iBIO Issues 'Call for Company Presenters' for 7th Annual iBIO Marketplace Conference and Exhibition

Business Wire, Nov 6, 2006

Conference on "Innovation to Commercialization" Helps Companies Position Themselves for Success and Build Strong Midwest Business Alliances

CHICAGO -- The Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO) today announced that it is accepting applications from companies who want to present - particularly those in the Biopharmaceutical, Medical Device & Diagnostics, and Ag Industrial & Environmental - at the association's seventh Annual iBIO Marketplace Conference. With the theme of "Innovation to Commercialization," this year's conference is scheduled to take place February 22, 2007 at The Hyatt Regency Chicago (151 East Wacker Drive).

"This event is becoming well known to the investment community," said iBIO president, David Miller. "And we have seen a continuing increase in participation from members of big company business development professionals. This year's iBIO Marketplace puts a special focus our emerging biotechnology firms, so it will likely draw an audience eager to hear about the value propositions and business plans of the presenting companies."

In addition to attracting potential investors, companies presenting at iBIO Marketplace can raise their community profile, which in turn can pay dividends when recruiting talented technical and management personnel. "Smaller companies today face the continuing challenge of a generally sluggish IPO market," commented Tony Deahl, Divisional Vice President, Global Licensing & Business Development at Abbott, and co-chair of the 2007 iBIO Marketplace Committee. "Indeed, many will end up in M&A transactions with larger companies. iBIO has done a great job of incorporating business development professionals from mid- and large-cap companies, as well as reaching out to VC and angel investors for attendance at the Marketplace.....a prime audience and great opportunity for smaller companies to present their current and future growth strategies."

Companies interested in presenting can fill out an online application at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=755762727840.

There is no fee to submit an application or to present at the iBIO Marketplace. The application deadline for presenters is December 15, 2006.

Each iBIO Marketplace conference has drawn equally from the ranks of the Midwest's established technology leaders and area startups. The conference has repeatedly attracted companies that want to leverage their strengths with those of other Midwestern biotechnology-focused companies by forging new partnerships and alliances. Says David Miller, executive director of iBIO, "Through events and member services such as the iBIO Marketplace, our association is building its reputation locally and nationally as an influential and effective networking vehicle for the Midwest life sciences community. The 2007 iBIO Marketplace conference will again showcase iBIO's commitment to provide premier biotechnology and business conferences for our members throughout the region."

Midwest biotechnology-focused companies of all sizes are encouraged to participate in this year's event. The one-day conclave will provide attendees with an opportunity to have face-to-face discussions with peers and colleagues on a variety of business issues and industry trends that will impact their businesses.

About iBIO:

Our mission is to strengthen the leadership position of Illinois and the Midwest as a globally recognized life sciences center, a great place to do business, and a great place to start businesses involving advanced technologies. http://www.ibio.org

iBIO is the Illinois affiliate of the national BIO organization, which is based in Washington, D.C.