Don’t Be Fooled by Trade Show Scams
Leading up to the trade show, you may experience companies contacting exhibitors directly claiming to have room blocks on behalf of the BC Landscape & Nursery Association and Grow West Coast. THESE CALLS ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH NOR ASSOCIATED WITH THE SHOW OR BCLNA.
The BCLNA and Grow West Coast cannot be held responsible for any payments made toward these fraudulent claims. Please do not give your credit card information to anyone calling and claiming to be a Travel Agent representing the Event.
Here are the three most common scams that you should be aware of:
International Fairs Directory
“International Fairs Directory” sends out a letter using the “BC Landscape & Nursery Association” and the show name asking exhibitors to update their contact information. If you receive such a letter, do not respond and do not send the form back. If you read the fine print you would be agreeing to pay €1,212 (over CA$1,800) to them each year for three years for the “privilege” of advertising in their directory, which has no connection to any trade show.
Attendee Lists
Grow West Coast and the BCLNA do not sell nor give out our attendee list. The only way you can obtain this information is by collecting the data yourself as you talk to attendees who stop by your booth. You can collect the information manually or rent a badge scanner from Microspec.
False Hotel Reservations
Never book a hotel room with anyone calling you offering a hotel deal. The partner hotel for the event will be listed on the event website within 6 months of the show dates for you to book yourself.
Protect Your Company from Trade Show Scams
If you are ever unsure whether communications have come from BCLNA/Grow West Coast, please do not hesitate to check with us. A member of our team can verify if it is legitimate or not and will never forward your details to third parties who are not contracted to work with the BCLNA.
You can help stop these scammers by reporting any suspicious activities so we can advise other exhibitors. And remember, never provide financial information to any company you deem suspicious.
