The 2007 BIO International Convention: Deconstructed

Year round, a dozen full-time BIO staff focus on the logistics, program, exhibition management, partnering and city logistics that it takes to manage an event with more than 20,000 attendees, 1900 exhibitors, 10 shuttle routes and more than 9,000 sleeping rooms in 30 hotels. BIO staff has more than 100 years of event management experience with more than 75 events from around the world.

The star of this year’s Convention, the globe located in the North Lobby, is the brainchild of BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. Greenwood wanted to highlight the global aspects and applications of biotechnology. Freeman Decorating Company, a general service contractor, took the idea and brought it to life through 3D animation. They then built the globe in Chicago, transported all the separate components to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, and re-built the 28-foot globe in the North Lobby. Throughout the Convention, the globe will house a video presentation of “Biotechnology: Improving Life Worldwide,” which includes a series of two-minute video vignettes.

This year, BIO has lined up more than 1,000 speakers from the approximately 8,000 session applications originally submitted 10 months ago. In addition to the breakout session speakers and international seminars, there are three keynotes, three thought leader sessions, four Super Sessions, and three CEO Forum sessions. Directing you to all the sessions and events is a 486-page Convention program and more than 300 signs and graphics. If you need help, there are also more than 100 volunteers who can point you in the right direction.

So relax, and enjoy the Convention!