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The number of scams targeting the events industry has increased in number and sophistication. AEO Events have created this video for exhibiting brands explaining how to spot scams, how to avoid them and what to do if you’ve engaged with a scammer.
Unfortunately, exhibitors and attendees to major exhibitions and conferences are sometimes targeted by fraudsters to obtain money. We work very closely with Association of Exhibition Organisers to identify these scams and we always communicate these to our customers. Below are details of known scams.
Please be aware of these and be vigilant if you are contacted by any organisation not listed in your Exhibitor Manual or Official Clarion Events documentation in relation to any of our events.
Always read the small print details before signing any documents. Please contact us if you require any clarification - Marketing@olympia-art-antiques.com
Fair Guides
In recent years, third parties such as Expo Guides, Fairguide, Construct Data Verlag, International Fairs Directory, Event Specialist and others have targeted exhibitors at major exhibitions for paid entries into Fair guides.
These companies are NOT in any way affiliated with The Art & Antiques Fair and they are NOT working on our behalf.
These companies use a misleading form, often with the Fair logo. Exhibitors who sign and return the form for entry in an online directory are contracted into a three-year, "non-retractable" agreement. Non-payment is then followed by aggressive debt collecting by recovery agents, including threats of legal action.
Attendee Lists
There are a number of email scams claiming to sell attendee lists, sent from a variety of email addresses. These companies are NOT in any way affiliated with Clarion Events Ltd. The Art & Antiques Fair does NOT sell attendee lists and it is not available to buy through any third parties. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team.
Advice
The current advice from the AEO (Association of Exhibition Organisers) is as follows:
Our advice is to IGNORE them completely, and do not communicate with them in any way. Writing letters and responding to emails simply confirms that you exist and are available at the address/email address/number they have for you, and therefore payment can be pursued.
- ALERT the organiser of your event
- Report it to your local trading standards
- Do not pay anything!
- Do not communicate with the scammers even when they threaten legal action
These organisations have also been known to use debt recovery agencies, the same advice stands for these agencies. Do not engage with them.
