Almost 1,000 people including top company executives have signed an Internet protest against Israel Life Science Industry's intention to charge an entrance fee of NIS 410-460 at the 2010 Israel Biomed Week exhibition next month in Tel Aviv.
Three ILSI founders and former directors are among the signatories: Shizim Group president Yossi Bornstein; BiolineRX Ltd. (TASE:BLRX) director Dr. Rafael Hofstein, a former CEO of Hadasit Bio Holdings Ltd. (TASE:HDST); and Genzyme Israel Ltd. general manager Zeev Zelig.
The petition states, "In all previous years, entrance to the exhibition was free, and everyone in the life sciences industry could attend, listen and be heard, network, and be impressed by the great potential of the Israeli market."
ILSI's board of directors said in response that it was trying to provide services to the entire life sciences industry without receiving any financial aid. It noted that most of the entrance fee would go to the exhibition organizer Kenes Exhibitions Ltd. and that ILSI would receive a portion of the proceeds, which were the basis for its work year-round.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 11, 2010
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