It was four years ago, at the 2019 BIO International Convention held in Philadelphia, that the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia launched the region’s Cell & Gene Therapy and Connected Health Initiative to further boost the market as a leading center for life sciences and a top cell and gene therapy, gene editing, and connected health technology hub. The global attendees at the convention, representing biotech leaders from more than 30 countries, were the ideal audience to hear the news of the region’s expertise and expansion efforts in these industries.

Since 2019, the region’s rapidly expanding life sciences industry has been recognized as a top-five U.S. life sciences cluster (JLL’s 2022 Life Sciences Research Outlook & Cluster Rankings), a top-five venture capital ecosystem (2022 Philadelphia Venture Report), and #2 U.S. cell and gene therapy hub (Econsult). Next month, Chamber staff, partners, and life sciences organizations will be updating the life sciences world on the growth and innovation in Greater Philadelphia’s life sciences ecosystem at the 2023 BIO International Convention (BIO 2023), being held June 5-8, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

BIO 2023, an annual convention organized by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers, and related organizations, is the industry’s largest professional gathering. Approximately 15,000 attendees, including business development executives, investors, research analysts, and media, are anticipated. The Chamber team is taking a lead to ensure as many of them as possible hear about Greater Philadelphia through partnership meetings, a presence in the exhibit hall, and promotional activities.

How to Connect with the Chamber and Pennsylvania Partners at BIO 2023

The Chamber will be well represented in the exhibit hall as part of the Pennsylvania Partners Pavilion, alongside leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce, PHL Life Sciences (a branch of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau), and other regional partners. Kate Sullivan, Vice President of Business Investment and Regional Marketing, and Bryan Tsao, Ph.D., Manager, Life Sciences and Healthcare Initiatives, will be meeting with companies considering locating or expanding in Greater Philadelphia. A special effort will also be placed on outreach to international media who are attending to amplify Greater Philadelphia’s story worldwide.

“We have seen a significant uptick in the number of inquiries we are receiving from international companies looking to locate or expand in Greater Philadelphia,” Sullivan said. “BIO 2023 will be a terrific opportunity to connect with companies from near and far.”

How to Engage with Greater Philadelphia Organizations

Beyond the exhibit hall, Greater Philadelphia will have a presence at partnering sessions to connect with biotech executives, business development leaders, and investors. Search “The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia” in the BIO 2023 online partnering system to schedule a meeting. Other regional companies participating are Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.; Aro Biotherapeutics; Passage Bio; PCI Pharma Services; and Penn Center for Innovation.

There are currently more than a dozen speakers representing Pennsylvania and the region scheduled to speak at BIO 2023, including: Matthew Burkhardt, Director, B Labs, discussing  “Comparative Views of Wet Lab Incubation,” and Denise Sabatino, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, presenting on “The Future of Non-Viral Gene Therapy: Accelerating Next-Generation Gene Therapies.” In addition, Brian McVeigh, CLP, CPA, MBA, Chairman, CEO, Co-Founder of Code Biotherapeutics, Inc., and Shankar Musunuri, MBA, Ph.D., Chairman, CEO, Co-Founder of Ocugen, will present on their companies.

For Greater Philadelphia Companies Attending BIO 2023

If you or representatives from your company are attending BIO 2023, there are a few easy ways you can take action to help spread the word about Greater Philadelphia when communicating and networking with BIO’s global audience.

Connect with the Chamber

Let the Chamber know you are attending BIO 2023 by contacting Bryan Tsao, Ph.D., so that we can include you in our promotional efforts.

Share Your Participation on Social
  • In advance of and at the conference, please promote your participation on your social media networks and tag Select Greater Philadelphia. The Chamber will also share news on its Select Greater Philadelphia social sites (Select Greater Philadelphia Council on LinkedIn or @SelectPHL on Twitter).
  • Use the hashtags #DiscoveryStartsHerePHL, #LeadingLifeSciences, and #BIO2023.
Access the Cell & Gene Therapy Toolkit

The Chamber has developed the Cell & Gene Therapy Toolkit to assist Greater Philadelphia companies in preparing materials for conferences, meetings, presentations, and other communications. It highlights key messages about Greater Philadelphia for audiences including investors, customers, talent, expanding companies, and media, and it can help you share Greater Philadelphia’s life sciences story. For example, an infographic features data on the number of employees working in life sciences in Greater Philadelphia. The toolkit also includes a list of cell and gene therapy companies located in the region.

Promote the PA Partners Pavilion

Be sure to promote the Pennsylvania Partners Pavilion as a way to connect with the Chamber team.

BIO 2023 Follow-up

Finally, the most important part of the region’s efforts at BIO 2023 will be following up on the contacts made and leads generated. Sullivan and Tsao will be overseeing the Chamber’s post-conference activities.

Participation at industry conferences such as BIO 2023 is a key initiative for the Chamber as we work to identify and nurture business attraction and expansion opportunities and address the needs of those interested in partnering with Greater Philadelphia. We look forward to seeing you there.