Association News

Exhibitors misled at Expo! Expo!

IAEE and The International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing admonish
Construct Data Publishers a.s. for improperly soliciting, misleading exhibitors
 
DALLAS [March 24, 2010] — The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and The International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing (The Center) have issued a warning to all members and exhibitors of Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition after confirming indisputable evidence from several sources that Construct Data Publishers a.s. from Slovakia is actively and improperly soliciting exhibitors to participate in its fair guide "free listing."
 
The advertising solicitation is very cleverly composed and misleading. The offer is not a free listing at all but is an advertising order that if completed and signed, imposes a three-year-long advertising obligation costing the exhibitor several thousands of dollars.
 
IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE, said, "IAEE vigorously condemns the activities of Construct Data Publishers a.s., and believes it constitutes an unfair infringement and improper intrusion into the business affairs of the IAEE. These illicit practices are confusing and detrimental to the business of IAEE and its members."
 
Additionally, Construct Data Publishers a.s. is in trademark violation of the use of IAEE's name and brand and has been instructed to immediately cease the solicitation of all past, present and future exhibitors who have participated or will participate in any IAEE events.
 
"Exhibitors and event marketers should be aware of these kinds of improper solicitations and should take note of the practice as well as refrain from acknowledging any "free listing" directory opportunities unless they the offer is legitimate," added The Center's Director Susan Brower, CMM, CCP.
 
In an ongoing effort to eliminate this careless and negligent offer, IAEE is protecting its legal rights and the rights of exhibitors from becoming entrapped by your unethical business conduct. As a result, the United States Federal Trade Commission has been asked to commence an investigation of improper and misleading commercial activities within the United States. It is IAEE's goal to secure an order requiring that Construct Data Publishers a.s. cease all Fair Guide advertising solicitations in the United States.
 
Additionally, IAEE has issued a formal commercial protest of improper activities in the U.S. by Construct Data Publishers a.s. with the Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Slovakia and will ask that authorities in Bratislava intervene to prevent you from engaging in further commercial deception.

Since 1928, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) continues to provide 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 and VoiceLogic. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.