BioPartner Annual Dinner

We were delighted that BioCity Nottingham agreed to be our event partners. BioCity, now one of Europe's largest bioscience incubators, generously laid on a venue for the discussion as well as a guided tour of their establishment, and supported our arrangements for the reception and Dinner.

2011's Discussion Forum was entitled "Going to America". With BIO starting a few days later, our panel-led discussion focused on the merits - or otherwise - of setting up in the US. As a funding, sales or exit strategy, is it inevitable that UK innovation has to cross the Atlantic to realise its full commercial potential?

Held under the Chatham House Rule to encourage a free and lively exchange of opinions, the Forum is an opportunity for life science company builders from across the UK to join the debate on the global challenges faced by our sector. 2011's Panel members are all currently active life science company leaders with impressive international track records and a wealth of exerience to draw upon.

After the Discussion we transferred to Colwick Hall for a drinks and networking reception - kindly sponsored by Ernst & Young LLP - before a four-course evening meal. Dinner was followed by after dinner speeches by our chosen captains of the industry: Nigel Gaymond, Chief Executive of the BIA, and Stefan Ogrodzinski, CEO of BioStatus Ltd. There was a late bar to encourage further discussion between delegates, and Colwick Hall provided guest accomodation for which we negotiated a special rate.

Life science companies in attendance included: BioStatus, Cyprotex Discovery, Haemostatix, Horizon Discovery, Illingworth Research, Image Analysis, Lab21, Lectus Therapeutics, Molecular Profiles, Nuformix, Oxford BioMedica, Q-Chip, Senexis, SeraLab, Source Bioscience, Sygnature Chemical Services, and more.

As in previous years, attendance was strictly by invitation only to ensure a high quality event for lifescience executives.

Please take part in our online poll (below). Responses will be shared at the Discussion Forum and your comments will be put to our Panel:.