The 2022 BIO International Convention wrapped up last Thursday in San Diego after four days of conversations, connections, and fun. The first BIO Convention since 2019 was a celebration of being back together again, after two plus years of the pandemic preventing it. It was also a celebration of the impact of the life sciences industry on creating and delivering COVID-19 vaccines to the world in record time and allowing conferences like BIO to resume in-person.
Massachusetts was well represented at the BIO Convention at the State of Possible Pavilion on the conference floor. The pavilion was supported by our partners in government including the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and MassDevelopment, our economic development colleagues from the Life Sciences Corridor, Marlborough Economic Development Corporation, and MassEcon, and our members ABI Lab, Astellas, BIO Mansfield Incubator, and KPMG. Together, we took to the floor of the Convention to share the story of Massachusetts and why we are the best place in the world for this industry. Through panel discussions focusing on digital health and workforce, random connections, and regular meetings to discuss partnering and siting opportunities, the State of Possible team expanded the Massachusetts network and created new possibilities for our economy, our industry, and most importantly, for patients.
Of note, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center used time during the Convention to announce a new round of state tax incentives to support the growth of life sciences companies in Massachusetts. The new round of incentive awards total $24.2 million and will be going to 36 different organizations who have committed to creating over 1,500 new jobs—and 28 of them are expanding outside of Boston and Cambridge, accounting for 77 percent of the new jobs. These incentives have a history of success, creating over 10,000 jobs since the Center’s inception.
What we experienced throughout the Convention was a renewed sense of possibility in all attendees. The desire for partnering meetings was through the roof and the conversations were serious and engaged. This seemed especially true of the foreign delegations visiting the Massachusetts pavilion. Whether representing private industry or a foreign economic development agency, these attendees were eager to learn about the potential for partnerships with Massachusetts and ensuring science – no matter where it originates – has the best chance possible to ultimately reach patients.
After coming home and resting up, the MassBio team is invigorated to reconnect with the people and organizations we met in San Diego and assess how we can convene and catalyze, provide the best impact for our members, and continue to help keep Massachusetts as the best place for the life sciences industry to thrive.
We’re also thrilled to share that we will be hosting the BIO International Convention in Boston in 2023, where we have had record attendance in previous years.
About
Zach Stanley
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, MassBio
As Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Zach oversees the organization’s government affairs, communications, marketing, equity, diversity & inclusion, patient advocacy, and workforce development initiatives, in addition to his leadership role at MassBio. (Full Bio)