BIO 2019 in Philadelphia - One to remember

Last week, a stunning number of 17,300 attendees joined the BIO International Convention in Philadelphia. Branded with the theme “It Starts With One”, BIO highlighted the game changing impact of the small, daily efforts of BIO attendees. One of the exhibition floor’s highlights was the Health~Holland Pavilion, a not-to-miss orange landmark in a sea of country pavilions. Together with a delegation of 120 Dutch biotech entrepreneurs, we look back on a successful edition.

The orange Health~Holland Pavilion was once again the eye-catcher of the exhibition floor. Dressed up with tulips, stroopwafels and a Dutch bike, the pavilion was an orange living room. But most importantly, it was the central information point for international visitors with questions regarding the Dutch business and innovation climate and the national life sciences & health sector.

Biotech hotspot

In a 13 minutes pitch as part of the Global Innovation Hub, HollandBIO’s Annemiek Verkamman zoomed in on today’s Dutch masters of biotech. She explained why the Netherlands has Europe’s most attractive business climate for biopharmaceutical companies. With this year’s relocation of the EMA, the Netherlands has what it takes to evolve into a true global biotech hotspot.

Dutch Strengths

During the Hospitality Reception, the pavilion transformed in one of BIO’s best-visited happy hours. In a powerful and hilarious quiz-style speech, Hans Schikan introduced the one Dutch Strength after another to the eager crowd. His take-home message: the Netherlands is the place to be for life sciences companies. After the traditional raffle of the Loyens & Loeff bike, everyone grabbed the opportunity to meet new business partners. For all disappointed participants of the raffle: rest assured, there will be a new bike to win at BIO 2020 in San Diego.

Source: HollandBIO