Tradeshow Exhibitor Scams – not affiliated with CGC
There are a number of scams that target exhibitors of every tradeshow around. There is one that’s been operating out of Mexico for several years and there is another that we have heard about operating out of Romania.
The one we here the most about it EXPO GUIDE, a company out of Mexico. It has been approaching Canadian Greenhouse Conference exhibitors for the past several years, implying that they are working with the Canadian Greenhouse Conference, and offering companies a FREE listing in their guide. But in the fine print at the bottom of their letter, it said that it is a 3 year commitment. In 2010 the cost was $1571 (US funds) each year. WE have had several exhibitors sign up for the “free” listing and then get an invoice for $1571. A few years ago we spoke to a lawyer, who said that the contract looked binding and that they can take you to court if you refuse payment. And they do threaten exhibitors with court action. A couple of companies have been so intimidated that they paid the 1st year’s instalment of $1571 and then sent them written notice that they wished to discontinue. We have not heard of any company actually being taken to court. The scam is to make money by threatening and intimidating you, the exhibitors.
Please be aware that the Canadian Greenhouse Conference has no connection with this company and we recommend that you ignore these notices and advise whoever pays your bills, about this scam, and tell them, if they see an invoice from EXPO Guide, to not pay it.
Here is a good website with some background information. http://stopecg.org/expo-guide.htm
Here is a blog that indicates a way to get them to cancel accounts and stop the threatening notices
http://www.mukaumedia.co.uk/expoguide-scam-decide-yawn/