ITHACA, N.Y. -- Learn from the pros about how to turn business ideas into plans that attract investors, or, if you're an aspiring venture capitalist, how to spot good investments, even in a recession.

A stellar lineup of successful entrepreneurs and principal investors will share their insights Feb. 8 in Sage Hall on Cornell University's campus. The 2nd Annual Cornell Entrepreneurship and Principal Investing Symposium (EPIS) is organized by students at Cornell's Johnson Graduate School of Management who are aspiring entrepreneurs and principal investors.

The symposium aims to expand the tradition of entrepreneurship and principal investing at Cornell through a day of learning, debate and networking. The event, which is open to the public, is $10 for Cornell students; $25 for non-students. Space is limited so participants should register and get tickets early at this web site, which includes a schedule of events: .

Keynote speakers Gerry Langeler and Roger Strauch, who are both Cornell graduates, offer hard-won lessons -- drawn from their own multifaceted experiences in launching and funding new businesses -- that today's entrepreneurs and investors can use from the start-up stage on up.

Langeler is co-founder of Mentor Graphics Corp., a technology-based company that he helped lead through an initial public offering (IPO) in 1984 to more than $400 million in worldwide sales and more than $1 billion in market capitalization. He now is a leading partner with OVP Venture Partners, a venture capital firm.

Strauch is co-founder of TCSI Corp., a telecom software firm that grew from a start-up in 1983 to a company with more than $60 million in annual revenues. He is now chairman of the Roda Group, a venture development company based in Berkeley, Calif., that gives entrepreneurs the environment, resources and guidance to launch and grow high-technology businesses.

Panel discussions look at four major business development stages, from idea to start-up to publicly traded company. Local sponsors include Harris Beach LLP and Sciarabba Walker & Co. LLP. Contact Brian Silver at bss29@cornell.edu or see: http://www.cen.cornell.edu .

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