Chris Hoy star turn at opening event

Final preparations are being made for the arrival of an expected 1000 delegates to a major new business promotion event in the Island tomorrow (25 May).

ISLEXPO aims to capture the spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurialism - with an outreach to firms new and established, from far or near. 

A packed programme has been laid-on at the Villa Marina, with keynote speakers, expert panels, pitch-it sessions and business expertise 'from the front line'.

Sessions will focus on starting-up, finding funding, pitching, branding and marketing.  There will also be a series of workshops on using the power of online to grow your business.

The event's media partner Manx Radio will be broadcasting live from the Villa Marina on Wednesday, reflecting on events and feedback, meeting speakers and visitors - with live programme inserts throughout the day.

The curtain goes up on ISLEXPO tonight, at a gala dinner where Olympic athlete Sir Chris Hoy is the guest speaker.

Economic development minister Laurence Skelly says interest in the event has been very encouraging: