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May 29, 2006
Beware of Questionable Trade Show ‘Opportunities’
VANCOUVER – The Better Business Bureau of Mainland B.C. and B.C. Crime Prevention Association are warning businesses and consumers to be on alert for unethical companies that are advertising questionable trade show events.
In one recent example, an international association was sent an unsolicited e-mail promoting a pre-Olympic transportation exhibition called Transpo Expo. The e-mail provided a link to a website, www.transpoexpo.net, which described the event as a huge transportation trade show and networking event to prepare for the Olympics and claimed sponsorship from many large corporations. A booth for this event can cost up to $6000.
The website states that the trade show will be held on January 16, 17, & 18, 2007 and was originally advertised as being at the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre. The website now states that the trade show is at the Tradex Convention Centre in Abbotsford. Upon contacting both venues, the BBB was advised that this event is not being held at either location and that they both have other events booked for the dates advertised. As well, companies whose logos appear on the Transpo Expo website say they have no knowledge of the event.
"Our investigations indicate that this company, at the very least, is operating unethically by actively soliciting business before they have a venue for the event," says BBB President, Sheila Charneski. "Obviously, the location where the event is to be held will play a big role when a business is deciding whether to participate. Do your homework first to ensure that the event is legitimate before putting any money out."
In reference to the fact that Transpo Expo advertises itself as a pre-Olympic opportunity, Jeff Burton, Fraud Prevention Liaison Officer at the BC Crime Prevention Association, reminds us that "The Olympics brings a wealth of opportunities to BC but along with opportunities, comes the potential for fraudsters to cash in on the Olympic name."
When considering renting space at a trade show event:
- Check with the venue to make sure that the event has been booked there.
- Investigate the organization that is holding the event to ensure it is reputable.
- Find out if the event has occurred before and ask to speak to people who attended.
- Consider paying for the event by credit card. If the services are not rendered as promised, you have recourse through your credit card provider.
- Be wary of any websites promoting a product or service where there is no business name or address listed.
- Ask the event organizers about any hidden or add-on costs such as fees for electricity and Internet hookup, tables and tablecloths, and other charges that may not be included in the booth rental fees.
- Ask to see a contract before you make any financial commitments.