Chairperson of the Franchise Association of South Africa Brenda Macqueen approached the Exhibitions Association of South Africa (EXSA) after receiving several complaints from members.
According to Macqueen exhibitors were advised just three weeks before the show that it would be combined with the ICE regional event taking place in June 2005. Changes to the venue and event duration were also made. The organiser agreed to refund deposits to exhibitors unable to attend at the new venue. To date, several exhibitors are still waiting for their refunds. The event organiser has since sold the company.
The contract between the organiser and exhibitors, however, states that the organiser reserves the right to relocate to a new venue in the 'best interests of the exhibition.'
Chairman of EXSA Justin Hawes says: "It really distresses me to hear that exhibitors' expectations have not been met. This type of incident is very damaging to the exhibition industry and I can only reiterate that members of the public are welcome to phone our offices if they wish to check on the credentials of a service provider."
Exhibitors with queries can contact EXSA GM Mandy O'Connor on telephone 011 805-7272 or via email at .
