A former top US basketball player and a writer for hit cartoon show The Simpsons are to take part in an alternative investment conference at the end of the month.

Ex-Baltimore Bullets and New York Knicks player Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, now an entrepreneur, and Mike Reiss were yesterday confirmed as special guests for the World Alternative Investment Summit.

The event — the first of its kind in Bermuda and organised by Toronto-based Radius Financial Education — is expected to attract investment officers, managers, administrators, brokers, lawyers and others from the asset management industry.

Other top speakers, who will feature in debates and panels, are Lawrence McDonald, author and creator of the Bear Traps Report, former Chicago Bears NFL player turned professional investor Jon Najarian and Michael Murphy, a Fox News financial expert.

Tony Sanfelice, chief executive officer of Radius, said: “We are incredibly excited about our diverse line-up of high-profile speakers and special guests.

“This roster reflects the wide scope of our agenda, which delves into some of the most pressing and interesting topics facing the alternative asset management industry today.”

He added: “All of our speakers have certain things in common, including the drive and ability to succeed, inspire and provoke thought.

“That’s what WAIS Bermuda is all about — creating dialogues that lead to insight and action.”

The event is supported by the Bermuda Business Development Agency.

Sean Moran of the BDA said: “Over the years, WAIS has become renowned as Canada’s premier alternative investment conferences and now organisers are taking it global.

“Bermuda was chosen as the host location because of its proximity to major US and Caribbean hub cities, as well as its stellar reputation in the alternatives space.

“We certainly plan to show off the talent and expertise of the people in our funds industry here.”

He added: “The hope is that this event takes off and becomes an annual fixture here.”

For more information on the conference, to be held at the Fairmont Southampton between Wednesday, September 28 and Friday, September 30, or to register, visit http://waisc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=317&Itemid=201