BIO Alabama is the leading advocate for Alabama's bioeconomy. We represent the State on a regional, national, and international stage, promoting the intellectual and innovative capital that make our State a premier place to invest, start, and grow in bioscience. BIO Alabama is the State affiliate of Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and we represent 5 core sectors: Drugs & Pharmaceuticals; Medical Device & Equipment; Research Institutes, Universities & Medical Laboratories; Biotechnology Distribution; and Agriculture & Chemicals. We are a 501(c)(6) professional membership organization. Become a member of BIO Alabama today.

Q: When is BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference?

A: Monday - Friday October 5-9, 2020

Q: Why should I attend BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference?

A: A global pandemic made science, specifically bioscience, an overnight media sensation and the #ALBioTech community has responded rapidly with jaw dropping innovation. Beyond COVID-19, our researchers, scientists, and business leaders bring the same sense of urgency to solving the world's most challenging health and environment problems. BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference gives you a front row seat - from your couch, home office, dining room table, even from your cozy bed - to listen to and engage with bioscience leaders, investors, economic development experts, and peers from around the State, region, nation, and world. You seriously don’t want to miss out.

Q: Who will be attending BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference?

A: Bioscience professionals - at all professional levels and all stages of business - as well as Investors, Economic Developers, Students, Sponsors, Media, Service Providers, Elected Officials

Q: I am a student or young professional. Why should I attend?

A: Students and Young Professionals, our show provides opportunities to connect 1:1 with the brightest minds in the industry. Furthermore, learning never stops in bioscience. Our roster of speakers is stacked with diverse subject matter experts and key opinion leaders. Whether you are on the search for your first/next dream job or seeking to expand your knowledge, BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference is for you.

Q: My company is not a bioscience company but we provide services that might be relevant to a bioscience company. Should I attend?

A: The short answer, YES! Building an ecosystem takes diverse experience and expertise. Service providers are welcome to join us to learn more about Alabama’s bioscience industry, global trends, and connect 1:1 with potential customers. If you are looking for more branding and top-of-mind awareness, consider sponsoring our show. Sponsorships start as low as $500. Click here for the sponsor prospectus.

Q: I am an Economic Developer. Why should I attend your conference?

A: Perfect! We have a number of focus tracks specifically on economic development. In fact, BIO Alabama will be presenting our Strategic Economic Development Roadmap on Wednesday, October 7. For most of 2020 we have dedicated time to researching our industry and capturing “voice of industry” through a survey and series of focus groups. We have combed through all of our primary and secondary research and will present our recommendations for key initiatives related to bioscience business recruitment & retention, workforce development, and startups & technology transfer.

Q: Will I be able to connect 1x1 with other attendees?

A: Yes, BIO Alabama will be utilizing Linq to facilitate 1:1 connections and networking. Conference attendees will be able to create a Linq profile utilizing Linq premium. Linq premium will be available free of charge for up to 30 days after the event. At that time, you may elect to continue using Linq premium and pay $4.99 subscription fee or change to the free Linq account.

Q: I want to sponsor your event! How do I become a sponsor?

A: Great! BIO Alabama has a variety of sponsorship opportunities available. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email Sonia@bioalabama.com. It’s more than a sponsorship. You become a recognized supporter of Alabama bioscience researchers, scientists, and business leaders. Furthermore, you help your business prosper with the benefits of being a BIO Alabama virtual annual conference sponsor.

Q: Are you offering a virtual exhibit hall?

A: No. If you are a business owner and want to take advantage of the virtual branding and top-of-mind awareness that our show will deliver, we encourage you to become a sponsor. Plus, be sure to create your Linq profile so you can connect 1:1 with potential customers.

Q: I want to become a member of BIO Alabama. How do I join?

A: Membership in BIO Alabama connects you with decision makers who shape Alabama's bioscience industry. It cements your place in the community of researchers and business leaders who share the vision to improve the way we feed, fuel, and heal our world. It also gives you a vital role in growing our State's bioeconomy while helping your business prosper. Check out our membership levels and benefits here. When you’re ready, complete the online application and we will be in touch to fluff the red carpet and get you connected to our bioscience community.

Q: What is the format of BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference?

A: We are planning a virtual conference that will enable us to deliver four days of content with facilitated virtual connections for business development networking along with expert-level educational content focused on the most pressing industry topics including COVID-19, precision medicine, diversity in bioscience, funding, and more. There will be a variety of speakers and panels across four days, mixing simulive and on-demand sessions, as well as a virtual networking lounge.

Q: Are sessions live or recorded?

A: We are planning a mix of live, simulive, and pre-recorded sessions as well as tools for interacting with speakers for Q&A, even for pre-recorded sessions. Sessions will remain available on demand for a period of time after the start of the event.

Q: What video conference platform do I need to have?

A: We will be using ZOOM to stream live/interactive sessions. On-demand session videos may be viewed within our conference website.

Q: Will I be able to ask the speaker or presenter questions?

A: Yes, BIO Alabama is reviewing the best functionality to enable such Q&A interactions.

Q: When and how I can register for the conference?

A: Registration will open mid-September and, for all you procrastinators out there registration  will remain open until the very last minute up until our show begins on Monday, October 5.

Q: Do I need a coupon code to register?

A: Maybe, coupon codes are provided to members and sponsoring organizations and their guests and attendees. Non-members or students do not need a coupon code. BIO Alabama will provide coupons codes to attendees who need them. If you think you need a coupon code, please contact us at Sonia@bioalabama.com to receive our coupon code.

Q: Is media registration complimentary?

A: Media registration is complimentary for applicants with valid press credentials. If you are a member of the media, please email Sonia@bioalabama.com to request your complimentary conference registration. Instructions for receiving a complimentary media registration will be sent to all approved media. Please note, marketing executives, sales representatives, public relations executives, analysts, consultants, authors and researchers may not register as media.

Q: What payment methods are accepted?

A: BIO Alabama uses PayPal to accept payments and you can pay directly within our registration site. For our annual conference we will NOT accept check or wire transfer.  

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions?

A: Please contact Sonia@bioalabama.com.

Q: What are the plans for BIO Alabama’s 2021 Annual Conference?

A: BIO Alabama is looking forward to hosting an in-person conference October 13-14, 2021 at the Grand Bohemian in Mountain Brook, AL.