EoW March 2007

corporate news

IWMA warning to members

A large cross at the bottom of the page identifies where the company’s representative should sign. The dealings of FAIRGuide/Construct Data Verlag have not escaped the attention of the authorities – both in Europe and in the USA. Indeed, the IAEE (the International Association of Exhibitions and Events) – has warned its members that FAIRGuide is now moving its operations into the USA and ‘strongly condemns’ its actions. The Austrian authorities are also taking legal action against the company, which is based in Vosendorf, Austria. The State Secretary for Economy has filed a comprehensive set of proceedings against Construct Data Verlag with the aim of obtaining an injunction preventing them from sending out the communications. A spokesman for Construct Data Verlag, denied that the letter was confusing, stating: “The main reason of this letter is to update the FAIRGuide. We give companies the choice of placing a free or paid-for advertisement.

“It clearly states that the document should only be signed if companies want to pay for the advertisement.” IWMA executive secretary Phillip Knight said: “Businesses need to be on their guard continuously to avoid incurring unwelcome costs from unsolicited mailings, whether received by post or email. It is our duty to make sure that our members are fully aware that they might be targeted.” IWMA – UK Krista Bruine de Bruin, of the RSM Erasmus University of Rotterdam, is the winner of the 2006 DSM B2B Thesis Award for the thesis entitled ‘Double-handed champions: Ambidextrous organisations’. Krista has won €3,000 and the opportunity to present her thesis to Nico Gerardu, member of the Managing Board of DSM. The B2B Thesis Award is an initiative of DSM’s Branch Organisation Marketing (BOM) and Corporate Recruitment. Fax : +44 1926 314755 Email : info@iwma.org Website : www.iwma.org At a glance . . .

The International Wire and Machinery Association (IWMA) is urging its members to show caution after a number of companies have fallen foul of a mailout from the Austrian company Construct Data Verlag, operating as FAIRGuide. The FAIRGuide, a web-based portal, lists fairs and exhibitions from around the world – and companies can have their listings displayed on the site. Construct Data Verlag have sent out letters to IWMA member companies, asking them to update their details. But due to the presentation of the letter, companies often gain the impression that this is a free entry/update to the official exhibitors directory of the respective fair organisation. It is only free if you return the document unsigned. However, a paragraph – in smaller type – states that by signing the document you become liable for the advertising costs of €971 per year – and that you are agreeing to advertise for a period of three years.

31

EuroWire – March 2007