August 1, 2007 — /PRNewswire/ — ANN ARBOR, MI — MichBio, the statewide trade association for Michigan’s life sciences industry, has completed the program and begun online registration for its MichBio Expo set for October 16-17 in Lansing. The Expo is the largest single gathering of life sciences professionals in the state, attracting more than 500 participants and more than 60 exhibitors last year.
“We are very pleased to announce that we have doubled the number of sessions offered this year,” says Stephen T. Rapundalo, PhD, MichBio executive director. “In addition to tracks on research & development and medical affairs & markets, we have added bio-agriculture & industrial biotechnology and emerging businesses to encompass a broader range of life sciences and appeal to companies at every stage of development.”
Each track will include three related sessions with expert speakers addressing specific topics. The program also includes three general sessions entitled, “Legislative Reform 2007: What Your Life Sciences Company Doesn’t Know May Cost You,” “Future Trends & Technologies: Hot Topics,” and “Meet the Press: Communicating with Media and Investors as You Advance Your Product to Market.” Business Development meetings, where company representatives can meet one-on-one with development and procurement executives from national pharmaceutical and medical device companies, will be held once again this year. The full Expo program and individual session descriptions may be viewed at www.michbio.org/Expo.
“The theme for this Expo is ‘Michigan Life Sciences: Gaining the Edge’ and with the robust collection of topics and high quality speakers we will spotlight, along with numerous networking opportunities we have structured into the Expo, this should be a great place to get momentum in achieving that goal,” Rapundalo adds.
Keynote speakers will include James C. Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), and LouAnna K. Simon, PhD, president of Michigan State University, with welcoming remarks from Virg Bernero and Samir Singh, mayors of Lansing and East Lansing, respectively.
The Expo begins October 16 with tours of life science company facilities in the Lansing region and a gala reception in the exhibit and innovation hall, which will showcase more than 65 life science companies and service providers during the reception and throughout the day on October 17. Online registration and information about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities is at www.michbio.org/Expo.
MichBio Expo sponsors include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Pfizer, Michigan State University, Dykema, Harness Dickey, Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett, PhRMA, Asterand, and Business Review.
MichBio is the statewide trade association committed to building Michigan’s life science industry into a growth engine that will drive a revitalized economy. Its members are life sciences companies, academic and research institutions, bioscience service providers, and related organizations. MichBio is dedicated to fostering their collective impact by connecting its members with the essential resources, including goods, services, educational and networking programs, legislative representation, and partners that facilitate success.
Source: MichBio