BIO 2007, the world's largest biotechnology conference, held May 6-9 in Boston, attracted a record 22,366 attendees from 48 states and 64 countries – and was a prime opportunity for Wisconsin to promote its bioscience capabilities.

Governor Jim Doyle led a 200-member Wisconsin delegation representing businesses, universities, and organizations affiliated with the state's growing life sciences industry – now comprised of more than 300 companies achieving over $7 billion in annual revenues, and nearly $800 million in university R&D activities.

Department of Commerce Secretary Burke officially opened the 1,600-square-foot Wisconsin pavilion and launched its Bio Theatre where 18 Wisconsin companies made live presentations announcing discoveries and new products. Other Wisconsin companies used the event to seek strategic partnerships, find investment, and identify key service providers and suppliers.

Event highlights included:

• A special pavilion appearance by Governor Doyle in support of Wisconsin bioscience, along with former US Ambassador to Norway Tom Loftus and Yoshi Kawaoka, UW-Madison's world-leading expert on avian flu. The Governor also hosted an evening reception designed for business networking.
• A breakfast with the German Hessen delegation and one-on-one meetings between Wisconsin companies and international groups, arranged by our International Division to foster partnering.
• Secretary Burke's meeting with bio-companies looking to expand into Wisconsin.

Commerce was a lead sponsor among the 60 organizations that funded Wisconsin's presence at BIO 2007. Forward Wisconsin took the lead organizing Wisconsin's pavilion. Commerce's Mary Regel, Christine Stamm, Brad Schneider, and Cheryl Gain were members of the BIO 2007 steering committee.

-- Stanley Pfrang

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Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.