Where Life Meets Science - February 23, 2010

If you know someone who would like to receive this e-newsletter, click here
FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BONNIE GRANT: Situated in the country’s second-largest life sciences industry cluster, the Greater Philadelphia region is home to a plethora of medical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, higher education, and research entities that can provide access to a deep pool of talent and potential partners for life sciences meetings and conventions. Given its prime location, it is no surprise that life sciences-related conventions continue to represent more than 50% of all meetings held in Center City Philadelphia each year, fast becoming known as “America’s Life Sciences Meetings Destination.”

Many factors contribute to Philadelphia being a top choice for life sciences meeting planners. As a city steeped in medical history, Philadelphia is the “Birthplace of American Medicine.”  It is home to the nation’s first medical school, first children’s hospital, first college of pharmacy, first medical library, and first hospital.  Philadelphia also hosts many medical and science attractions, like the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and the Mütter Museum, the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, Pennsylvania Hospital, as well as a number of additional exciting venues that educate and entertain visitors and meeting attendees.  

For a complete listing of medical attractions, or to book a life sciences meeting or convention in Philadelphia, call 1-800-CALL-PHL or visit www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel

LIFE SCIENCES MEET PICASSO AT HIS MOST INVENTIVE:  Save the date of Wednesday, April 14, 2010 to join us at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a special life sciences networking event in conjunction with Picasso and the Avant-Garde in Paris.  The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. with a formal program from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., followed by a reception and exhibition tour.

RUSSIAN-AMERICAN INNOVATIONS: Russian-American Innovation Technology Week (RANIT) will bring together entrepreneurs, scientists, venture capitalists, and established corporations within the American and Russian technology industries. RANIT, organized by the Mid-Atlantic-Russia Business Council (MARBC), is devoted to Russian-American technology and business cooperation and is held twice a year.  The 12th RANIT will highlight biotechnology, nanotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry, and will conclude with participation in 2010 BIO International Convention in Chicago.  The Russian delegation represents the foremost Russian companies in biotechnology and related industries.

Starting in Philadelphia, special events at RANIT-BIO will include a welcoming ceremony and Russian-American Pharmaceutical Conference at Philadelphia City Hall on April 27. The Russian delegation will also visit the International Incubator at the Science Center, participate in a roundtable on the commercialization of nanotechnologies and a seminar on venture capital funds specializing in biotechnology, and me.
                                                                  
HONG KONG AND ZHUHAI OFFER OPTIONS FOR LIFE SCIENCES:  “Hong Kong and Zhuhai: Your Partners for Success in China” is a free, half-day seminar to be held in Boston on March 30 and Philadelphia March 31.  Zhuhai is one of the Pearl River Delta's major cities and is located in Guangdong Province, just 36 nautical miles from Hong Kong. Key industry sectors include: medical devices and precision machinery, biotech, and pharmaceuticals.

Leading experts from Hong Kong and Zhuhai, as well as US business executives, will share their experiences doing business in the Chinese mainland via Hong Kong.  Following the seminar, a complimentary networking luncheon will further help participants meet potential partners. Also, opportunities for one-on-one business meetings will be available to interested companies.  For more info and to register, use this link: Hong Kong/Zhuhai Connection

CORPOREAL MANIFESTATION IN PHILADELPHIA: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia and the Mütter Museum will exhibit Corporeal Manifestation, featuring the work of 11 ceramic sculptors who examine the human experience from a physiological and psychological perspective.  A formal press opening will take place April 2.  Learn more about the collection collphyphil.org/mutter_collection

PHILLY TO GET ITS REAR IN GEAR AGAIN TO FIGHT COLON CANCER: The Greater Philadelphia Region (GYRIG) is looking forward to the second annual Get Your Rear In Gear, presented by the Stop Colon Cancer Now Campaign, 5K Run/Walk to be held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and on Martin Luther King Drive (AKA West River Drive) on Sunday, March 21.  This annual event is part of awareness and fund-raising efforts during March, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  This year, GYRIG welcomes a new presenting sponsor, the Stop Colon Cancer Now Campaign.  Stop Colon Cancer Now is a community of 200 outpatient surgery centers and more than 700 physicians specializing in digestive tract treatment, including the prevention of colon cancer. The Centers are affiliated with AmSurg Corporation, America’s leader in specialized outpatient surgery centers.  For more information, visit Get Your Rear in Gear Philadelphia

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF PCC EXPANSION:  The virtual tour of the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center is now available on our Web site.  You can view it at Pennsylvania Convention Center Expansion Virtual Tour

UPCOMING LIFE SCIENCES MEETINGS IN PHILADELPHIA:
•    National Science Teachers Association/IMN Solutions, March 18-21; Attendance: 15,000
•    National Association for Research in Science Teaching Annual Convention, March 20-24; Attendance: 900
•    American Association of Neurological Surgeons, May 1-5; Attendance: 4,000
 
UPCOMING REGIONAL BIO EVENTS:                                                               
•    2010 Pennsylvania Bio Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration, Thursday, March 11, 2010, 6 p.m. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA Pennsylvania Bio Annual Dinner

WHERE LIFE MEETS SCIENCE IS A BI-WEEKLY EMAIL COMMUNICATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE GPLSC
CONTACT: Bonnie Grant, Executive Director, 215-636-4410
GPLSC is a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, 215-636-3300
www.philadelphiausa.travel/life-sciences