Basel creating the right environment for European biotech congress

On 20-22 March 2023, Europe’s largest springtime deal-making congress for the biotech industry, BIO-Europe Spring, is taking place at Messe Basel, Switzerland. With over 3,000 decision-makers from around the world coming together, the event also constitutes a prime example of sustainability. As well as networking opportunities, there will be an extensive exhibition and a range of panel discussions, fireside chats, company presentations and more. Organisers the EBD Group say the partnering process in which attendees arrange meetings with one another has proven to be extremely efficient in facilitating deal-making and business activity. They predict a total of around 17,500 such meetings will take place over the three days. One of the reasons why the organisers say they chose Basel is because it has long been considered a leading location for industry, innovation and research within the life sciences. But another reason has been the city’s environmental credentials. Silvia Decker, head of marketing and communications at MCH which runs events at the Messe, which is also part of its portfolio: “We are also working very intensively on this topic and are pleased that we can push ahead with the implementation of some of our ideas at BIO-Europe Spring.” A package of measures has been drawn up to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the event. This includes a ‘bring your own bottle’ initiative to avoid the use of disposable tableware, a communication campaign for low-emission travel to the venue, and a digital event guide to considerably cut back on the amount of printed material. It is not only environmental aspects to the fore, however. The focus is also on the physical and mental health of attendees, who will be able to take time out as required and make use of the relaxation options on offer. And, in order to do good from a social angle, the organisers are working with the Basel Cancer League. “For all these reasons, we expect BIO Europe Spring to have a true signal effect,” says Jonas Scharf, head of MCH Exhibitions & Events, “because it enables us to apply the resource-saving endeavours that we already have in place at an industry event for the life sciences – a key sector for Basel.”