Title
Authorization to Participate in 2018 BIO International Convention
(Ordinance S-44207)
Description
Request to authorize City Manager, or his designee, to execute any agreements or other documents, necessary to participate in the 2018 BIO International Convention. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item and authorization for the City Treasurer to accept funds from potential sponsoring partners. Total cost of the City's participation will not exceed $48,000, with no impact to the General Fund.
Report
Summary
The annual BIO International trade convention will take place on June 4-8, 2018 in Boston. This convention attracts more than 16,000 biotechnology and pharma industry leaders and decision makers from around the world each year. The City's participation at this industry convention will provide opportunities to meet with companies that may be considering new locations or expansion projects, demonstrate the competitive advantages in Phoenix's business environment and highlight Phoenix-based research and innovation to an international audience.
The City's attendance at this conference is critical in promoting the Phoenix Biomedical Campus in downtown, the Arizona Biomedical Corridor in the Desert Ridge area and the Biomedical Industry as a whole in Phoenix. Staff will highlight Phoenix's competitive advantage through the use of several outreach tools including print advertisement that all attendees will receive, a large display at the conference center and an exhibition booth. Growing this industry in Phoenix helps to build a diversified economy, create high-paying, recession-proof jobs and improve healthcare in the community.
If approved by Council, staff will work with industry partners, such as University of Arizona, Arizona State University and TGen to co-locate at the Convention. This shared effort may allow the City to reduce costs while assisting our partners in promoting Phoenix.
Financial Impact
Total cost of the City's participation will not exceed $48,000. Funds are available in the Genomics Facilities and Operations Fund. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was unanimously approved by the Downtown, Aviation, Economy and Innovation Subcommittee as a part of the Bioscience Healthcare Strategic Initiative on Oct. 4, 2017.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Managers Karen Peters and Deanna Jonovich and the Community and Economic Development Department.