn. "We look forward to showcasing Illinois' unparalleled business, research and service capabilities to the thousands of bioscience professionals from around the world who will be attending these important events."

"Chicago and Illinois already have a significant presence in the biotech field and we welcome the chance to highlight that again in 2013 and 2016 to the international leaders of the industry. Attracting more biotech-based companies to our city is a big part of my vision for creating jobs and building a modern economy that will ensure Chicago will remain competitive in the global economy," said Mayor Richard M. Daley.

"It is a tribute to the strong regional public-private biosciences partnership that four BIO International Conventions are being held at Chicago's McCormick Place within a decade, including the next two in 2013 and 2016," said Warren Ribley, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. "We look forward to the further expansion of the biotechnology / life sciences sector in Illinois and the Midwest as we continue to demonstrate our global strengths in location, research and technology."

The Convention next heads to Washington, DC for the 2011 BIO International Convention, being held June 27-30 at the Convention Center. The event was last held in Washington, DC in 2003. Earlier this week, BIO announced that the Convention will be returning to Philadelphia, Penn. in 2015.

The BIO International Convention typically brings more than $30 million in economic impact to the city in which the event is held. This includes direct spending, tax revenue and hotel room nights during Convention.

The BIO International Convention includes the BIO Business Forum, which offers attendees an unparalleled opportunity for large and small biotechs to gather in one place, at one time to engage in partnering discussions. The ability to schedule up to 80 one-on-one meetings within just a few short days with biotech leaders from around the world presents a wonderful opportunity for companies to maximize their ROI for the registration and travel investment for this event. In 2010, the BIO Business Forum hosted more than 17,000 partnering meetings with more than 2,000 companies participating.

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 http://convention.bio.org.