The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has learnt that exhibitors have been receiving invitations from Fair Guide (owned by Construct Data) for listings in its guide at the exhibitors' expense. It has also come to HKTDC’s attention that another company under the name Expo Guide (owned by Commercial Online Manuals S de RL de CV (“Commercial Online Manuals”)) has sent similar invitations to exhibitors inviting them to update or correct their data with its fair directory for free listing. The HKTDC would like to stress that neither the Fair Guide nor the Expo Guide has any connection with the HKTDC or any of our fairs.

UFI, an international organization which represents the interests of the exhibition industry worldwide has been warning the exhibition industry to be vigilant against Fair Guide, Expo Guide, Construct Data, Commercial Online Manuals and other similar guides and organisations. UFI has also reported that debt collection agencies work in partnership with these guides to intimidate exhibitors for payment. The practice of Construct Data has been considered as unconscionable and misleading by the Austrian Protective Association. Recent information suggests that Construct Data has shifted its operation from Austria to Mexico and/or Slovakia.

It should be noted that the contents and wording of Fair Guide’s and Expo Guide’s letter and order form are virtually identical. It is possible that Construct Data and Commercial Online Manuals are related companies or are in some way connected. You should therefore exercise due diligence and care when being approached for such invitations so as to avoid possible unwarranted and/or unnecessary financial commitments. In order to protect your own interests, you are urged to read the contracts (including the small print) and attachments carefully, as well as seeking legal advice, before signing any such documents.

The HKTDC does not recommend that you sign any materials that you receive from Construct Data, and/or Commercial Online Manuals. If you have mistakenly entered into contract with Construct Data and/or Commercial Online Manuals, you should notify Construct Data and/or Commercial Online Manuals in writing and inform them that you dispute the validity of the contract on the basis of mistake and/or misrepresentation. You should take legal advice as to how to respond to any demands for payment that you might receive.

For more information about UFI’s action against Fair Guide, Expo Guide, Construct Data, please visit http://www.ufi.org/pages/thetradefairsector/fairguide.aspx.