The Exposit Events’ “Splashed Outdoor Living Expo” supposedly planned to be held at Penrith on the weekend of November 19 and 20, 2011, did not exist. Anyone who paid money to Exposit Events or the organiser, Martin Lomm, should contact Fair Trading immediately.
The Exposit Events trade show purportedly being organised for the swimming pool and outdoor industries had been cancelled in May after a contract was not signed with the venue and no deposit was paid.
Fair Trading has warned industry members and the public not to deal with Exposit Events or other business run by its director Martin Lomm. Fair Trading is concerned that many more traders are unaware that the Expo is not proceeding and they may be incurring additional costs preparing for the event.
The event has nothing to do with SPLASH!, Interpoint Events or Intermedia.
Since May 2011 Exposit Events Pty Ltd has advertised for stall-holders to participate in the “Splashed Outdoor Living Expo” to be held at Penrith Panthers on 19 and 20 November 2011.
However, Exposit Events never signed a contract with Penrith Panthers nor paid a deposit. When Lomm did not return Panthers’ calls, they cancelled the event. Even so, Panthers discovered Exposit was still claiming the event would be held at Panthers, and they insisted Lomm remove all mention of Panthers from their material.
Simon Cooper, Managing Director of Interpoint Events said he was unhappy that Exposit Events used a name similar to the trusted SPLASH! brand.
“We were not very happy that Exposit Events used a name for their show that could have caused confusion with SPLASH!. I certainly hope no-one thought we had anything to do with them or their purported show.
“It does highlight the importance of dealing with trusted and respected event organisers. SPLASH! won Best Show in Australia last year, and that’s because the industry trusts us and gets behind our shows. We are also in the running for another award with SPLASH! Asia being nominated as a finalist at the latest EEAA Awards.
“The easy way to know what shows are being organised by SPLASH! is to email Karen Jaques, call her on 02 8586 6135 or call me on 02 8586 6105,” he says. “Following this situation, we have taken the precaution of trademarking the SPLASH! name.”
Exposit Events encouraged swimming pool builders and outdoor living traders to exhibit at the purported expo for fees of up to $2300 per stand with 100 stalls on offer.
Traders who signed contracts with Exposit Events Pty Ltd have then contacted Penrith Panthers for details of the show, only to find that the company had not booked the venue for the event.
Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe says Fair Trading was alerted to this situation by Penrith Panthers.
“To date, Fair Trading has received complaints from eight trader exhibitors,” he says. “The sole director of Exposit Events Pty Ltd, Mr Martin Lomm, has disappeared. Mr Lomm should immediately come forward to Fair Trading and make arrangements to contact all stall-holders to issue full refunds.”
Stowe welcomes the co-operation of the Penrith Panthers organisation who is also a victim in this situation.
Peter Thiel, Group Legal Counsel at Penrith Panthers issued the following statement:
“Penrith Rugby League Club Limited wishes to confirm that Exposit Events Pty Ltd (or any other entity) do not have a booking for the ‘Splashed Outdoor Living Expo’ purportedly to be held at Penrith Panthers on 19 and 20 November 2011. The organisers of this expo have unilaterally, and without the knowledge of Penrith Panthers, advertised this event as being booked for 19 and 20 November 2011 at Penrith Panthers.
“Penrith Rugby League Club Limited have no affiliation or association with the organisers of this event, and upon becoming aware of the actions of the organisers, took the step of involving the Department of Fair Trading in the investigation of the actions of this group. It is noted that the Department of Fair Trading has now issued a warning in relation to this event. Penrith Rugby League Club Limited confirm that there will be NO exhibition on its grounds on 19 and 20 November, and suggest that any enquiries in relation to this matter be directed to the organiser of the event or to the Department of Fair Trading.”
NSW Fair Trading issued a public warning under section 223 of the Australian Consumer Law (NSW) and has commenced an urgent investigation into the matter.
“I encourage all affected traders to contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 and lodge a complaint,” says Stowe.
Businesses that breach the Australian Consumer Law (NSW) face fines of up to $1.1 million.
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