Human Genome Meeting Heads to First U.S. Destination – Houston – in 2016

April 22, 2013

For the very first time, the Human Genome Meeting will be held at a U.S. Destination – Houston – in 2016 through joint efforts by the Texas Medical Center and Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau worked hand-in-hand with Texas Medical Center to secure this high profile medical conference,” said GHCVB President and CEO Greg Ortale.

He added, “The Texas Medical Center is certainly unique with its concentration of medical, research, and educational institutions. Houston is the obvious location for health care professionals to gather, interact, and learn.”

 Organized by the Human Genome Organisation, the Human Genome Meeting will be held June 12-14, 2016, in Houston and is expected to draw approximately 1,000 physicians, health care professionals, and researchers from around the world.

The event was launched several years ago to assist the Human Genome Project map the genome.

After the completion of that effort, the Human Genome Meeting has evolved into a large scientific conference for all genetic and genomic researchers and a platform for industry partners, biotech companies and pharmaceutical companies.

“Though the practice of medicine has always sought to personalize care and treatment of patients, the field of genomics generates so many possibilities in finding new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses in Americans, and people worldwide,” said Robert C. Robbins, M.D., Texas Medical Center president and CEO.

He added, “Bringing the Human Genome Meeting to Houston means the Texas Medical Center will continue to be front and center in this exciting new field of medicine.”

Bringing the Human Genome Meeting to Houston is part of a strategic effort by Texas Medical Center and GHCVB to attract more medical meetings and trade shows to the city.

The goal is to utilize the strengths of Texas Medical Center institutions and professionals to bring major medical and health care events to Houston.

In February, the GHCVB and Texas Medical Center also announced a new medical conference and tradeshow, Medical World Americas, to take place annually in Houston beginning April 2014 as part of their joint partnership.

Medical World Americas Conference and Expo will be the North American branch of German-based MEDICA, billed as the largest medical trade show in the world.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact