The scammers are out in full force!
From Sunbelt Ag Expo: It has recently been brought to our attention that our exhibitors have been contacted by a company offering to handle lodging arrangements for our event. They lead exhibitors to believe they are working with the show because in phone messages and emails they state “our records show you are exhibiting at xyz show”. They are extremely persistent calling and emailing several times to try and convince the exhibitor that lodging can only be booked through their agency.
After an exhibitor signs on with them they provide the exhibitor with the fine print (which no one reads) that says they’ve signed up for a Monthly Travel Club Subscription. There is a 25% cancellation fee not to mention the exorbitant fees they charge. The exhibitor can not contact the hotel and cancel because the rooms are held on this company’s card. To our knowledge this same company has contacted exhibitors affiliated with World Ag Expo and EMDA as well.
The known names that they go by are: Allied Acquisition Services, Convention Housing Authority, and Expo Lodging. They may go by other names also.
Complaints have been filed with the BBB in Las Vegas where this group is “supposedly” located. They’ve had complaints as far back as 2009 from what I’ve been able to find. Cease and Desist letters have also been sent to the company but it doesn’t slow them down.
Please keep us informed if you do receive a call and remember – if you’re planning to attend EMDA convention in Kansas City, or exhibit in Farm Show Council member shows, always contact show and association organizers directly to arrange for hotel rooms.