The 2009 Bio International Convention kicks off today in Atlanta. We got in over the weekend to set up our booth in the BIO Pavilion. Make sure you stop by tomorrow, when the exhibit floor officially opens. We’ll be doing interviews and giving away prizes, like brand new flip cams.

And check back here at IAmBiotech for coverage of Convention throughout the week. Today, we’ll be covering the Leadership Summit on Food and Fuel Sustainability, which will take a look at how the biotech industry is helping create a more sustainable future in the face of climate change and a growing population. The summit, which is sponsored by Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto, will feature luminaries from the field including Andrew Young, Jr., the Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN.

We’ll also be covering the Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, a two-day course focusing on the unique challenges of early stage companies in the life sciences and providing guidance for academic scientists who are aspiring entrepreneurs. Couldn’t make the session? We’ll bring you an interview with one of the presenters later today.

Last, but not least, we’ll also be throwing a blogger happy hour this evening in the “Think & Drink” area. Come meet fellow biotech bloggers, unwind after the first day of Convention, and get in on some great giveaways. RSVP here, and please help us spread the word!

And make sure you follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the week: http://Twitter.com/IAmBiotech