BIO is the world's largest marketplace and idea exchange for the biotech industry and at BIO2006 in Chicago on April 9 -12, the global biotech community will be right at Wisconsin's doorstep. More than 20,000 participants from over 60 countries will be exhibiting, attending and networking at this year's convention. Forward Wisconsin is coordinating a pavilion of Wisconsin firms and academic institutions that will showcase Wisconsin's contributions to biotechnology and the advantages of establishing or expanding operations in the state.

The International Division of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce will be offering the International Business Matchmaker (IBM) Service at the show to help Wisconsin biotechnology companies meet global counterparts with complementary interests and thereby maximize their time at BIO2006. One-on-one meetings will be arranged between Wisconsin attendees and business people, academic researchers, government regulators, investors, and other potential partners from around the world. The International Division is working with its overseas trade offices in Canada and Europe as well as partners in Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and elsewhere to make the appointments.

The IBM Service is free of charge to Wisconsin firms and will be available during all three days of the conference. The deadline to sign up for this matchmaking service is Wednesday, March 3, 2006. Questions about the IBM Service can be addressed to Brad Schneider, phone: (920) 420-1796, bschneider@commerce.state.wi.us.

-- Brad Schneider

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Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.