The 2007 Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention annual convention will highlight industrial biotechnology, and how it’s revolutionizing the way energy, chemicals and plastics are produced. Considered the "Third Wave of Biotechnology”, industrial biotechnology uses enzymes to replace chemicals and microorganisms to manufacture polymers or fuels from renewable resources.

"Innovations in industrial biotechnology are now successfully competing with traditional manufacturing processes, and the possibilities are limitless," stated Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO. “These advances can help reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil, clean the environment, increase economic development in rural areas, and potentially save over $20 billion by 2050 if a successful conversion to biofuels occurs."

Some of the key panel discussion planned to take place include "Energy Crops for Biofuels," "Fuel for the Future: Biodiesel Facts and Fiction," and "From Fuel to Food: the Global Benefits of Biotechnology."

BIO expects more than 20,000 leaders from across the industry to attend the convention being held from May 6-9 in Boston, Massachusetts.