Dragon's Fire to be Unleashed at PHOTONEX08

TV entrepreneur, Doug Richard, to speak at UK's top photonics industry gathering near Coventry

Doug Richard, business entrepreneur and star of TV's Dragons' Den, is to be one of a host of potential investors at this year's PHOTONEX08 event at Stoneleigh Exhibition Centre in Coventry (15-16 October 2008).

Mr Richard will be keynote speaker at an opening night dinner, where earlier in the day, PHOTONEX will have unveiled its Technology Innovation Forum -a unique gathering, bringing together over a dozen Universities and small businesses with investors, IP specialists and technologists.

The forum, which will feature an innovation and demonstration area, showcasing new and exciting technologies as well as a seminar programme, is already attracting major players in the sector, with confirmed speakers such as Alastair Wilson of Photonics KTN, Douglas Dundonald from Anglo Scientific, John Danvers from PERA and venture catalysts. A highlight of the event will be the after dinner keynote speech from Mr Richard.

Laurence Devereux, Exhibition Director, of show organiser Xmark Media, said, "We are hugely excited to have Doug with us at this years new and improved PHOTONEX. Our aim is to keep ahead of the game with the introduction of the Technology Innovation Forum, giving the industry forerunners a new and unique arena to present their developments. Richard's presence will only add to a truly energized atmosphere at the event."

As a specialist in technology and investments, and the promotion and development of new businesses himself, Richard was the founder of prominent technology companies ITAL Computers and Visual Software, as well as holding the position of president and CEO of Micrografx. In 2006, he co-founded Hotxt, tapping into the mobile and social networking revolution. 

"The path to every new business opportunity is littered with questions and uncertainties. You need help and advice to answer these questions before you invest time and money on it. You must start doing the basics very, very well," said Mr Richard.

"This is why The Technology Innovation Forum is such a valuable and important introduction to PHOTONEX, as a space to share ideas, tips and experiences from the people who know best and to take a look at all those showcasing their most exciting innovations."

Ends

For more information please contact:

BCS Public Relations
Joanna Davenport / Brian Dolby
T: +44 (0) 155 948 6901
E: joanna@bcspr.co.uk / brian@bcspr.co.uk

About PHOTONEX08

PHOTONEX08 is the UK's Premier Photonics Event; it is held annually and is known as the place to showcase new products and services, network and exchange ideas with peers. 

PHOTONEX enjoys its leading position due to its willingness to move with the times and lead the industry with new activities and more and more technical content.

Amongst this year's exhibitors will be international companies and representation from a dozen universities in the Innovation Area, a component part of the new Technology Investment Forum.
 
As a visitor to PHOTONEX you will benefit from a multitude of innovative new attractions; themed product areas, three parallel technical seminar programmes and networking opportunities. PHOTONEX08 offers an unparalleled environment in which to find out about photonics and optical technologies. 

PHOTONEX08 will be taking place at Stoneleigh Exhibition Halls in Coventry, United Kingdom on the 15-16 October 2008.

More details are available at http://www.photonex.org
 
Note to editor:-

IP as used in paragraph 2 refers to Intellectual Property.