An award-winning blogger, a group head at Innocent Smoothies and an expert in examining social trends are set to speak at ISLEXPO 2018.

Three lead speakers have been announced as registration for the business networking event, hosted by the Department for Enterprise, goes live.

The speakers are Dan Germain, group head of brand and creative at Innocent Smoothies; Thimon de Jong, expert in societal trends and the effects it has on businesses; and former social media editor of British Glamour, blogger, author, speaker, consultant and podcast host Emma Gannon.

The ISLEXPO showcase is now in its third year and is free to attend, allowing members of the public access to a full day of content on May 16, including a late programme in the ’garden hub’ after 5pm.

Laurence Skelly MHK, the Minister for Enterprise, said: ’The Isle of Man Programme for Government is committed to growing the economically-active population, promoting our island and its qualities. ISLEXPO will be embracing this commitment by focusing this year on the theme of "Locate", exploring the benefits of living and working in the Isle of Man.

’With an emphasis on talent and recruitment, future-proofing businesses and nurturing innovation here at home, ISLEXPO 2018 has something for people at all stages of their business and employment growth.

’As well as a strong line-up of inspirational speakers, ISLEXPO 2018 will also provide a multitude of networking opportunities and the ability to engage directly with our Enterprise Support team on the funding, advice, and training available to Isle of Man businesses.’

Dan Germain has worked at Innocent since it started in 1999. The brand is famous for its fruit smoothies and imaginitive branding.

The businessman has first-hand knowledge of the entrepreneurial ability, innovation, creativity and original marketing it takes to succeed.

Thimon de Jong, formerly director of insight and strategy at Dutch trends interpretation agency TrendsActive, will be looking at changes in gender, society and demographics to predict what organisations will have to deal with to stay ahead.

Also taking to the ISLEXPO main stage is Emma Gannon, whose award-winning blog has featured in many publications, including the Telegraph and Teen Vogue.

Clive Dixon, senior partner at Moore Stephens, one of the sponsors, said: ’ISLEXPO provides a unique platform for businesses of all sorts and sizes to get together and explore the opportunities the Isle of Man offers for the future.

’At Moore Stephens, we have a rich history of helping our clients thrive in a changing world and we are thrilled to support ISLEXPO with what promises to be a very entertaining, educational and inspirational event.’

Current sponsors of ISLEXPO 2018 are Barclays, KPMG, Manx Telecom, The International Stock Exchange (TISE), Sure, Cyberscience, Isle of Man Bank, and Moore Stephens.

To register for a free place at ISLEXPO 2018 or to find out more, visit www.islexpo.com.

Further announcements and the full programme will be released in March.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, contact ISLEXPO organisers Revel for more information: Sam Jones; [email protected]; 07624 332903. The ISLEXPO Sponsorship Pack can be downloaded from www.islexpo.com.