With almost 6,000 participants from over 60 countries, 3,000 companies and nearly 30,000 partnering meetings, BIO-Europe 2023 in Munich broke all records, even compared to pre-pandemic days. This proved that Munich is not only one of the most relevant biotech locations for life sciences in Europe, but also an excellent place for top-class events in the field of cutting-edge research. The event, which was decisively supported by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, also benefited from the long-standing cooperation between the local host BioM, the Munich Department of Labor and Economic Affairs, and the EBD Group.
Over the past 29 years, BIO-Europe has developed into Europe's leading partnering event in the life sciences sector and offers a platform for networking and exchanging ideas. "Besides exciting scientific presentations and discussions, the opportunities for medical solutions through the application of artificial intelligence and big data along with the special potential of Munich as a location were the predominant topics at this year's trade event," says Prof. Ralf Huss, Managing Director of BioM.
"The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry is one of Munich's most important economic pillars. That’s why the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs was delighted to welcome the renowned international BIO-Europe conference back to the city and provided the conference with organizational support and an attractive tourist program," says Clemens Baumgärtner from Munich’s Department of Labor and Economic Affairs.
„The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry is one of Munich's most important economic pillars."
Nine months before the event, BioM as the local host helped to design the supporting program for BIO-Europe and worked with Munich Congress Bureau staff to put together a program for the international guests of the partnering conference to present Munich’s tourist attractions and plan a tour to the biotechnology hotspot in Martinsried. "This extremely collegial collaboration resulted in three offers that were drawn up in collaboration with Munich Congress Bureau and successfully advertised via the BioM channels and the conference organizer," Birgitta von Glass from BioM explains. She is responsible for event management at the Bavarian biotechnology industry’s networking organization.
Since the BioM cluster organization was founded over 25 years ago, there have been close links between the City of Munich's business development agency and BioM. Their joint activities include location advice, regular analyses of Munich’s economic development, network development, synergy generation, and support for various industry events in Munich.
The event was organized by the EBD Group, which specializes in partnering events in the life sciences. "We work with sponsors, supporting media, associations and, of course, with local biotech clusters such as BioM,” says Claire Macht, the European Portfolio Director. “In this way, we ensure that everyone on site is actively involved in making the most of their time at the event.
„So of course it’s a welcome fact that Munich has so many locational advantages, regardless of the industry in question."
A key aim of our conferences is to showcase the local and regional biotech community to an international audience. Working with Munich Congress Bureau and a number of other local companies and organizations helps us in similar fashion. These are the partners who support us in achieving our sustainability goals, supporting the biotech startup community, and helping people get to know Munich as a place where people live and do business. Our events are all about people connecting with each other, and we like to practice the same approach in how we deliver our events.”
So of course it’s a welcome fact that Munich has so many locational advantages, regardless of the industry in question. "Not all cities have the infrastructure to support events on the scale of BIO-Europe, not just in terms of their physical infrastructure, but also in terms of having the right people to provide solutions to some of the hurdles we face when hosting over 5,500 delegates at our event,” Claire Macht points out. “ Our partners in Munich, Munich Congress Bureau, the city and the state have been instrumental in helping us put on the biggest BIO-Europe ever, and doing so in a way that lets Munich's unique character shine.”
