Social Networking Conference wishes to warn all of our delegates planning on attending SNC Miami DO NOT BOOK A HOTEL with a company called Convention Expo Travel .

Convention Expo Travel (located at 2920 Green Valley parkway, Henderson, NV 89014), has been recently contacting our delegates, advising that they officially represent the conference. The company is in no way affiliated with the Social Networking Conference. They are NOT the official travel agent for the event.

If you are booking a hotel room, we recommend that you contact the Royal Palm Hotel directly at +1 305 604 5700.

The Better Business Bureau of Nevada states that Convention Expo Travel has 2 oustanding complaints and other conferences are warning their attendees about this company's unscrupulous practices, calling them a scam. (See References below).

Again, DO NOT BOOK A HOTEL ROOM WITH CONVENTION TRAVEL EXPO if you receive a call from them. Social Networking Conference does not recommend them.

Regards,
Marc Lesnick
Conference Organizer
Social Networking Conference

Reference #1: International Council of Air Shows
Link: [www.icashq.org]

Quote:

BEWARE OF CONVENTION HOTEL SLEEPING ROOM SCAM

With the National Finals Rodeo in town during the same days as the 2008 ICAS Convention and an increased likelihood that sleeping rooms will be scarce this year, an unscrupulous travel agency is directly soliciting some ICAS members, advising them that the ICAS block is nearly sold out and that they need to make their reservations over the phone.

Although the ICAS block is likely to be tight this year because of the rodeo, it is not sold out yet and we urge you to ignore solicitations from Convention Expo Travel in Henderson, Nevada. This organization is not affiliated with ICAS, the Rio Hotel or Harrah’s Entertainment.

International Council of Air Shows, Inc.
751 Miller Drive, Suite F-4
Leesburg, Virginia 20175
Phone: 703-779-8510,
Fax: 703-779-8511
Website: www.icashq.org

Reference #2: Sweet Adeline Conference (see page 6)

Quote:

Hotel Reservation Alert

Convention Attendees & Exhibitors:

We would like to make you aware of a situation that has been brought to our attention. There is a company, Convention Expo Travel based out of Henderson, Nevada, which has been contacting our attendees and exhibitors to assist with hotel reservations. They are disguising themselves as the Sweet Adelines International Housing Bureau. They are claiming they can get better rates or that rooms are limited, or are using other sales pitch methods. They are NOT the official housing bureau and are NOT affiliated with Sweet Adelines International in any way.

If you receive a call from this company claiming to represent Sweet Adelines International, be aware that this is not sanctioned and DO NOT MAKE THE RESERVATION. Convention Expo Travel is
NOT affiliated with Sweet Adelines International in any capacity.

The Sweet Adelines International official Housing Bureau is
Experient. Experient will book rooms at the hotels within the block with previously negotiated rates that Sweet Adelines International has contracted years in advance. The Housing Bureau will never contact you via the phone and solicit your business. They will contact you via phone only if you contact them and ask them to return your call.

If you have already made hotel reservations through Convention
Expo Travel, Sweet Adelines International is unable to guarantee the validity of the reservation. If you would like to cancel your reservations, please contact the hotel directly. Additionally, contact your credit card company and tell them NOT to pay the 20% penalty if it is put through by Convention Expo Travel.

Please contact me with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kathy Hayes
Director of Meetings & Corporate Services
Sweet Adelines International
kathyh@sweetadleineintl.org.
918-622-1444, Ext. 138

Edited 2 times. Last edit at 08/21/08 07:27PM by yorktown.

I did some more research on this company. Wow...They are listed as hotel and travel scams with alot of conference operations.

List of others here

I have advice for other event planners who have the same problem. This is how best to handle the company Convention Expo Travel if they start preying upon your delegates:

1) Have your lawyer fax a Cease and Desist letter. Conversations with other event planners have told me that usually stops them.
2) Initiate a complaint with the Southern Nevada Better Business Bureau
3) IF your conference/convention is in Las Vegas, I strongly urge you to directly contact the executive offices of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. This is an extremely powerful and influential organization, with strong local, state and federal government ties. The last thing the LVCVA wants taking place within their city are business conference scam operations. Note that Convention Travel Expo is located in Henderson, NV (a suburb of Las Vegas). A formal complaint to the executive offices of the LVCVA will certainly get their attention. If the LVCVA receives enough calls, they will almost certainly initiate a formal inquiries on the matter with the proper authorities. The LVCVA tel number is USA +1 702 892 0711 and a list of senior officers to contact can be found here.
4) (Added May 2009) - If your event is not in Las Vegas, but the Hotel you are dealing with is part of a large chain with a strong casino presence in Las Vegas (ex: Hilton, Harrah's), it is advisable to ask for assistance from the Hotel Group in investigating the matter for you. Again, proper inquiries could be made on your behalf.

I hope this helps.

Marc Lesnick
Conference Organizer
Social Media Conference



Edited 2 times. Last edit at 05/15/09 07:42AM by yorktown.

I ALSO DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS COMPANY AS WELL DUE TO THEM CONTACTING ME FOR AN EVENT I'M ATTENDING. THEY DID NOT CALL CLAIMING TO BE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THEY DID NOT MIS-REPRESENT THEMSELVES. I DID SOME BACK GROUND CHECK WITH THE BBB AND THEY SEEM TO BE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH JUST THE HOUSING AUTHORITIES AND NOT INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES LIKE MYSELF.

I JUST HAVE TO PUT MY 2 CENTS IN JUST BECAUSE ITS NOT FAIR TO SLANDER COMPANIES LIKE CONVENTION EXPO TRAVEL. THEY ATLEAST GET A BETTER ROOM RATE THEN WHAT THE HOUSING WOULD NEGOIATE FOR YOU AND AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED, I DONT CARE WHAT THE CONVENTIONS THINK CAUSE THEY MAKE COMMISSION FROM THE HOTEL, I CARE ABOUT GETTING THE BEST ROOM RATE...

PLEASE TAKE THIS NONSENSE OFF ABOUT SCAMS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT. YOU CAN SAY THEY ARE A SCAM IF THEY DONT PROVIDE YOU WITH THE SERVICES THEY SAY THEY DO, BUT THEY ACTUALLY DELIVER!!!!!! WITH TODAY'S ECONOMY, I'M SURE EVERYONE WANTS TO SAVE THE MONEY.

WILL FROM NEW YORK

I recently attended ICAS in Las Vegas. A representative of Convention Expo Travel had contacted me about room rates cheaper than those offered by the convention. I thought it sounded a little odd, but their rates were less than the current rack rate. I was a bit weary at first as i had never heard of them, but decided to give them a shot and see if they can deliver.

A little over a month before the show I saw they had charged my card for my stay. I thought this was a little weird as i have never pre-paid for a hotel room. So i gave them a call. I spoke with a pleasant young woman(i should have wrote her name down), and she explained that the reservation is a prepaid one, and they only charge the balance after the reservations have been confirmed. I asked how they could know that my reservations were confirmed without the confirmation numbers. She said she had my confirmation numbers, and proceeded to give them to me over the phone. About ten minutes after i got off the phone there was a message from Convention Expo Travel in my email inbox. I opened it up and it included my itinerary complete with the same confirmation numbers the woman had provided me over the phone. Also included was a copy of my invoice with a price per night about $20 cheaper than what the convention itself was offering. Which ended up being roughly $500 in savings ($20 a night, with five rooms at five nights each).

So after that, just for my peace of mind, i called the hotel i was booked at and asked them about my confirmation numbers. They matched exactly. That set me at ease.

When it came time to check-in everything went smoothly. I went about my business on the trip and also checked-out with out a problem. I dont see how you can call them a scam if they delivered the product they said they would, and at a better price to boot.

I personally enjoy saving money, not so sure about you though. To each his own though.


-Tony

Well... isn't that special :-)

I did some more digging. and here's what I found about Convention Travel Expo:

Congress says no travel agency

Quote:

...Landscape Ontario does not endorse, co-operate or collaborate in any manner whatsoever with Convention Expo Travel and strongly recommends to exercise appropriate and considered due diligence in doing business with any organization alleging that they represent or work with Landscape Ontario, Congress 2009 or the Toronto Congress Centre. For further information contact Lorraine Pigeon-Ivanoff, trade show sales coordinator, Landscape Ontario, at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 366 (direct), or fax 905-875-3942, lorraine@landscapeontario.com

Mark Hodgkinson's Blog about Convention Expo Travel

Quote:

Wednesday, July 9, 2008
I've Been Bamboozled!

Yes, I have been Bamboozled, screwed, tricked, hoodwinked and it is not good! Now I want to warn the world (at least the few people that read this blog) so that they never make a similar mistake that I made.

Let me explain... For my job I was to book hotel rooms for a convention coming up in November. I received a call from a company called Convention Expo Travel who told me they were booking rooms for this convention and that there were only a few available. They had all my information and I never thought that they weren't contracted with the convention. I told them I would get back with them after I checked with my boss. Well they called a few weeks later telling me they only had 3 rooms left and that I could have them. So I booked them. To make a long story short I received an e-mail from the founders of the convention we are attending stating that this company was acting like they were contracted with them, but that they were NOT and to disregard their solicitations. (A little too late wasn't it?) So now I am stuck fighting with them to get my full reimbursement, calling the credit card company and disputing the charges, and threatening to join the convention people in a lawsuit against them.

So all you cooperate people, never book through Convention Expo Travel or you will feel like me. STUPID!

CGTA show calls Convention Travel Expo a Hotel Scam

Quote:

BEWARE OF TRAVEL SCAM
If you're planning on attending the Alberta Gift Show this February, be aware of a travel company falsely claiming to be associated with the event. A number of the show's exhibitors have been approached by a company named Convention Expo Travel.com to book travel and hotels for the Alberta Gift Show. The company claims they represent hotel bookings for the Alberta Gift Show and that the conference has run out of rooms. In fact, rooms are still available for the event and the company is in no way affiliated with the Alberta Gift Show.

Investigations revealed that the Better Business Bureau of Nevada, where the company is headquartered, has two registered complaints against Convention Expo Travel. Furthermore, other conferences are warning their attendees about this company's unscrupulous practices.

We at the event have made out point above.

Marc Lesnick
Conference Organizer
SNC 2009

I also was scammed by this company and cannot believe they are still allowed to operate their business. Beware, they use quick talking agents that state they are "handling" a certain upcoming conference or event. They did this for the Bio Investor Conference08 that was held in Oct in SFO. They tape their calls and are well versed in what they can and cannot say. The reason they get away with this is because they immediately send you a credit card authorization form, again with the presumption THEY are officially handling the event. I fought this through AM EX and lost because I signed the authorization that in fine print states they are entitled to 20% cancelation fee. They purchase these rooms illegally through a company called Hotel Beds. I reported them to the owner of that company. He was unaware of their scam until I explained what they were doing. He now no longer sells to them. I plan to continue the fight until they are no longer able to operate their business. Do not feel stupid, fight back!! They way to STOP these companies is to write The Better Business Bureau of Nevada.

Convention Expo Travel already have several complaints against them
[southernnevada.bbb.org]
It only takes minutes to fill out the complaint form!

PUT THESE SOB'S OUT OF OPERATION!!!

Just a clarification on the word "SCAM" here:

A) Definition: According to dictionary.com, scam is defined as:

Quote:
–noun
1. a confidence game or other fraudulent scheme, esp. for making a quick profit; swindle

–verb (used with object)
2. to cheat or defraud with a scam.

According to many other sites, which are still active, they claim that Convention Expo Travel is or is involved with some form of scam:

Experimental Biology 2009 event in New Orleans says

Quote:
BE ADVISED - HOUSING SCAM

It has come to our attention that a 3rd party company named Tradeshow Housing (also known as Convention Expo Travel Office), is targeting our exhibitors advertising lower hotel rates. Be advised, this company is not affiliated with EB2009 and does not appear to be legitimate......

The Alberta Gift Show refers to Convention Expo Travel as a scam:

Quote:

BEWARE OF TRAVEL SCAM
If you're planning on attending the Alberta Gift Show this February, be aware of a travel company falsely claiming to be associated with the event. A number of the show's exhibitors have been approached by a company named Convention Expo Travel.com to book travel and hotels for the Alberta Gift Show. The company claims they represent hotel bookings for the Alberta Gift Show and that the conference has run out of rooms. In fact, rooms are still available for the event and the company is in no way affiliated with the Alberta Gift Show.

Investigations revealed that the Better Business Bureau of Nevada, where the company is headquartered, has two registered complaints against Convention Expo Travel. Furthermore, other conferences are warning their attendees about this company's unscrupulous practices.

The Pri-Med refers to them as a scam as well:

Quote:

Housing Scam

It has come to our attention that Convention Expo Travel is contacting exhibitors and soliciting hotel reservations for the November 2008 Pri-Med East Conference and Exhibition. Please be aware that this company is making calls under false pretenses claiming they represent housing for Pri-Med. They will state that the conference has run out of rooms. Please be aware that this is not true and that Convention Expo Travel is not affiliated with Pri-Med in any way.

If you have booked rooms through Convention Expo Travel we recommend that you cancel them immediately before you incur charges.

Cedia Expo refers to them as a housing scam:

Quote:

CEDIA EXPO Housing Scam

It has been brought to our attention that Convention Expo Travel has been contacting CEDIA Exhibitors regarding housing for EXPO 2008 in Denver, CO. If you receive a call from a company claiming to represent CEDIA housing and they state that you must pay a deposit be aware that this may be a scam and DO NOT MAKE THE ROOM RESERVATION. CEDIA EXPO Housing does NOT require a deposit and Convention Expo Travel is not affiliated with CEDIA EXPO in any capacity.

If you have any housing questions please contact CEDIA EXPO Housing at 877-307-0325.

The JCK fashion Show refers to them as a "booking scam":

Quote:

Updated 7/28 [/2008] : HOTEL ROOM BOOKING SCAM
It has come to our attention that Convention Expo Travel is contacting exhibitors and soliciting hotel reservations for the JCK Toronto. Please be aware that this company is making calls under false pretenses claiming they represent housing for JCK Toronto. They will state that the event has run out of rooms. Please be aware that this is not true and that Convention Expo Travel is not affiliated with JCK Toronto in any way.

New England Fuel Institute

Quote:

PHONE CALLS ABOUT NEFI HOTEL ROOMS ARE A SCAM
In the past few days, you may have received a phone call from someone claiming to be with “Convention Travel Office” or “Convention Expo Travel”. The call originates from a toll-free number, and the caller may have even identified himself as “Shane”. He then may have proceeded to warn you that hotel rooms for the upcoming NEFI Show in June are going fast and that you need to book now, through him. The caller is not Tracy Goodwin, NEFI Vice President and Director of Events, Shane Sweet, NEFI President and CEO or any other member of NEFI staff. After investigation, we have discovered this is a common scam. NEFI has informed the authorities of the scam. We have not sent out exhibitor kits or hotel information yet, although it will be coming soon and will come by email and/or regular mail. Phone calls will not be made. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BOOK HOTEL SPACE FOR THE NEFI SHOW over the phone with anyone. If you are unsure of have additional questions, contact Tracy Goodwin, tracy@nefi.com or 617-923-5015

Structural Building Components refers to Convention Expo Travel as a Scam:

Quote:

TO: BCMC Attendees and Exhibitors
FROM: WTCA Executive Committee, BCMC Committee and Staff
DATE: June 26, 2008
SUBJECT: Watch for Scams on BCMC Hotel Reservations -- Convention Expo Travel is a Scam

It has come to our attention that Convention Expo Travel is calling BCMC exhibitors informing them that they need to make their hotel reservations now as there is a limited supply available. This is inaccurate information.

Convention Expo Travel is not identifying themselves when calling exhibitors and they are giving the impression that they are working with BCMC and the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Please note that Convention Expo Travel is NOT affiliated with BCMC or any of the convention hotels, especially the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The Crowne Plaza Hotel has confirmed they do not have rooms set aside for this company......

VHA Leadership Conference refers to them as a "hotel scam":

Quote:

Warning - Convention Expo Travel - Hotel Scam

We would like to warn our attendees and exhibitors to NOT BOOK A HOTEL with a company called Convention Expo Travel. The company is in NO WAY AFFILIATED with the VHA Leadership Conference. Please do not give them your credit card information under any circumstances. Unfortunately, this kind of scam is not uncommon in the conference business.

If you are booking a hotel room, we highly recommend that you book directly with the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio at (800) 648-4462. The Marriott Rivercenter is sold out on several of the conference nights.

I can go on. A search for the word "Scam" with the specifically the company's name reveals 194 specific results.

It appears that convention expo travel is particularly concerned with the word "scam". The International Cemetary, Cremation and Funeral Association wrote the following on Febrary 13, 2009:

Quote:

Some organization has decided to glom onto our Convention and has acquired a copy of an industry supplier list, and is now making pestering phone calls to potential exhibitors at our 2009 Convention.
.....
The company that is calling our suppliers has nothing to do with ICCFA
......
The ICCFA has learned that a company by the name of "Convention Expo Travel" is soliciting ICCFA members claiming to offer reduced room rates at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino for the ICCFA Convention dates, April 20-23. This company is NOT affiliated with the ICCFA or Mandalay Bay.
.....
The Better Business Bureau has given Convention Expo Travel an “F” rating, based on a range on A+ to F. Therefore, the ICCFA urges extreme caution in doing business with this company. For more information on this company, go to [southernnevada.bbb.org] and click on “Check out a Business.”

With the exception of the ICCFA post, this was the basis of our use of the word "Scam" in association with the company called Convention Expo Travel in this thread, including other mentions in the previous posts.

Marc Lesnick
Conference Organizer
Social Networking Conference.com




Edited 1 times. Last edit at 04/23/09 07:27PM by yorktown.

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS COMPANY IS STILL ALLOWED TO BE IN OPERATION,
READ HERE:

[www.eb2009.org]

BE ADVISED - HOUSING SCAM
It has come to our attention that a 3rd party company named Tradeshow Housing (also known as Convention Expo Travel Office), is targeting our exhibitors advertising lower hotel rates. Be advised, this company is not affiliated with EB2009 and does not appear to be legitimate. The website they provided is not valid and they DO NOT have blocks at the convention hotels they listed: the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center, New Orleans Marriott, Loews New Orleans, and Sheraton New Orleans . We have contacted the hotels and confirmed this company does not have blocks reserved and have alerted them to this issue. Be assured that all of our hotel contracts are negotiated to provide you the lowest rates and ALL hotels are required to guarantee that EB has the lowest rates during the contracted time.
Tradeshow Housing or Convention Expo Travel Office is not affiliated with EB 2009 and does not appear to be a legitimate company. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THEIR EMAIL OR PROVIDE CREDIT CARD INFORMATION – THIS IS A SCAM INVOLVING CREDIT CARD FRAUD.
Please use this website where you can process your registration and review the list of hotels available. We can assure you that our website is secure and is the appropriate source to make your hotel reservation. Our official housing provider is Experient (in conjunction with the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau) and can be contacted at 800-424-5250 or 847-940-2153.
If you receive emails regarding housing for EB2009 and question the legitimacy of the information, please feel free to contact us with your concerns

Affilied parties from Convention Expo Travel
Steve Nachwatter or Nachwalter
Robert Kneeland
Candy Daniella




Edited 1 times. Last edit at 09/04/09 03:48PM by Lindsay02.