Toronto furniture market still has hotel rooms for January event

Claims of a sell-out from Nevada travel agency are false

Michael Knell -- Furniture Today, September 18, 2009

MONTREAL — A Nevada-based travel agency has been bombarding 2010 Canadian Home Furnishings Market exhibitors with false claims that the Toronto-based event has run out of hotel rooms.

In response, the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Assn. is advising both exhibitors and attendees to ignore these calls.

In a note to exhibitors distributed this week, the QFMA said that a company called Convention Expo Travel, based in Henderson, Nev., has been contacting exhibitors claiming it officially represents the conference.

"Please be aware that this company is making calls under false pretences claiming they represent housing for TCHFM," the association says. "They will state that the conference has run out of rooms. Please be aware that this is not true and that Convention Expo Travel is in no way affiliated with the TCHFM in any way.

"They are not the official travel agent for the event," the association added.

The QFMA is also reporting that the Better Business Bureau of Nevada states Convention Expo Travel has two outstanding complaints against it, and other conferences have issued similar warning to their attendees.

"TCHFM does not endorse, cooperate or collaborate in any matter whatsoever with this particular company and strongly recommends all exhibitors and attendees exercise appropriate and considered due diligence in doing business with this organization," the QFMA said.

Exhibitors and other attendees should visit the market's Web site at www.tchfm.com for detailed information about official market hotels and the discounted rates being offered.

The 2010 edition of the Canadian Home Furnishings Market will be held Jan. 9 to 12 at the International Centre in Toronto.