Questions about Bio2015?

[M.W.S.]

I'm a postdoc at a major medical center in the midwest looking to move to a non-postdoc (but PhD level) lifesciences R&D position by no later than this summer. I've never been to a Bio meeting so I was wondering if someone could tell me if it is worth the money and what to expect if I attend. Is it a good networking event, high probability of meeting scientists/hiring managers/executives? High probability of landing interviews directly from networking at Bio? I noticed the registration ranges from $1000+ to a few hundred dollars, so what are the differences in registration? What types of companies attend (big pharma, start ups, etc...) Any advice regarding the value of the Bio meeting in terms of networking and probable job prospects is appreciated!

[Dick Woodward]

BIO is an interesting meeting. Unless it has changed dramatically from when I attended, a large portion of the attendees are not from pharma or biotech R&D. The vast majority of the exhibits are economic development agencies and service providers such as law firms. There are a fair number of contractors that exhibit as well. I have always considered BIO to be more of a "business deal" type of show.

That being said, they do have a career fair, and there are already over 600 positions posted. It looks like it is free to attend the career fair and the exhibit, so if you are willing to invest the money to get to Philly and stay there for a couple of days, it is probably worth your while. I would check out the positions being offered and see if there are a large number that are of interest to you. If there are only a couple, it might be time to practice your networking skills and secure introductions to the hiring managers at those companies rather than spend the money on air fares and hotels.

I took a fast look at the first 100 or so of those positions, and they were not very heavy on R&D. Look them over and make up your mind if this would be worth it.

Good luck,

Dick

[Dave Jensen]

I'm a postdoc at a major medical center in the midwest looking to move to a non-postdoc (but PhD level) lifesciences R&D position by no later than this summer. I've never been to a Bio meeting so I was wondering if someone could tell me if it is worth the money and what to expect if I attend. Is it a good networking event, high probability of meeting scientists/hiring managers/executives? High probability of landing interviews directly from networking at Bio? I noticed the registration ranges from $1000+ to a few hundred dollars, so what are the differences in registration? What types of companies attend (big pharma, start ups, etc...) Any advice regarding the value of the Bio meeting in terms of networking and probable job prospects is appreciated!

The BIO meeting is a blast. A great big-time networking event, with everything laid out in perfect form for meeting people and advancing your career. The problem is, for you, that it is focused more on BIO business than R&D. However, as Dick says, if you take advantage of the chance to see the exhibits and talk to people in the posters and career section, that would be fun and great exposure to the business of biotech.

Have fun,

Dave