Scientists, engineers and business people from across Southwest Virginia will converge in Blacksburg next month to discuss and discover the life sciences industries affecting the nation and region.

The two-in-one event, scheduled for Oct. 13 at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, begins with a discussion of current events. This event, dubbed the Biotech Town Hall, runs from 5 to 6 p.m.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization, a national trade group, is sending Patrick Kelly, its vice president of state government relations, to outline the most pressing issues facing the biotech industry.

In addition, representatives of BIO will highlight how biotech advocates are using online tools to build the biotech community and explain biotechnology's impact to the public.

Immediately afterward, the third annual Southwest Virginia Life Science Forum, which combines a scientific exposition and networking event, is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. The Virginia Biotechnology Association and the NewVa Corridor Technology Council will co-host the affair.

About 100 people attended the forum last year.

"If you're a student, faculty or professional in the life sciences, this is a great way to meet other people in that space, see what projects/technologies they are working on" and how it might apply to what you're doing, Cory Donovan, who directs the technology council, said of the forum.

The town hall meeting is free. The forum costs $20 per person, $10 for members of the state biotech association or technology council. Students can attend the forum for free. Refreshments will be served.

To register for the event or arrange to present a scientific poster, organizers suggest going online at www.vabio.org or www.thetechnologycouncil.com or contacting Sherri Halloran at (804)643-6360.