Tamir Kalifa for The Boston Globe

Thousands filled the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on the first day of the BIO International Convention.

Tamir Kalifa for The Boston Globe

Tomo Matsushita of Japan met with Israelis Dr. Yoram Devary and professor Uziel Sandler at the Israeli exhibition.

Tamir Kalifa for The Boston Globe

An electronic billboard flashed outside of the convention center.

Tamir Kalifa for The Boston Globe

Susan Windham-Bannister, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center's president and CEO, met with representatives from ShanghaiBio Corp.

Tamir Kalifa for The Boston Globe

Representatives from different Korean biotechnology companies meet in separate booths.

Essdras M Suarez/Globe Staff

Before the convention, a crated DNA strand display from Global Experience Specialist sat ready to be unpacked.

Essdras M Suarez/Globe Staff

Companies began preparing their booths well in advance of the event.

Essdras M Suarez/Globe Staff

The convention runs from June 18 - 21 and attracts exhibitors, researchers, and others from around the globe.