The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) announced today it will be moving the 2020 BIO International Convention scheduled for June 8-11 in San Diego to an online platform, in lieu of an in-person event for this year. The decision was based on the impact of COVID-19, the safety of the attendees and global health recommendations regarding large, in-person gatherings.
“The coronavirus is an urgent focus for the biotechnology industry as we work tirelessly to combat this public health threat,” said Jim Greenwood, BIO President & CEO. “Now, more than ever, it’s critical for the biotechnology world to convene and forge collaborations, partnerships and research to advance innovations for our patients and to solve our most timely global issues.”
BIO Digital 2020 will focus on partnerships and virtual collaboration with its BIO One-on-One Partnering system allowing attendees to schedule virtual meetings using their preferred method—whether that is a teleconference system, video meeting service, or another medium—to maximize their business development and licensing potential.
The new format will include expert-level educational content focused on the most pressing industry topics including COVID-19, infectious diseases, vaccine development, digital health, business development, and the latest therapeutic advancements in biotech. Panels will run across four days, mixing live and on-demand sessions.
BIO remains committed to amplifying the industry’s efforts to develop solutions for patients. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BIO has created a web page dedicated to resources for the biopharmaceutical industry. The Business Resource Center features the most up-to-date information on how to maintain business continuity during the pandemic. The center’s newest feature is the Coronavirus Hub, a platform that will enable users to post requests for urgently needed resources and announce the availability of supplies and capacity.
In 2021, the Convention is planned to take place in Boston from June 14-17.
Follow the 2020 Convention @BIOConvention and join the conversation @IAmBIOtech.