It wasn’t real easy but I was able to ask llinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, a quick question after he cut the ribbon prior to the trade show. I think it’s interesting how agriculture is being integrated into this year’s conference here in Illinois so I asked him about the importance of agriculture and especially renewable fuels to the state.
You can listen to his answer here: 
Governor Blagojevich (1 min MP3)
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The trade show here at BIO 2006 is in full swing and it’s huge. I don’t see how it’s possible to visit every aisle in 3 days if that’s all you did.
To kick it off, Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, did the ribbon cutting. Just before they pulled the scissors out he and BIO President, Jim Greenwood made a few comments.
You can listen to the ribbon cutting remarks here: Ribbon Cutting Remarks (3 min MP3) Note: The audio was a little too hot but it’s very understandable.
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This is just an update to the last post. The announcement of the new study is being made at a press conference that is taking place right now.
In just a few minutes I hope to interview the leadershio of the BIO and will post those later today.
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The first news of the day is the release of a new report by BIO and Batelle. The report is titled, “Growing The Nation’s Biotech Sector: State Bioscience Initiatives 2006.” You can find the executive summary here. The report says that the biosciences now consist of more than 40,000 businesses employing 1.2 million people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Some other key findings include:
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This is just the ballroom area of the opening reception. I know it’s hard to see but there’s a guy in a white tux in the center tower who was conducting the 3 sets of musicians on different balcony stages.
After the main course at serving stages all around the room you could go up on the middle stage for dessert.
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The barbershop guys were good but give me some blues. Like these guys who were singing about Georgia.
They got people’s attention.
Short video: 
Blues Dudes (1 min wmv)
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The opening reception was all about food and good music. Take the BIO Barbershop (my name for them). These guys were good. They were only one of about six groups performing on different levels and areas of the Navy Pier.
I didn’t find anyone to interview but I’m sure that will change tomorrow. There will be relevant news on food and agriculture. In fact, food and agriculture are highly featured here with over 1,000 square feet of corn on display in the exhibit hall. I will check that out tomorrow.
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I have arrived at BIO 2006 and the first thing to do was check in and scope out the news room layout. Very nicely done. I didn’t even bother to count how many work stations are set up here. It’s first come, first serve so I’ll be here early tomorrow.
This will be home for most of the next several days. You should see the “program.” I’ve seen many telephone books that are smaller. There’s no way to read it in 3 days but it’s well organized. There’s a nice tab for the agenda which I think is most important. Everyone who attends receives a very nice little shoulder pack. And of course it has an iPod holder and hole to poke your headphone cord through.
I’ve requested an interview with a communications director to talk about what it took to put the whole media outreach and press center together for this event. The staff person I spoke with said I was the only reporter they knew who is blogging this event. Interesting.
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What does a bored blogger do after 7 hours of driving? Find something to blog about. Kids, this is not something I recommend unless you’ve driven several million miles like I have.
Short video clip: Arriving In Chicago (2 min wmv)
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Most of Sunday will be a travel day to get to Chicago so the next time your hear from me I’ll be in the windy city. One of the 60+ press releases I’ve received on BIO 2006 is about “what’s new at BIO.” Well for me it will all be new since I’ve never been. I’m guessing that there’s some other newbies in the 18,000 plus expected to show up. But in case you’re a BIO veteran here’s what they say is new.
· Four new topics have been added to the list of breakout sessions: Devices and Diagnostics, Emerging Markets, Marketing, and Regenerative Medicine.
· Three new specialty pavilions in the BIO2006 Exhibit Hall which offer a unique set of exhibits. The specialty areas are: Food and Agriculture, Industrial and Environment, and Supplier and Service Providers.
· “Innovative Solutions for Translational Research,” a new program sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Discussion of case studies of internal and external entities established to provide resources, assistance, and acceleration in translational research and/or the commercialization of university discoveries.
· The exhibit hall at BIO 2006 will be the largest gathering of biotechnology exhibitors in history, including more than 1,600 companies, organizations and institutions representing every aspect of the biotechnology industry. With 176,000 net square feet of exhibit space, the hall is approximately the size of three football fields.
Three football fields. I guess I had better put on my walking shoes. Sounds like I won’t need an extra workout.
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