Marcus Evans/Margarita Theophilou events manager Be Aware of Marcus Evans conferences particlarly if you are approached to be a speaking and agree to

12th of Feb, 2013 by User680658

I was approached by Marcus Evans events in mid 2012 to present at a conference in Asia in early December 2012. After much flattery about how they really wanted me to to attend as an expert international speaker I agree to attend on the basis of coverage of my travel expenses and provision of some accommodation. I was told by their representative(s) that whilst they could pay for my flight it would be best if I organised this and then my travel expenses would be reimbursed and that payment could be made within approx. 2 weeks of producing receipts. They asked that I sign a contract with them to ensure I would complete my end of the deal and to enable payment by them. I purchased the the airfare in mid October 2012, send them my draft 28 slide presentation in November, submitted my receipts on their proforma in November, attended the conference in early December, made a sucessfull presentation, agreed to have the presentation included on their conference web site, and then submitted additional receipts post the conference. Despite the agreements , repeated emails requesting payment, unprofessional conduct and broken promises by their Conference Manager, escalation to their Australian General Manager (who apologised and asked for a few days to sort this out) I have still not been reimbursed some 2.5 months after the conference. I have now had to resort to further escalation and potentially legal proceedings given that the final deadline for payment was 5 pm yesterday and guess what another email of promises but no payment. So in summary be very wary of Marcus Evans reps and their business model which seems to mamixise their cash flow/profits (upfront conference fees, sponsorship payments) by not reimbursing legitimate costs (as promised) by their presenters and potential future customers (ps I won't be one of them)!

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