Trieste is bustling with preparations for the Big Science Business Forum (BSBF) slated for October 1-4, 2024. The momentum for organizing this grand international event is building up, marked by an initial meeting on September 26 and 27 at the Trieste Convention Center in Porto Vecchio, the venue for the 2024 Forum.
This gathering was attended by regional and local authorities, marking the second assembly of the International Organizing Committee after the inaugural meeting in Rome. It brought together delegates from all the Big Science organizations involved and the entire Local Organizing Committee for the first time in the city that will host BSBF. Notable speakers included the LOC President and Friuli Venezia Giulia Region Governor Massimiliano Fedriga, Regional Councillor for Research Alessia Rosolen, Mayor of Trieste Roberto Dipiazza, and President of the Area Science Park Caterina Petrillo.
In his opening address, Governor Fedriga highlighted the significant role BSBF will play in establishing Trieste as a global science hub in 2024, bridging crucial gaps between science and business. The event stands out as a distinctive platform for European and international companies to explore future investment opportunities and tenders from major European scientific organizations. “The main challenges of the future can only be met if the connection between science and business is able to enhance the competitiveness of European democracies” he remarked.
The meeting also featured the first tour of the facility and unveiled the updated website. Representatives from prominent science organizations, including CERN, ESA, ESO, ESRF, ESS, European XFEL, FAIR, F4E, ILL, and SKAO, along with national and international Industry Liaison Officers (ILOs), had the opportunity to explore the three major pavilions set to host BSBF2024. These spaces, spanning over ten thousand square meters, will accommodate plenary and parallel sessions, exhibitions, and meetings, with the capacity to host up to 2000 delegates from all over Europe.
The meeting continued the following day, September 27, hosted at Palace of the Presidency of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region in Piazza Unità, with a full day of discussion on the event programme and the upcoming initiatives connected to BSBF2024.