BOSTON -- Protesters were expected to again take to the streets Monday as an international biotechnology conference got under way at the Boston Convention Center.

NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that the BIO International Convention is expected to draw 20,000 visitors and features speakers including actor Michael J. Fox and Jordan's Queen Noor.

Those attending the conference were greeted Sunday night by protesters and police in riot gear at Faneuil Hall.

Dozens of loud demonstrators were protesting the use of animals in biotechnology testing, genetically-modified food and embryonic stem cell research.

Curious visitors watched on the sidelines, and some said they had no problem with the scientists' work.

"There is a whole lot of good coming out," one woman said.

"The good that [the scientists] do far outdoes whatever they need to do to get there," another man said.

But protesters claimed that there is a dark side to the biotech industry that few people see.

"Why don't you tell me why you're here and what you hope to accomplish," one protester said to a reporter. "Are you here to tell the truth and make sure that people see what's really going on? Because the real terrorists here are the people down there."

Inside, Gov. Deval Patrick welcomed conference attendees.

"We are proud of this industry and we want to do everything we can to help take it to the next level," Patrick said.

Actor Michael J. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson's Disease, is expected to give the keynote address, talking about the importance of the biotech industry in creating medical advancements.

Massachusetts politicians have been supportive of the biotech industry, providing a number of incentives. Tuesday, the Massachusetts Senate president is expected to make an announcement that will help to advance the biotech industry in the state.

Protesters were also taking aim at a proposed biotech lab at Boston University over the weekend.

Dozens of marchers made their way through Roxbury and past the site of the BU bio lab Sunday.

They're concerned about the safety of Boston because researchers would be working with potentially dangerous bio-materials.

Some also believe the work done at the lab would be used to create new biological weapons.