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Bridal Show Scam Prompts a Warning to Attendees and Exhibitors by IAEE and IAAM
DALLAS – 8 March 2010 – A recent fraudulent incident in which
criminals posted what by all appearances was a legitimate consumer show
registration site on the Internet, resulted in 6,000 attendees and
dozens of exhibitors losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The
advertised event was entitled the “Boston 411 Home and Bridal Show” and
was to be held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Both the FBI
and city police officials are conducting an investigation.
The International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) and the
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) together
suggest that this matter should serve as a dramatic reminder that
potential attendees and exhibitors must take additional precautions to
establish the legitimacy of events, especially when dealing with
unfamiliar Internet-only operations.
Among the recommendations of the two organizations:
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Know who you are dealing with. If you are
unsure about the legitimacy of the event, ask the organizer for
references including previous exhibitors before paying for space or
tickets.
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Contact the local convention and visitors
bureau and the facility at which the event is reported to be scheduled
and confirm that the event organizer event has actually consummated a
legal contract for exhibit space.
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Convention and exhibition halls and
convention and visitors bureaus are urged not to list any events for
which a contract has not been properly executed on their public
schedules. Doing so enables fraud rather than preventing it.
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Check with industry organizations such as
the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (www.iaee.com)
or the International Association of Assembly Managers (www.iaam.org)
to determine if the organizer of the event is recognized as a
legitimate organizer.
About IAEE
Established in 1928, the International Association of Exhibitions and
Events™ (IAEE) provides quality and value to its members through
leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the
largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world,
with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition
suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller
events around the world are members of IAEE. Through the 2006
consolidation with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR),
IAEE delivers valuable industry research reports. IAEE also supports
IAEE Services, the IAEE Public Events Council, The International Center
for Exhibitor and Event Marketing, and the Exhibition and Event Industry
Audit Commission, which are IAEE councils that provide products,
programs and information to members. IAEE recognizes its strategic
partners: American Airlines, ASP, Inc., Bearcom, Mexico Tourism Board,
Orange County Convention Center and Orlando/Orange County Convention &
Visitors Bureau. Visit www.iaee.com
for more information.
About IAAM
The International Association of Assembly Managers is the world's
largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the
management of public assembly venues. Members of the association manage
public assembly venues such as amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums,
convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts venues, stadiums and
university complexes; or provide products, services or attractions to
support the industry. IAAM has more than 3,500 members worldwide. More
information is available at www.iaam.org.
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Contact:
Mary Tucker
IAEE, Sr. PR/Communications Manager
+1 (972) 687-9226
mtucker@iaee.com
Dexter King, CFE
IAAM President/CEO
+1 (972) 906-7441
Dexter.king@iaam.org |
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