More than 400 people are expected to attend the Business Bermuda's Annual College Student Networking Event at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess this evening.

This year's event is being hailed as a bigger and better version of the CSNE which is now in its 12th year and which gives youngsters the opportunity to chat with professionals and business people on careers.

Business Bermuda said yesterday that the event will feature 27 exhibitors, up from 12 in 2009, after organisers allowed companies to exhibit, as well as professional organisations.

Premier Ewart Brown will introduce the main speaker, Damon Wade, executive vice-president and general manager of Bermuda Gas & Utility Company Ltd.

Mr. Wade will tell his story, from his graduation from Berkeley Institute 1989, through his US college education and how he climbed the ranks at Belco.

Students will be able to attend two career seminars run by Expertise Ltd. More than 90 students have signed up to attend the popular speed networking session - spending four minutes speaking with 10 professionals from a range of industries. Among those speaking with the students will be Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Attorney General Kim Wilson.

Cheryl Packwood, CEO of Business Bermuda said: "We are constantly surprised and delighted that these high profile and busy people as well as the business community and Government are so eager to help our students achieve their career goals."

Sponsors are offering 19 prizes including three internships at Bermuda Gas, HSBC and the Office of the Accountant General.

"Bermuda Commercial Bank and Capital G are offering credit accounts to the value of $500 and $250 respectively, which I think are great prizes as they encourage students to manage their own finances," Ms Packwood added.

Prize winners will be notified and invited to a prize-giving ceremony in early August.

A programme for the student networking event, produced by The Bottom Line magazine is free with today's edition of The Royal Gazette.