A MAJOR conference is being staged about the impact of 2012 sailing events... on the countryside economy.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is holding the event at Kingston Maurward College, near Dorchester, on October 8.

There will be seminars, debates and speeches about the opportunities and challenges the 2012 Olympics will bring for rural Dorset.

They will examine the impact of the games as well as the potential for rural regeneration, the food and drink industry and the challenges for small businesses.

CLA South West director John Mortimer said: "This event is specifically targeted at rural Dorset and the contribution the people and industries based there can make to the success of the games.

"We also want to examine the opportunities which will exist to improve and enhance Dorset's rural economy as a direct result of the games."

The event will open with an overview of how the Games will affect Dorset, the management of the Games and the legacy from Dorset County Council's perspective.

CLA Dorset branch chairman Rupert Best will lead the event.

Speakers will include Dorset County Council leader Angus Campbell, South West director for 2012 Guy Lavender, council chief executive David Jenkins and Dorset 2012 legacy manager Gary Fooks.

The afternoon session will examine the potential the games will bring for rural regeneration.

It will feature David Keenan, of Dorset Squared as well as Andrew Dyke, of the Pineapple Group.

Mr Fooks, Business Link economic development manager Matthew Butcher and Humphries Kirk partner James Selby-Bennett will also be involved.

Opportunities for the tourism and food and drink sectors will also be given an airing with Jeremy Pope, the chairman of Destination Dorset.

Dorset Echo managing director Paul Kinvig will talk about how to promote Dorset as a brand.

Sponsorship, training and accommodation issues will also form part of the afternoon's discussion.

Mr Mortimer said: "The games are clearly going to impact on most people who live and work in rural Dorset and we think we have put together a programme which will have relevance and interest to everybody who operates a business in the county.

"We are certainly expecting some lively debate."

The event is open to all. It costs CLA members £10 and non-members £15.

Call the CLA regional office on 01249 700281 for tickets.