BIO International Is Here!

There’s something about walking into BIO International that never quite gets old. The sheer scale, the sea of booths, the hum of conversations all layered over each other, it’s one of the few places where you can talk monoclonal antibodies at breakfast, cell therapy over lunch, and squeeze in three partnering meetings and a reception before dinner.

I’m back again this year, supporting development and manufacturing across biologics and sterile drug products, and as always, I’m here to learn, listen, and connect. My main focus is on clinical-phase opportunities, but I’m always curious to hear what’s happening across other modalities, too. The science is fascinating, but the human element, the relationships, are what make this week especially valuable.

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Why BIO Still Matters

Sure, we all love a good virtual meeting, and yes, you can technically do business from your desk. But BIO brings something else: momentum.

You can look someone in the eye and actually feel whether there’s trust. You can pick up on energy (or hesitation) that would never come through on a screen. You can ask a quick question on a walk between sessions or strike up a conversation at an evening reception that leads to a real partnership down the line.

For those of us in CDMO business development, that face time is gold. We’re not just selling capabilities, we’re helping sponsors navigate complex, often high-stakes programs. And that starts with building relationships that are real, grounded, and transparent.

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What to Prioritize (Other Than Coffee)

The formal 1:1 meetings are important, of course, but don’t underestimate the value of hallway conversations or chance encounters at the coffee cart. Some of the best discussions happen when you’re off script.

Here’s what I try to keep in mind during BIO:

• Listen more than you talk. Ask about what’s really driving a sponsor’s program. Sometimes the technical need is clear, but the real challenge is something upstream, like changing funding timelines or new regulatory expectations.

  
  

• Be flexible. Plans change. Meetings run long. That reception you didn’t plan on attending might end up being the highlight of your day. Go with it.

  
  

• Follow up quickly. BIO is a whirlwind. If you had a great conversation, send a note the next morning while it’s still fresh. It goes a long way.

  
  

• Pace yourself. You can’t do it all, and you don’t have to. Protect your voice, drink some water between receptions, and yes, wear comfortable shoes (I still haven't learned my lesson- I love a good set of heels!).

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Nights at BIO: Strategy Meets Serendipity

I’m often asked which networking events I plan to attend in the evenings. The honest answer? I don’t overschedule. I find it’s more rewarding to follow the current, see who’s around, and stay open to spontaneous conversations.

Sometimes you end up with a biotech CEO and a scientist from a university spinout at the same table, and suddenly you’re talking about formulation challenges at 10 p.m. over tacos. Not every conversation leads to business, but many lead to insight, and that’s just as valuable.

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Let’s Connect

If you’re at BIO this week and want to talk biologics, sterile manufacturing, or even just how to survive your fourth reception in one night, I’d love to meet up.

I’m easy to spot: usually with a large, iced coffee in hand, struggling to power walk in my high heels from one end of the convention center to the other, still pretending I remember where Booth 2953 is.