There are just two weeks to go before the doors open at the Open05 conference in Birmingham.

And a very different event is being promised.

It takes place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on October 12, with ticket sales going briskly.

Open05 is billed as "a unique opportunity for medium-sized businesses to really get up close and personal with some of the UK's most experienced and successful entrepreneurs".

Conference founder Karl George said: "This year's conference is refreshingly different from anything else around.

" Open 05 offers the Midlands business community something it drastically needs; an opportunity for mediumsized businesses to share ideas and experiences with each other openly.

"Our new Open Talk forum has been designed to do exactly that - a cross between Question Time and Dragon's Den."

Midlands TV personality Bob Warman is hosting the session and will be encouraging the audience to participate in what is likely to be a heated discussion about issues that entrepreneurs face on a daytoday basis.

There are also mastermind sessions which will allow delegates to discuss business issues and find out the secrets of success from the likes of award- winning Michelle Mone, founder of lingerie brand MJM Ultimo and Bill Walker, operations director of Punch Taverns.

The conference will be opened by John James, incoming chairman of the Institute of Directors West Midlands.

The event is sponsored by The Birmingham Post, Allied Irish Bank, Birmingham Business Link and Andersons KBS. Tickets cost £250 plus VAT.