Exhibitors warned about new trade show guide
01 September 2015
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Western Business Exhibitions is warning exhibitors to be vigilant after reports that a new scam is trying to trick businesses out of money.
The organiser of the Health & Safety Events is urging exhibitors to ignore invitations for a free show guide listing from Connect Publisher, producer of International Fairs Directory, as it comes with a €3636 (£2665.21) sting in the fine print.
It follows the news that inter-fairs.com, a company operating out of Mexico, has been targeting exhibitors of some UK-based shows - including VisitScotland Expo - to purchase a three-year commitment of advertising that is cleverly disguised as an offer of a free directory listing.
The offer is similar to approaches made by Construct Data's Expo Guide, also based in Mexico, which was the subject of numerous complaints.
Read a sample letter sent to VisitScotland Expo exhibitors
The organisers of VisitScotland reported that Connect Publisher wrote to its exhibitors in August, encouraging businesses to verify details for its online directory. However, the fine print contained an advertising contract for three annual instalments of €1212 (£888.81).
Tim Else, event director for the Health & Safety Events, said: "We want to encourage all of our exhibitors to be vigilant against third parties contacting them offering entries in show guides. We always recommend that exhibitors carefully read small print details before signing any document, and to contact us if they are in any doubt as to the validity of the document."
