Beware of scams and fraudulent housing/travel firms

Unethical vendors often will “harvest” phone and fax numbers from show directories and the online exhibitor listing. Please beware of these non-official contractors, and bring any questionable solicitations to Golf Industry Show Management.

• Directory scams
• Room poaching by fraudulent housing/travel firms
• Misrepresentation as official contractor or service provider

 

Directory scams

Exhibitors should be wary of any directory listings not affiliated with the Golf Industry Show, and particularly be on the lookout for the following scams:

• World Business Guide
• Fairguide (Construct Data)
• Expo Guide (Construct Data)

Learn more about these scams »

 

Room poaching

This practice is carried out by third-party companies unaffiliated with the Golf Industry Show that act as travel agencies, wholesalers or destination management companies to solicit attendees and exhibitors for room reservations.

The poacher might inform an exhibitor that the hotel room block is “virtually sold out,” and that if the exhibitor doesn't book immediately, he or she likely won’t get a room for “the association convention.” Implied affiliation with the event is strong, despite the fact that the organization is not officially sanctioned by the sponsoring associations. Additional deceptive tactics include distributing forms or promotional materials that appear to be issued by show management or the sponsoring associations.

Why room poaching poses problems for event producers:

• Room poachers make it more difficult for show managers to meet room block commitments and exposes them to unplanned fees.

• Room poachers often don’t deliver on promises to customers. When meeting attendees arrive, the reservations are non-existent or the hotels are located far from the convention center. Sometimes the rooms have been cancelled with hefty cancellation charges placed on the guest’s credit card.

• Poachers often represent themselves as being affiliated with the meeting or exhibition by using trademarked logos in violation of copyright laws.

 

Misrepresentation as official contractors or service providers

Numerous instances of dubious practices by third-party companies have been reported, including some in the transportation, audiovisual, display rental, and installation and dismantling sectors. These companies misrepresent themselves as official contractors and use the strength of the show’s brand without sufficient benefit to exhibitors for what they charge. Oftentimes, these companies will not deliver the promised services, or will deliver poor-quality products and services, with minimal customer service. Additionally, these companies may not be present at the show site to assist with any issues, thus causing more headaches and cost to exhibitors.

All Golf Industry Show official contractors will be on-hand at the show site to provide services and customer service.