Online MichBio Expo Registration Now Open

MichBio, Michigan's biotechnology industry association, has opened online registration for its annual Expo & Conference, to be held this year Oct. 26 and 27 at the Marriott at Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti.  Early bird pricing is available through Sept. 24. 

"This is our sixth MichBio Expo, and plans are well underway to make it our best, with plenty of networking opportunities and interesting, topical sessions and an active Exhibit Hall," said Stephen Rapundalo, MichBio president and CEO.

More at www.michbio.org.

Highlights of the event include:

Oct. 26

Area bioscience company tours:  Two routes will offer visitors a choice of tours of exciting local bio-companies. Route 1: Michigan Life Science Innovation Center, University of Michigan Medical Innovation Center, Aastrom Biosciences, Essen BioScience.  Route 2: Enzo Life Sciences (formerly Assay Designs), Xoran Technologies, Accuri Cytometers, Terumo.

Business Partnering Meetings:  Meet one-on-one with business development representatives from larger pharma and medical device companies. Note: For MichBio members only.

Fourth Annual Michigan Emerging Biosciences Showcase:  Preview the next wave of Michigan bioscience companies and their technologies in this fast-paced program. Presentations by  companies taking their first steps along the commercialization pathway as well as early-stage companies that are further along in executing their plans. In addition hear a keynote address and two panel discussions on topics relevant to all start-up companies:

Panel 1 -- Capitalization of the Venture
Keynote Address: James Kuo, president and CEO, Adeona Pharmaceuticals
Panel 2 -- What Every Biotech Start-Up Needs to Know About IP Protection

The deadline for applying to present at the showcase is Sept. 10.

Innovations Poster Session:  A showcase of the most promising technologies and discoveries coming out of labs at Michigan universities and research institutions.  Areas of focus can be pharmaceuticals, medical devices, equipment, diagnostics, informatics, bio-based technologies, industrial biotech and clinical research. The deadline for applying to present a poster is Sept. 10. 

Manufacturer Supplier Track:  An afternoon of focused discussion for suppliers with a "Regulatory Primer for for Prospective Medical Device Manufacturing Suppliers" and "What You Need to Succeed as a Supplier to the Medical Device Industry".

Opening Reception:  An excellent time for power networking and investigating what our exhibitors have to offer.

CEO Dinner Forum:  "Changing Times for the Bio-Industry" Industry leaders in big pharma and biotechnology will discuss the challenges every R&D executive is facing, especially given economic and policy uncertainty -- from reining in the high costs of R&D to declining research productivity and pipelines, pricing pressures and regulatory constraints, future trends in R&D innovation, outlooks for corporate partnering, and of course, the changing landscape in healthcare delivery. 
NOTE: This is an invitation-only event for CEOs of MichBio member bioscience companies. Space is limited.

October 27

Breakfast Policy Forum: This forum for the first time will feature Michigan's gubernatorial candidates who will discuss their ideas and plans for advancing the state's bioscience industry.  The session will begin in a moderated fashion with questions developed by MichBio's Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee.  An open Q&A period will follow.

Concurrent Track Sessions: Topical sessions in the areas of  Pharma, Medical Device, Ag/Bio-Based Technologies and Emerging Business. Session Descriptions

Awards: One individual and one compnay will be recognized with the "Innovator of the Year" and "Good to Great" Awards.  Information and Nomination Form

Keynote Address: Jeffrey E. Shuren, director of the center for devices and radiological health at the United States Food and Drug Administration, speaking on "The Changing Regulatory Landscape at CDRD."

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