Penrith aquatic and outdoor expo does not exist

Aquatic and recreation businesses preparing to exhibit at this weekend's Splashed Outdoor Living Expo at Penrith, NSW, are being urged to contact the NSW Department of Fair Trading immediately. The show will not take place. 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 19th and 20th November 2011.

However, in a statement issued in recent days, NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe urged people not to deal with businesses owned or run by Martin Lomm, the Director of Exposit Events Pty Ltd.

Stowe's statement said NSW Fair Trading has issued a public warning under section 223 of the Australian Consumer Law (NSW). Businesses which breach the Australian Consumer Law (NSW) face fines of up to $1.1 million.

Exposit Events has been promoting the event to the swimming pool and outdoor industries with display spaces costing up to $2,300 per stand with 100 stalls on offer.

However, it appears that Exposit Events did not sign a contract with the venue and no deposit was paid.

NSW Fair Trading is concerned that some traders may not be aware that the Expo is not proceeding and they may be incurring additional costs preparing for the event.

In recent weeks some traders who have contracted with Exposit Events have contacted Penrith Panthers only to find that the company has not booked the venue for the event.

Stowe said Fair Trading was alerted to this situation by Penrith Panthers last week, advising that "to date, Fair Trading has received complaints from eight trader exhibitors."

Stowe acknowledged the co-operation of the Penrith Panthers organisation who, he explained, are 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 19th and 20th November 2011. The organisers of this expo have unilaterally, and without the knowledge of Penrith Panthers, advertised this event as being booked for 19th and 20th 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."

Simon Cooper, Managing Director of Interpoint Events, who organise the similarly named, but unrelated Splash! exhibitions is particularly unhappy that Exposit Events used a name similar to their trusted brand.

On the Interpoint Events website Cooper stated "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.

"Following this situation, we have taken the precaution of trademarking the Splash! name."

Commissioner Stow also advised that Martin Lomm "has disappeared," adding "Mr Lomm should immediately come forward to Fair Trading and make arrangements to contact all stall-holders to issue full refunds."

For more information about Fair Trading call 133 220 go to the Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au