An international biotech convention that will bring 15,000 executives and scientists, and host former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, got under way this weekend in downtown San Diego.
The 2014 BIO International Convention officially begins Monday at the San Diego Convention Center, but workshops prior to the main gathering were being held this weekend at the Marriott Marquis and Marina.
Clinton, a possible candidate for the Democratic nomination for president, will speak to the group on Wednesday. Prior to her convention speech, she will appear at Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla to promote her new book, “Hard Choices.”
British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson will speak on Tuesday.
The San Diego biotech sector will be well-represented, with 76 local biotechnology and pharmaceutical executives, scientists and innovators scheduled to speak on emerging trends in genomics, wireless healthcare, new research technologies and personalized medicine.
“The San Diego biotech industry is one of the top three regional clusters in the nation, and its importance is evidenced by the large number of local experts participating in the Convention program,” said Scott Whitaker, president of the BIO International Convention. “BIO 2014 also features our first Digital Health Zone, which recognizes an emerging field pioneered in San Diego. We are pleased to return to San Diego and expect this year’s event to be one of our most newsworthy and engaging to date.”
The conference will also feature an “innovation zone” sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation showcasing biotech startup companies, and a convention floor with more than 1,700 exhibitors, including 57 from the San Diego region.
A welcoming reception is scheduled for Monday night aboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum.
The Biotechnology Industry Association largest association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations.
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