8 Things to Do at BIO International Convention 2026
The 8 things you must do at BIO INternational Convention 2026!
If you’re heading to BIO International Convention 2026 this June, expect a packed schedule, a lot of walking, and more conversations than you can imagine.
BIO International Convention is the largest event for biotechnology, representing the full ecosystem of biotech with 20,000 industry leaders from across the globe. This year, BIO International Convention will be held in San Diego, California.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of your time in San Diego, here are 8 things worth building into your week.
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Meet the Orientation Marketing Team in San Diego
The Orientation Marketing leadership team will be at BIO International Convention 2026. Meet Chris Lawson, Gareth Pickering, Elliott Berger and Miles Fisher-Pollard this June to discuss marketing opportunities for growth and development. Schedule a meeting with us.
Fierce BIO Preview 2026: Tuesday 16th June
Join industry leaders for a fast-paced, insider look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities everyone will be talking about on the ground. Hear from industry experts including: Susan Reasoner, Chief Commercial Officer at BioDuro, Russell Miller, VP, Global Sales and Marketing at Enzene, Bernie Clark, Vice President and Global Head of Marketing at FUJIFILM Technologies and Brandon Vail, Business Development Officer at HIPRA. Register now.
8 things to do at BIO International Convention
1. Discover How AI Is Really Being Used in Biopharma
AI is no longer a “future trend” at BIO, it’s the conversation.
This year’s agenda makes that clear, with multiple sessions exploring how AI is actually being applied across drug discovery, clinical development, and commercial strategy. Rather than focusing on one talk, it’s worth treating this as a theme and dipping into a few sessions across the week:
AI Summit Kickoff: Data on AI Adoption in Biotech. 22nd June, 1pm-1:30pm. 28ABCDE.
Beyond the Hype: How AI is Actually Transforming Biopharma in 2026. 22nd June, 1:45pm-2:45pm. 28ABCDE.
In AI We Trust? The Shift from Calculator to Collaborator. 23rd June, 11am-12pm. 31AB.
Turning AI Hype into Real-World Breakthroughs and Measurable Value for Pharma. 24 June, 11am-12pm. 31AB.
Sessions are digging into real use cases: where AI is driving efficiency, where it’s falling short, and how organisations are integrating it into existing workflows rather than treating it as a standalone capability.
If AI touches your role (and realistically, it probably does), this is one of the most valuable areas to spend time.
2. Explore the Future of Cell and Gene Therapy
Cell and gene therapy continues to be one of the most exciting and complex areas in biotech.
At BIO 2026, the conversation is moving beyond innovation and into execution. Sessions in this space focus on how therapies are being scaled, how access is being expanded, and what still needs to be solved to bring these treatments to more patients.
There’s a strong emphasis on rare diseases and CAR-T therapies, with discussions covering manufacturing challenges, cost considerations, and the realities of delivering these treatments outside of specialist centres:
Unlocking the Uncommon: Accelerating Cell & Gene Therapies for Rare Diseases. June 23, 1:45pm-2:45pm. 32AB.
Reimagining Postmarketing Safety: Creating Unified Postmarketing Registries. June 24, 4:15pm-5:15pm. 23BC.
Bringing CAR-T to the Community: Expanding Access and Unlocking the Next Frontier of Cell Therapy. June 25, 9am-10am. 30ABC.
For anyone working in R&D, manufacturing, or commercial strategy, these sessions offer a grounded view of where the industry really is, and what needs to happen next.
3. Attend the BIO Gives Back Concert
Monday 22nd June, 7pm-9pm, San Diego Waterfront Park
The BIO Gives Back Concert is one of those events that offers something a little different, a chance to step away from the intensity of the day and connect with people in a more relaxed setting.
Held at the waterfront, it combines live music with a charitable focus, supporting organisations aligned with BIO’s priorities around patient access and innovation. It’s a reminder that beyond the commercial side of the industry, there’s a wider purpose behind a lot of the work being discussed throughout the week.
From a networking perspective, events like this are often where conversations feel more natural.
Included in Premier and General Access registrations only.
4. Experience the Gaslamp Block Party
Wednesday 24th June, 7pm-9pm, Gaslamp Quarter: 5th Avenue J to L
The Gaslamp Block Party has become a tradition, with two blocks of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter taken over by the biotech community. Restaurants, bars, and outdoor spaces all come together to create an atmosphere that’s much more social than your typical conference setting.
It’s one of the easiest places to have the kind of conversations that don’t fit into a 30-minute calendar slot but often end up being the most memorable.
Included in Premier and General Access registrations only.
5. Visit Interactive Booth Experiences
Exhibitor booths have evolved quite a bit in recent years.
At BIO 2026, many companies are creating experiences rather than just spaces, whether that’s informal networking, live content, or interactive activities designed to bring people in.
From casual conversations over refreshments, to World Cup watch parties and prize-based games, these setups create a more relaxed environment to connect.
Cytovance Biologics Inc: World Cup Watch Party, Booth 4445. They’ll be streaming the matches live and welcome fellow attendees from across the global biotech community to catch the game and connect with peers. Show that you follow Cytovance Biologics on LinkedIn and you’ll have the chance to win your very own FIFA World Cup Official Trophy LEGO set!
OXB (formerly Oxford Biomedica): There’s a chance to win a lab flask water bottle and other exciting prizes at Booth 5216!
6. Start the Week on a High and Join the BIO 5K or BiotechBikers Ride
Conference weeks can be intense, so building in something a little different can make a big difference.
BiotechBikers@BIOInternational: Sunday 21st June.
BIO 5K (or 1-mile option): Monday 22nd June.
Both events offer a chance to wind down before the exhibition floor and start the week in a more relaxed way. They’re informal, social, and open to a wide mix of attendees.
Even if you’re not usually someone who signs up for these things, it’s worth considering for the change of pace alone.
7. Spend Time at Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo
If you can carve out a few hours away from the conference, Balboa Park is one of the easiest and most worthwhile places to go.
It’s more than just a park, it’s a cultural hub, home to museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. The architecture alone makes it worth the visit, and it’s a good contrast to the pace of the convention centre.
A short trip here can feel like a reset before heading back into a busy schedule. Find out more.
8. Watch the Sunset at Sunset Cliffs
After a full day of sessions and meetings, sometimes the best thing you can do is step away completely.
Sunset Cliffs offers exactly that. A short trip from downtown, it gives you uninterrupted views over the Pacific Ocean and a chance to slow things down for an hour or two.
It’s not a formal networking spot, and that’s kind of the point. Whether you go solo or with colleagues, it’s a good way to reflect on the day before heading back into the evening events, or grabbing dinner in Little Italy. With plenty of shops, restaurants and events, Little Italy is the place to be to wind down in the evenings, see more.
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 2026, talk with one of our team members by booking a meeting.
