If attendance at the Biotechnology Industry Organization annual conference is a barometer of the industry's health, then biotech is not doing well. Attendance at the 2009 event in Atlanta, Georgia, plummeted about 29% to 14,352. Last year's meeting in San Diego, California, attracted 20,108 people.

Some attendees said the challenging economy made attendance essential. “It's more important than ever to be able to meet face to face with potential customers and partners,” says Andrew Reaume, chief executive of Melior Discovery of Exton, Pennsylvania. On the positive side, fewer attendees meant short lines at the registration booth and the ubiquitous Starbucks kiosks. Next year's conference will be on 3–6 May in Chicago, Illinois.