Disappointed exhibitors at last week’s Australian Industry Expo 05 were organising a petition as they sought answers from organiser Consolidated Events Australia as to why the Geoff Gallop-endorsed show had failed to live up to expectations.
Disappointed exhibitors at last week’s Australian Industry Expo 05 were organising a petition as they sought answers from organiser Consolidated Events Australia as to why the Geoff Gallop-endorsed show had failed to live up to expectations.
Alerted by angry exhibitors, WA Business News attended the expo on Friday, finding many stands being packed up a day ahead of the show’s scheduled close as poor visitor numbers led many to question whether the organiser had met its obligations.
Speaking to about 10 exhibitors, WA Business News could not find anyone who was happy with the event, which was arranged by a subsidiary of Media & Events Australia Pty Ltd, the company that bought the events business of collapsed Consolidated Business Media Pty Ltd last year.
Several exhibitors said they were considering their legal options regarding the event, which carries an endorsement from both Dr Gallop and Clive Brown, the former state development minister.
Earlier this year the WA Farmers Federation offered legal representation to any exhibitors experiencing contractual issues with Media & Events in relation to the planned Agriex expo, which became part of the Australian Industry Expo.
Complaints by exhibitors from last week’s event were widespread but centred on expectations of 20,000 visitors, including interstate and international attendees and purchasers, a $500,000 national media campaign and up to 2,500 exhibitor showcases.
In contrast to these figures the visitor tally announced on Friday afternoon was 5,000, with stand numbers around 360.
The organisers would not disclose the advertising spend.
Another common complaint was the change of venue from the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre to the Burswood Dome.
Exhibitors have told WA Business News they decided to organise a petition after a group of them was refused a meeting with organisers to discuss the poor attendance and concerns about advertising levels.
The petition demanded the event managers provide a schedule of promotional and advertising programs used for this exhibition. It contained more than 200 signatures on Friday afternoon.
In questioning the level of advertising, one exhibitor, who did not want to be named, described the expo as “the biggest secret in WA”.
Media and Events Australia managing director Greg Millar confirmed attendance numbers were lower than forecast but said this was despite extensive marketing and advertising.
However, Mr Millar could not confirm how much of the claimed $500,000 available for promotion was spent on advertising, saying he would have to go back and check his figures.
He said a week-long campaign on radio was accompanied by advertising in The West Australian newspaper, trade magazines, on-line and by direct mail.
Mr Millar said the change of venue happened nine months ago and exhibitors were notified by mail, a fact disputed by exhibitors who spoke to WA Business News.
Mr Millar said Perth appeared not to be ready for an all-industries expo.
Integrated Machinery representative Bill Saylav said the expo was “very disappointing” and it had taken the threat of legal action to obtain an audience with the organisers.
Mr Saylav said he had spent about $25,000 on exhibiting at the expo, which included staff, advertising and equipment costs, and banners that had to be freighted to Perth from Melbourne.
