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ABIC Foundation
The ABIC Foundation was established June 12th, 1998 to secure the continued success of the ABIC conference series. It is a not-for-profit corporation based in Canada.

The Foundation's goal is to ensure ongoing opportunities for continuous learning and networking within the agricultural biotechnology community through the ABIC Conferences.


 ABIC Conference History
The ABIC Conference started in 1996 in Saskatchewan, Canada. The success of the ABIC '96 conference paved the way for the '98 conference, which welcomed 900 delegates from 31 countries. Since then the conference has been held in Ontario, Saskatoon, Cologne with last year's conference hosted in Calgary.


The Components of ABIC 2008
We are pleased to announce that ABIC 2008 will have an exciting programme that extends over 4 days commencing on Sunday the 24th with a welcome reception. The agenda is composed of both plenary and parallel sessions and in addition, the conference will host a trade exhibition to provide exhibitors with the opportunity to promote their businesses and products in a professionally presented and marketed exhibition display area. There will also be facilities for scientists (at all stages from PhD to PI) to present and discuss their findings through a poster session.


Delegate Profile
We expect the Conference to attract a significant cross-section of the ag-biotech community from around the world. Our target audience includes but is not restriced to:

  • Scientists and engineers (at all levels from PhD to Principal Investigators)
  • Plant researchers
  • Animal researchers
  • Marine researchers
  • Energy researchers
  • Microbiology researchers
  • Bio-pharma researchers
  • Food & dairy researchers
  • Policy researchers & policymakers
  • Managers of biotechnology companies
  • Academic and industry-based biotechnology researchers
  • BioIndustry specialists
  • Venture Capital Specialists and Providers
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Patent Attorneys & Licensing professionals
  • Biotech Manufacturers
  • Media professionals
  • Legal and other service providers
  • Government officials
  • Farmers and agricultural organisations
     

Event information for ABIC 2008

 "Agricultural Biotechnology for a competitive and sustainable future"

 The theme for ABIC 2008 will be "Agricultural Biotechnology for a competitive and sustainable future". Taking a global perspective, scientific and industry leaders will address Agricultural Biotechnology and its impact on world agriculture from meeting the growing demand for food & feed production to the development of sustainable biofuels.


Dates
Sunday, August 24th to Wednesday August 27th, 2008.


 Venue
Boole Library
University College Cork
Cork City
Ireland


 ABIC 2008 Executive Committee (current working membership)
 Prof. Jim Burke, Chair (Teagasc)
Dr. Charles Spillane (UCC)
 Dr. Ewen Mullins (Teagasc)
 Catherine O'Mahony (UCC)

 Dr. Linda Giblin (Teagasc)
Prof. Philip Dix (NUI Maynooth)
 Dr. Patrick O'Reilly (Monsanto)
 Dr. David McHugh (UCD)
Ms. Ruth Freeman (SFI)
Mr John Sullivan (Canadian Embassy, Dublin)
 


 Conference Coordinator
ABIC 2008 Registration Desk
c/o Platinumone Ltd
The Courtyard, Carmenhall Road,
Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland
T: +353 1 2062912
F: +353 1 2062999
E: ABIC@platinumonegroup.com




Registration
 Register Now
Delegate registration includes all coffee breaks, lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the Welcome Reception on Sunday night, all plenary and concurrent sessions throughout the conference, entrance to the exhibit area throughout the conference, and the networking receptions on Monday and Tuesday at the end of the day.

Those who wish to attend the conference should complete the online form and submit it to the Conference Coordinator. Each registrant must complete a separate form. For fax or mail registrations, a clean photocopy of the form will be accepted or additional forms can be obtained from the Conference Coordinator.

 Payment of fees
Note: Registrations will not be processed or confirmed until the Conference Coordinator receives payment in full.

 Payment within Ireland
Payment may be made by personal cheque, company cheque or credit card: Master Card or VISA are the only two credit cards accepted at the conference. Please note all transactions by credit card will appear on your statement as payment to "ABIC08". Cheques should be made payable to "ABIC 2008".

 International Payment
Payments from outside of Ireland must be made by credit card or bank cheque in euros only. Your name and full address should be typed or printed clearly on the back of the cheque. You may not pay your fees by direct transfer.

 Payment Confirmation
Your registration and payment will be acknowledged in writing with confirmation of your requirements according to your registration form. Your registration will not be processed or confirmed if payment does not accompany your form. You will not receive any further publications before the conference. Your letter of acknowledgement will include any further advice necessary prior to your arrival at the conference. At the conference you will receive the final program and list of delegates.

 Cancellations and Refund policy
Cancellation requests must be made in writing and sent to the Conference Coordinator by fax or email. Only requests for cancellation made prior to June 27th, 2008 will be refunded less a 80 euro administration service charge. Requests for cancellation made after June 27th, 2008, will not be refunded however delegate substitutions for registered delegate will be accepted. Regarding hotel accommodation cancellations, hotel policies apply. See individual hotel policies in the specific hotel website.

 Entrance to the conference
Each delegate of the conference will receive a name badge. The badge will be your official pass and must be worn to obtain entry to all sessions and social functions.

 Registration desk
The registration desk will be located in the Boole complex and will be operational each day of the conference as well as during the afternoon of Sunday August 24th.


 Letters of invitation
On request, the organizing committee will send a letter of invitation to participate in the conference. Such an invitation is extended specifically to assist participants to obtain travel funds, or appropriate visas and does not imply any commitment on the part of the organizers to provide financial support. Please contact the Conference Coordinator in writing with your request. The letter will be forwarded to you with confirmation of your registration.


 Insurance
Registration fees do not include insurance coverage of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the conference and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the conference, or through cancellation of the conference, loss of international domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason, loss of tour monies, through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services, strikes within Ireland, failure to utilize tours or pre-booked arrangements due to airline delay, or any other reason, medical expenses including sickness and accident coverage, loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The Conference Coordinator cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.


 Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities
Use ABIC 2008 as a platform to promote your organization, products, and services to this international gathering of the leaders in the Agricultural Biotechnology industry. This visibility sponsorship and advertising packages are available to suit all budgets and provide maximum exposure both leading up to and during the conference.

 For more information on taking advantage of this marketing opportunity please contact the Conference Coordinator.

Exhibition
A comprehensive trade show and exhibition will run concurrently with the conference. Exhibiting is a must for any company within the industry to increase awareness amongst the participants.

The Exhibition will showcase the latest development, products, and technology available and will be located in the main reception hall where all refreshment breaks and the opening reception will be held.
Private touring and hospitality arrangements
Should you have any specialized group requirements for private touring, transportation or hospitality services other than those organized for the official program, please contact the Conference Coordinator who would be pleased to assist with arrangements.

Private Functions
It is requested that you advise the Conference Coordinator of any private/corporate functions that might be planned outside of the official program. The Conference Coordinator would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any of these events.