Former president Bill Clinton is scheduled to speak at the 2006 BIO meeting today. But when I arrived this morning, I saw large signs alerting the media that the event was closed to the press. Why would BIO prevent the media from reporting on likely the biggest speaker that?s ever attended the conference? Surely this would be a huge plug for the organization.

When I spoke to BIO media officials, they told me the decision came from Clinton?s people, not theirs. They said they were in "negotiations" with Clinton?s group, who had agreed to let trade press -- such as The Scientist -- attend the event, not general news. Why the distinction, no one could guess. Clearly, if you?re reading this, you realize that people read the trade press, so if something?s reported here, it gets out.

BIO officials also assured me that Clinton does many private speaking engagements that are closed to media, making this a common arrangement. Still, I?m troubled by it. What could he say that he deems not appropriate for the public at large, only the select few lucky enough to attend?

Needless to say, I?ll be sure to blog on his speech. That is, if I get in.