BIO Business Forum: Where Deals are Made

In three weeks, the global life sciences community will be in Atlanta for the 2009 BIO International Convention, May 18-21. Inside the convention, the BIO Business Forum is the place to be for southeast companies, universities, investors and non-profit foundations. It's the largest partnering event in the world.

Participation is expected to exceed goals. The Business Forum has seen no drop-off in activity. More than 2,400 top decision makers with 1,500 companies from 40 nations already have signed up. Twenty-four big pharma and big biotech companies are among them. They are waiting to meet with you one-on-one. More than 12,000 meetings will be held. More than 160 companies are making presentations.

Don't miss out. In today's financial market it is critical to efficiently identify partners, investors and licensing opportunities. The Business Forum is the best place to make these connections. Register Today for the BIO International Convention, and sign up for partnering at the BIO Business Forum. Partnering Is Now Open

In addition, the BIO Convention will feature educational programming highlighting venture financing, business development, and capital formation. Session topics include:

• Maximizing Value: How Tough Markets Are Reshaping the Business Models of Big Pharma and Venture Capital
• Business Model Conundrum: Focus on One Single Therapeutic Area, or Multiple Areas?
• Out or In, Big or Small: Industry and Venture backed Out Licensing Deals and New
• Companies - What Are We Looking For?
• Biotech M&A - How to Sell Your Company in an Environment of Consolidation

The BIO Convention will also offer two business development courses. The "BIO - LES Business Development Basics" and "BIO - LES Business Development Advanced Course" will take place Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. For more information on these sessions, including registration, please visit http://exectraining.bio.org/opencms/training.

The BIO Executive Presentation Workshop will take place Sunday, May 17, 8:30am - 6:00pm, Building A, Level 3; http://exectraining.bio.org/opencms/training/ceo/.

Make the BIO Convention Work For You

Georgia life sciences organizations have the opportunity of a lifetime to make connections and deals with hundreds of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agribusiness and bioenergy companies, academic research institutes and investors in the BIO Business Forum at the 2009 BIO International Convention in Atlanta, May 18-21.

The Business Forum is your ticket to one-on-one partnering meetings with top decision makers of organizations from across the globe. More than 14,000 partnering meetings will occur in Atlanta. Join the discussions -- sign up for partnering at the BIO Business Forum. Partnering Is Now Open.

Don't miss this opportunity. The Business Forum is the world's largest life sciences partnering event. In today's financial market, it is critical for companies to efficiently identify partners, investors and licensing opportunities not available at other industry partnering events. The Business Forum also will feature presentations from more than 180 companies.

GEN Podcast: Biotechnology in Georgia

The Biotechnology Industry Organization's (BIO) annual International Conference will take place in Atlanta this year on May 18–21. The conference committee made its decision to hold the meeting in Atlanta based on a number of factors. For example, Georgia’s life science community is a mix of companies applying life science technologies to improving medicine, healthcare, agriculture, industrial and energy production, forestry, marine science, and environmental management. There are more than 300 life science companies in the state, most focused on healthcare applications, ranging from established to start-up pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, diagnostic, medical supply, and medical informatics companies as well as contract laboratories and preclinical and clinical research organizations.

During this week's podcast three professionals closely allied to life science activities in Georgia explain why the state is an attractive location for a biotech company to set up shop. They discuss the life science academic infrastructure and provide additional details on the specific types of biotech and pharmaceutical companies working in the state.

BIOTECHNOLOGY IN GEORGIA - Interview with Charles Craig, President of Georgia Bio; Stephen Hill, President, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; and Russell Medford, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO, Atherogenics, Inc.

Listen in at: http://www.genengnews.com/wimpy/gcn_interview.aspx?gcn_id=259

Bio On My Mind: Georgia's Biotech Industry, Tuesdays on Morning Edition

The WABE Newsroom takes look at Georgia’s burgeoning biotech industry. The 8-part series begins the week of April 6, and concludes with the opening of the 2009 International Bio Convention in Atlanta on May 18th. The series examines nanotechnology, drug research in cancer and diabetes, biofuel, medical devices and the prospects for the industry in Georgia.

Download a Brochure

Learn More at WABE

Buzz of BIO Voting Ends This Week

Aspiring BIO companies have been selected as finalists in the first annual Buzz of BIO contest. Cast your vote now for the companies you think will have the most impact in the world of biotechnology. Visit: http://community.convention.bio.org/Summit09/Contest-Vote/tabid/68/Default.aspx

Finalists will be judged on the following criteria:

• Most Innovative Technology


• Best Quality of Presentation


• Strength of Ideas

Senator Isakson Joins Mayor Franklin, Other Top GA Politicians at BIO Convention

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson leads a stellar group of top Georgia politicians and medical professionals who will participate in the Monday, May 18, inaugural diversity summit, “Fulfilling the Promise: Diversity in Biotechnology,” at the 2009 BIO International Convention in Atlanta.

Senator Isakson will participate in a panel discussion that explores state and federal legislative measures involving healthcare disparities among minority groups and diversity issues in education and workforce development. Click here for details on the day-long summit and registration.

Georgians joining Senator Isakson on the program are Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; Dr. Louis Sullivan, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services; Congressman David Scott; State Rep. Calvin Smyre; Dr. Walter Williams of the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention; Dr. Otis Brawley of the American Cancer Society; Dr. Eve Higginbotham of Morehouse School of Medicine; Dr. Elizabeth Mutisya of Solvay Pharmaceuticals; and Lani Hall of GE Energy.

More than 20 speakers from across the nation will participate in the Summit at the Omni Hotel from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday, May 18, the first day of the BIO International Convention, May 18-21.

Thursday, April 9, is the last day for early bird registration for the BIO Convention, May 18-21. Save $600. Register Now.

Daschle, Dean, Frist and Rove Discuss Healthcare Reform

Tom Daschle, Howard Dean, Bill Frist and Karl Rove will discuss healthcare reform during lunch Wednesday, May 20, at the 2009 BIO International Convention in Atlanta. You won't want to miss this preview of what is sure to be a heated Congressional debate over the Obama Administration's restructuring of the nation's health care services.

Thursday, April 9, is the last day for early bird registration for the BIO Convention, May 18-21. Save $600. Register Now.

Click here to see the keynote lunch speakers.

Sponsors Sought for Best Practices Day

A Best Practices Day, part of the Conference on Biotechnology Education, will be held May 17 in conjunction with the 2009 BIO International Convention in Atlanta. This forum shares high quality educational practices and programs related to biotechnology with educators and industry from around the world.

About 100 Georgia teachers will be volunteering their time to join with educators from around the country to learn state-of-the-art curriculum, labs, practices and programs in biotechnology.

Georgia Bio is seeking sponsors for the one-day workshop. Sponsorships totaling $5000 are needed to provide lunch and breaks for the teachers. Sponsors are invited to display materials at the workshop and participate in the opening remarks. All sponsors will be acknowledged in the Best Practices Day promotional materials.

Please join us in directly supporting these motivated educators. If you are interested in sponsoring part or all of this important educational opportunity, please contact Cinda Herndon-King at Georgia Bio, at cinda.king@gabio.org or 678-634-5329.

Georgia Showcased in 11 Breakout Sessions

GA companies and scientists will be showcased at the 2009 BIO International Convention in 11 of the 150 breakout sessions. Check the BIO program for times of these sessions:

• Creating a Future for Sustainable Cellulosic Biofuel Production, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Challenges in Stem Cell Manufacturing, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Transdermal Delivery of Proteins, Vaccines and DNA: From Concept to Reality, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Nanomedicine Applications for Cancer Detection and Diagnosis, Georgia Institute of Technology
• FDA Science and Mission at Risk, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Building a Workforce Pipeline, Gwinnett Technical College
• HIV/AIDS Vaccines in the Pipeline, Geovax Inc.
• Breaking tolerance to boost vaccine efficacy, Medical College of Georgia
• Behind the scenes or behind your back?, Fish & Richardson
• How to Become a Biotech Hub: Focus on the Southeast, Southeast Bio Navigating the New Registry Requirements: Implications for Industry, Thompson Hine LLP.

WABE, Public Broadcasting of Atlanta, Presents 6-Week Series: "Bio on my Mind, A look at Georgia's Biotech Industry"

Series Begins April 7 Airing at 6:30am & 8:30am

WABE FM 90.1, the Atlanta affiliate of National Public Radio, is weighing in to support the 2009 BIO International Convention in May. The local listener and corporate-supported radio station will air eight original reports to inform Atlantans about the Biotech industry in Georgia, to heighten interest in the industry and to draw more attention to the huge significance of Atlanta hosting the BIO Convention.

For More Details Click Here

Georgia Life Sciences Magazine - Submit A News Bit Today

Georgia Life Sciences magazine, which will be published in time for the 2009 BIO International Convention in May, is taking submissions for news bits. These pieces would appeal to Georgia's life science businesses, organizations and researchers, as well as those outside of Georgia. Highlight what's new in Georgia by sending in your 25-50 word news today. Topics include new research, developments and initiative in the state.The magazine will promote Georgia's assets in the field of life sciences. Featured topics will include: Biofuels & Bioenergy, Biologics, Biotechnology, Chemical, Vaccination & Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices, Healthcare and Health Informatics, Research & Development, Infectious Diseases, and Public Health. Georgia Life Sciences Magazine will be used to promote Georgia as one of the nation's leading states to launch, relocate, or expand a business in one of these emerging growth industries. Submit your news items email Amber Jones Barry, Managing Editor, amber58@gmail.com.

Georgia Bio Congratulates Finalist for Biotechnology Educator Award

Georgia Bio congratulates Amy Martin, science teacher and department head at Creekview High School in Woodstock, Georgia. Ms. Martin is one of ten finalists announced this week for the Genzyme-Life Technologies Biotech Educator Award, the nation's top recognition for biotechnology education.

Established in 2004 by the Biotechnology Institute and co-sponsored by Genzyme Corporation and Life Technologies Corporation, the award identifies outstanding biotechnology Teacher-Leaders who have participated in the Institute's National Biotechnology Teacher-Leader Program. These teachers represent a premier group of biotechnology teachers who bring the excitement, promise, and cutting-edge research of biotechnology to their classrooms.

Georgia Bio sponsored Ms. Martin's participation in the Teacher-Leader program in 2008 in San Diego.

Final judging will take place during the 2009 Conference on Biotechnology Education, which precedes the 2009 BIO International Convention in May. The award will be announced during the Biotechnology Institute's Biotechnology Education Banquet, to be held May 17 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. Banquet details and registration are available online at Biotechnology Education Banquet Information.

CDC Super Session at BIO

Global Biotechnology Innovation: Connecting the Laboratory, the Field and the Marketplace
Wednesday, May 20 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by: UCB Pharma, Inc.
The US government is engaged in the full spectrum of product development from discovery to delivery. It is in the unique position to characterize emerging public health problems, foster innovation, conduct research, and establish unique partnerships to introduce life saving products to global populations for improved health. Most biotechnology companies are unaware of the untapped, powerful and comprehensive potential for partnering with government scientists or agencies around R&D, market research, and product uptake or implementation. This session will showcase the breadth of opportunities for public-private partnerships though illustrative case studies from the CDC, the CDC Foundation, NIH, Carter Center, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that include partnerships with NGOs, Proctor & Gamble, Google, WHO, big pharmaceutical companies, and Ministries of Health.

I Am Biotech

Help create public awareness and appreciation of biotechnology while building a nationwide network of activists and enthusiasts at IAmBiotech.org. This is a place where biotech professionals and enthusiasts can come together and discuss the promise of biotech.

New e-brochure for the BIO International Convention

Check out the latest Full Convention Brochure online! You can find it here http://convention.bio.org or by clicking the image below. Share this link with your colleagues.