2016 BIO International Convention Sets New Record for Partnering Meetings
June 27, 2016
The 2016 BIO International Convention, the global event for biotechnology, concluded today at Moscone Center in San Francisco, with his year’s convention hosting 35,700 partnering meetings, a new record for the event.
Organized by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the event drew 15,937 industry leaders from 76 countries and 48 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“This year’s BIO International Convention was a tremendous success, and together we challenged ourselves to imagine a better world for patients, for the environment and for society. We were thrilled to be back in San Francisco with industry, government and academia from across the globe to pursue biotechnology’s potential to solve some of the world most pressing problems,” said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood.
He added, “From our outstanding keynote speakers, to the record number of partnering meetings, the 2016 Convention was a resounding success. This event continues to provide biotech leaders with the opportunity to showcase the best of our industry and form connections and partnerships that will drive growth in the sector for years to come.”
One of the event’s highlights was a keynote that Greenwood moderated with actor, producer, musician, and philanthropist Will Smith and Dr. Bennet Omalu, the forensic pathologist Smith played in the movie, “Concussion.”
The next day’s keynote featured the Honorable Newt Gingrich, former CNN Chief Political Correspondent Candy Crowley and former senior advisor to President Obama, Stephanie Cutter.
Educational programming included more than 800 speakers in 157 sessions, which addressed the latest business opportunities, breakthroughs in medicine, diagnostics, the environment, energy production, food and agriculture and more.
The BIO Business Forum hosted a record-breaking 35,700 One-on-One Partnering™ meetings with more than 3,400 companies participating and featured 192 company presentations.
The BIO Exhibition featured more than 1,800 exhibitors with 50 international, regional and state pavilions and seven product focus zones. The Innovation Zone, featuring Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grantees from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) has tripled in size since its inception in 2014.
The 2017 BIO International Convention will take place June 19-22, 2017 in San Diego at the San Diego Convention Center.
“We are looking forward to welcoming BIO back to California and to showcase Southern California’s vibrant biotech sector,” said Joe Panetta, president and CEO of BIOCOM.
He added, “With more than 1,100 life sciences companies and more than 80 independent and university affiliated research institutes, we offer abundant opportunities in research, development, manufacturing and commercialization.”
The 2018 BIO International Convention will take place June 4-7 in Boston at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The 2019 BIO International Convention will take place June 3-6 in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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