8 Things to do at BIO International Convention 2025
The 8 things you must do at BIO INternational Convention 2025!
The BIO International Convention is the biggest event in the biotechnology space. With almost 20,000 registrants in 2024, BIO is the place to build relationships and make valuable connections.
This year, BIO is taking place in the city of Boston, home to the Red Sox, John F.Kennedy Museum, Charles River and much more.
In this article, we will discuss our top picks of things to do at BIO, including panels, sessions, happy hours and exhibitor events (including freebies). If you have time outside of the busy show, or decide to extend your stay, we have a few tourist attractions we recommend.
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If you’re planning on seeing Boston’s top attractions, getting the Go City pass may be of interest to you. With access to over 45 attractions, tours and activities, the passes can help you see everything you want to for one money-saving price.
8 things to do at BIO International Convention
1. Walk Through History on Boston’s Freedom Trail
Experience more than 250 years of history on Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail. The trail is 2.5 miles long, which leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites. The Freedom Trail holds a unique collection of churches, parks, a ship, museums and meeting houses that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
There’s a variety of ways to experience the Freedom Trail: immersive programs, private walking tours, self-guided tours and much more. With methods to suite everyone, there’s no reason to not enjoy this!
Find out more information here.
2. Take a Boat Tour Across the Charles River
For a relaxing and scenic way to experience the city, a river cruise is the perfect addition to your itinerary. These cruise’s offer stunning views of the Boston skyline, historic landmarks and the charming waterfront neighbourhoods. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore the city in a new light, it’s an ideal way to take in Boston’s beauty while learning more about its rich cultural and maritime history.
Boston Duck Tours are one of the most popular providers, as the only tour operator that can traverse both land and water, it provides a unique way to view Boston.
The Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise allows you to see Boston's history for what it is. Enjoy world-class views of the skyline while emerging yourself in this cruise across the Harbor. See top attractions such as the Boston Tea Party ships, Boston Museum, USS Constitution, Old North Church and more!
3. Visit America’s Oldest Ballpark
Fenway Park is a great way to take some time away from the busy show atmosphere. It’s home to the Boston Red Sox and is the oldest active ballpark in the Major League Baseball. Built in 1921, Fenway offers a historic and unforgettable atmosphere unlike any other baseball park.
In Boston before BIO? No problem! Catch the legendary rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees in a home game on Sunday 15th, but make sure you act fast, as seats are limited and selling quickly. For those wanting a deeper dive into the park's rich history, Fenway Park tours are available, the price ranges from $25 public tours to $50+ for premium experiences.
View more information here.
Next up, we have a few panels, discussions and sessions that we recommend attending while at BIO 2025.
4. AI Summit: What is Working? What is Next?
Speakers: Ricardo Vilanova (Ernst & Young, LLP), Molly Gibson (Lila Sciences), Luba Greenwood (Gallop Oncology), Iya Khalil (Merck & Co.) and Mary Rozenman (insitro).
Overview: This opening breakout session will discuss how AI is being utilised in the biopharma development process and how to prepare for the next wave of applications for better developing therapies and cures for patients.
Date and Time: Monday, June 16, 2025 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - 60 mins
Location: 253ABC
More information here.
5. Power Partnerships: How Novartis is Revolutionizing Medicine with Biotech, VCs, and Pharma Collaborations
Speakers: Michelle Davis (Bloomberg News), Kevin Bitterman (Atlas Venture), Aharon (Ronny) Gal (Novartis), Bill Muery (Anthos Therapeutics), Alfred Sandrock (Voyager Therapeutics) and Nandita Shangari (RA Capital).
Overview: This session, sponsored by Novartis, delves into the potential of partnerships through the exploration of real-world experiences between Novartis and its partners. Panellists will share valuable insights and learnings from various stages that has continued to allow these relationships to drive innovation and success.
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 1:45 PM to 3:00 PM - 75 mins
Location: 253ABC
More information here.
6. Unlocking the Future: Opportunities and Challenges in Advanced Biologics Manufacturing
Speakers: Ger Brophy (Avantor), Sergio Cerdas (Novartis), Michael Paglia (ElevateBio), Stacy Springs (MIT Center for Biomedical Innovation) and Johannes van der Loo (University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine).
Overview: Hear about the opportunities and hurdles in the advanced biologics manufacturing field, where innovative technologies intersect with medical advancements. This panel will explore significant opportunities, like the development of revolutionary treatments, and will also explore potential challenges for manufacturers, suppliers, researchers and regulators.
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM - 60 mins
Location: 209
More information here.
7. Planning for the Future: Workforce, Leadership, and Health Outcomes in a Changing Environment
Speakers: Ted W.Love (BIO Board of Directors), Carolina Alarco (Latinos in Bio), Rob Perez (General Atlantic), Michael Samar (Noema Pharma) and Arun Skaria (Alnylam).
Overview: This session will explore how companies stay compliant and committed and discuss potential risks for future innovation. The panellists include leaders in the industry with expertise in leading organisations committed to fostering a globally competitive industry.
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM - 60 mins
Location: 208
More information here.
8. Notable Exhibitor Events
Here’s our top pick of exhibitor events, from happy hours to free umbrellas, the BIO exhibitors have a range of things on offer this year!
City of Hope: Monday, June 16, 12:30PM to 6:00PM. Free charging cables and tote bags at Booth #486.
Texas Pavilion & Scorpius BioManufacturing: Tuesday, June 17, 5:00PM to 6:30PM. Texas Block Party (Happy Hour), with Texas inspired light bites, beers and cocktails while networking with industry professionals and leaders.
Medicines Evaluation Unit: Tuesday, June 17, 5:00PM to 6:30PM. Chance to grab MEU goodies, including umbrellas, pens and USB sticks!
Ecolab Life Sciences: Tuesday, June 17, 5:00PM to 6:30PM. Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while making valuable connections with leaders and experts at the Exhibitor reception at Booth #1971.
Catalent: Wednesday, June 18, 4:00PM to 6:00PM. Meet the Catalent team and learn about their CDMO services at their Wine & Cheese Reception at Booth #2735.
View all exhibitor events here.
Meet the Orientation Marketing team!
The Orientation marketing team will be present for the four days of the event and are there to network - to meet our clients and partners, as well as those who would like to know a little about our services. If you have some time, you could meet our team members to discuss marketing opportunities and avenues for growth - via PR and comms, media planning, content marketing, PPC, events or inbound marketing - as well as the publications we work with and what they can do for you.
Or, if you just want to meet us for a social - a coffee or a glass of wine or beer - we’re equally happy to hear from you! Please get in touch to arrange a meeting if you are attending the show.
For more on events in the pharmaceutical sectors, and how we can support you, see our section on events. And if you are attending BIO 2025, talk with one of our team members by booking a meeting.
