ISLEXPO 2017, hosted by the Department of Economic Development, saw a large number of delegates descend on the Villa Marina for the two day event.
The free conference included keynote speakers, interactive workshops, networking events and was rounded off by a glittering Gala Dinner, with a talk from award-winning BBC documentary maker and journalist, Simon Reeve.
Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for the Department of Economic Development, commented:
‘I’d like to thank everyone for attending ISLEXPO 2017 and making it even bigger and better than last year. This year the event focussed on growth. At the Department we have been working hard to grow the Island’s workforce, businesses and economy and at ISLEXPO we brought the theme of growth to life extending the conference over two days and committing to a range of talks, panels and workshops for all stages of business growth.
'The Programme for Government gives a commitment to nurturing an economy where local entrepreneurship is supported and thriving and more new businesses are choosing to call the Isle of Man home. ISLEXPO was the perfect opportunity to celebrate our innovation and success and show the Isle of Man and the world that we are open for business.
‘My sincere thanks go to our sponsors and partners who gave so generously to the event and our local business community who went above and beyond in their support.’
The event included talks from Emma Sinclair MBE - Co-founder of EnterpriseJungle and UNICEF business mentor, Jim Mellon - Master Investor and Author, Dan Cobley- Former Head of Google UK and Ireland and Simon Reeve – BBC journalist and adventurer. The event also saw the return of ‘Pitch It!’ and the popular Google Digital Garage workshops.
Chris Till, CEO of Standard Bank Isle of Man, commented:
‘Standard Bank is proud to have had a presence at ISLEXPO 2017 in line with the Bank celebrating its 25th anniversary in the Isle of Man. What better way to mark this significant milestone than to join with other businesses to showcase the thriving Manx economy.’
The event also celebrated the Island’s thriving food and drink sector with an informal evening event of live music and pop-up talks in the Villa Marina gardens.
The event was hosted by the Department of Economic Development and co-ordinated by local events and marketing company, Revel.
A number of delegates visited the event from the UK, plus UK trade media, including food and drink and Start-up publications were in attendance.
For more information please visit www.islexpo.com
