Singapore, Mar 05, 2010: US-based Biotechnology Industry Organization announced that the 2010 BIO International Convention is expected to contribute more than $25 million to the local economy, according to estimates from the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. The BIO International Convention is scheduled in Chicago on May 3-6, 2010, and is expected to draw 15,000 to 17,000 industry leaders from 48 states and 60 countries.

"We are thrilled to come back to Chicago after an extraordinary 2006 convention. Chicago is an international city with a strong and vibrant biotech community. And the mid-west region is an emerging biotech hotbed. We are excited to showcase everything the region has to offer,” said Mr Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO.

“Biotechnology is one of the major growth industries of the 21st century. Chicago and Illinois already are major players in this field – and we welcome the opportunity to showcase the depth and breadth of biotechnology in the Midwest to the international leaders of the industry. Chicago is a city where everyone understands the value of conventions and trade shows to our city’s economy. We look forward to hosting the 2010 BIO International Convention,” said Mayor Richard M Daley.

Illinois is home to more than 440 corporate R&D facilities and more than 200 academic, government, and non-profit research institutions. The state delivers a broad range of products and services, including medicines, medical devices, nutritional products, food and agricultural applications, alternative fuels, industrials, and environmental solutions.

"Illinois is a Midwestern leader in biotech and other emerging fields due in large part to our ability to support diverse industries. Hosting the BIO 2010 convention reinforces our commitment to seeing this industry grow, and supports a stronger more vibrant economy in the state," said Governor Pat Quinn.

This year's BIO Exhibition will cover an estimated 200,000 net sq. ft. and host more than 1,800 exhibitors at McCormick Place. In 2009, the convention, held in Atlanta, attracted more than 14,000 attendees and exhibitors with approximately one-third from countries outside the US. The 2009 event also hosted numerous domestic and international public officials including eight US Governors.

"Illinois provides bioscience entrepreneurs with the right balance of highly-skilled workers and essential capital, community and international access. We know that entrepreneurs will come to Chicago and recognize that the city and state offer an environment where businesses thrive," said Warren Ribley, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Aside from keynote sessions, presentations and breakout sessions at the 2010 BIO International Convention will focus on research and development, partnership opportunities, and new business models required to meet global health challenges. This year, the Convention program will feature more than 125 sessions in 17 tracks. New tracks for 2010 include Delivery and Manufacturing of Biologics, Global Drug Development and Marketing, Innovations in Vaccines, and MarketPlace Watch.