Global Health, Sustainable Agriculture and International Business Issues Focus of 2008 BIO International Convention

Global issues such as intellectual property protections, follow-on

biologics/biosimilars, international networking for research and

development of neglected diseases and sustainable agriculture in

developing countries will all be primary focus areas.
Hosted by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the 2008 BIO

International Convention will take place Tuesday, June 17 through

Friday, June 20, 2008 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego

Calif. Wednesday, June 18th is International Day.
Biotechnology leaders from around the globe will be descending upon San

Diego, one of the leading biotech hubs in the world, to discuss the most

pressing issues and share their unique perspectives. In addition, there

will be a total of 36 regional and country pavilions within the BIO

Exhibition with several new pavilions, including Argentina, Brazil

Chile, Dubai, and South Africa.
This year´s convention will focus on the

promise of biotech innovation to heal, fuel and feed the world.

International case studies on biofuels, biomanufacturing, research

funding, and international collaborations will focus on examples from

Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, North America

Singapore, and Sweden. Two additional breakout session tracks will focus

on doing business globally and global health. A session entitled, "The

Dynamics of a Globalized World and the Future of the Biotechnology

Industry," will feature international public

officials sharing insights on the evolving business landscape.
This year´s keynote speakers include Gen.

Colin Powell, J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Additionally, numerous international public officials are expected to

attend, including José Lino Salvador Barañao

Minister of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation, Argentina;

Ewa Bjorling, Minister of Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sweden;

Suwit Khunkitti, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry

Chairman of the APEC Life Sciences Innovation Forum, Thailand; and Kapil

Sibal, Minister of Science and Technology, India.
Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the media. To

register, visit www.bio2008.org/mediaregistration.

Reporters and editors working full-time for print, broadcast, and online

news organizations may register onsite with valid credentials. All

freelancers, college and online publications are strongly encouraged to

register in advance by Wednesday, June 4, 2008.
Registration for attendees is offered at an early-bird discounted rate

of nearly 40 percent off the regular rate until May 8, 2008 at www.bio2008.org/registration.