Schwarzenegger to Speak at BIO International Summer Convention

Laura McNamara

The state of sustainable agriculture in developing countries will be one of the main issues addressed at the BIO International Convention this summer. The Biotechnology Industry Organization is hosting the convention in San Diego from Tuesday, June 17 through Friday, June 20.

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 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.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Energy, Environment, Food, Technology