ComplaintsforHolistic Lifestyle Conference and Expo

• Initial Complaint

  09/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On January 22 2023 I received and invite from a Linkedin Member C****** *******, claiming to be the CEO and Co founder of Holistic Lifestyle Conference and Expo Orlando Florida and was the first of its kind. In her pitch she stated the event would have over 8500 attendees and 175 speakers and 200 exhibitors. Eventually a man from Las Vegas NV contacted me by phone and set me up for a booth and the charge was $1030 on 04/20/23 to my skylight card. I felt comfortable because they had an elaborate website and I could choose the booth I wanted. Obviously most of the booths were out of my budget so he supposedly gave me a discount. On the first day of the event May 31, 2023 of the event there were very few visitors maybe less than a hundred mostly it was vendors and hall traffic and we all kept busy talking to each other. By the next day Thursday June 1 2023 it was even quieter and many of the supposed classes were canceled. There was supposed dinner to attend Thursday evening for awards but instead everyone was fired up about being scammed and no 8500 persons. So a petition was circulation to submit about this fraud. I did not attend the dinner so i did not sign the petition. This company needs to be investigated because there is another event scheduled in Los Angeles this October. There were no 8500 persons and there were not 200 vendors and most of the classes were canceled or no shows. I want my money back. I complained to my bank but it is not clear that they ever investigated. E******** ********* headed up the petition and her number is 9*******70 and herb email is [email protected] and another person to contact was vendor Nessa at 81*****977. I can submit initial solicitation if needed. Thank you for prompt action. R****** ****** 2054095853.

  Business response

  10/04/2023

  Response to Better Business Bureau:
  
  ---
  
  **Subject:** Response to Complaint from Mr. R****** ******
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau,
  
  I am writing in response to the complaint filed by Mr. R****** ****** regarding the Holistic Lifestyle Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida.
  
  Firstly, I'd like to express our sincere appreciation for Mr. H*****'s participation in our event. We value all our vendors and take all concerns seriously. Here is our perspective and the steps taken concerning the issues raised:
  
  1. **Attendance Estimates**: While we had projected and communicated an estimate of 8,500 attendees based on ticket sales and interest, we never guaranteed such attendance. Predicting exact attendance is challenging, and numbers can fluctuate due to various unforeseen reasons. We always aim for accuracy in our estimates, but we must stress that they are estimates.
  
  2. **Booth Purchase**: Mr. H*****'s transaction with our organization was for the purchase of a 10x10 booth, which was delivered as promised. The pricing and selection of the booth were carried out transparently, with options available to suit different budgets.
  
  3. **Event Occurrence**: We'd like to clarify that the event was not a scam. It took place, and vendors, speakers, and attendees were present, albeit fewer than expected. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused due to the reduced numbers.
  
  4. **Bank Investigation**: Mr. H***** pursued a refund through his credit card company, which triggered an investigation. After examining the evidence we provided, the bank decided in our favor. This, in our view, closed the case on the matter. However, we understand that Mr. H***** has the right to pursue any other legal avenues he sees fit. Should he decide on a civil suit, we are prepared to present the same evidence as provided to the bank.
  
  5. **Future Events**: Our dedication to offering quality events remains strong. While the Orlando event had its challenges, we are continuously learning and making improvements. We hope to make our upcoming Los Angeles event a success for all involved.
  
  In conclusion, while we understand Mr. H*****'s concerns, we believe that we delivered on our contractual obligations. We regret any dissatisfaction experienced and are always open to feedback to improve our events in the future.
  
  Thank you for your time and consideration.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  C****** *******
  Holistic Lifestyle Conference and Expo
  
  ---

  Customer response

  10/07/2023

  
  
  Complaint: 20660475
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  (1) As you can review the attached initial email solicitation from C****** ******* via LinkedIn the verbage is quite definite about the 8500 so it leads someone to believe without uncertainty that a sufficient crowd is coming.  However there was never a crowd coming to this event.  There was never any agent that came to speak to me or any other vendor about the event or why there were no attendees other than the vendors and or friends that they brought over.  There was nothing stated in the solicitation that we would be totally responsible for our own attendees as it sounded like they would be doing the necessary vetting for the event.  Hilton did host a couple of other events next to our area but it was mostly men attending a bridge building event that had nothing to do with our holistic expo and it was a one day event a couple times they were in hallway getting a cup of coffee or restrooms. By the second day it was even quieter than the first and all the vendors began exchanging the idea we had been scammed as several came to me about it and that's when I heard about the petition being circulated. In the initial email or any other contact I may have had there was never any talk about me "gathering up" my own prospects for the event as I perceived that it was being well advertised by the solicitor and as you can read it was a one of a kind event and that it was a total SHAM.  I am rather encouraged by the response of the solicitor to take it to court I had not pondered that until this response.  My bank who I reached out to first just seemed logical and other vendors told me they would be doing the same.  It took 3{three) months for me to get a decision at my bank so that told me that the event must have been questionable and perhaps my bank did not want to do anymore investigation because of the amount of time it would take.  I would like to add that I am a senior citizen and on social security and I do not appreciate what has been done too me and the response is not acceptable. The public needs to be made aware of this type scam and how deceiving they have been and while they think that just because my bank did not refund me the case is closed however it is not as I am well within my statue of limitations on this complaint.  I will be talking again to some of the vendors i made friends with about there results and will get back with those findings.  This case is not closed.  I appreciate the BBB for getting this response to me in a timely manner. 

  
  
  Regards,
  
  R****** ******
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Business response

  10/09/2023

  This is over. I will not respond again. Your bank has ruled.

  
  You are a senior citizen? I have multiple sclerosis and you are giving me a relapse. I will consider any further comment harassment and medical detriment. STOP. It's over. Move on.  We did our best and provided you what you purchased. 

  
  I am attaching a photo. You seem happy and engaged. You were there. The show happened. How is that a scam????

  
  I won't respond further.

  Customer response

  10/12/2023

  
  
  Complaint: 20660475
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Even after the CEO admits the Orlando event was problematic she still continues to blame me for embracing and believing  their baseless claims and instead of providing documentation of how she came up with this fictitious  number of participants  goes further to incriminate me by claiming one complaint to the BBB is enough for her to establish a harassment claim. How unprofessional can one get.  If this is the case the BBB would not exist.   This claim is far from over and I am more unsatisfied than when I started this claim.  If this was an actual "REAL" enterprise then the CEO would be backing their claim up with actual documentation of how they came up such large numbers and just where the interest was generated.  Instead Celeste claims I am  giving her a life altering headache along with mental anguish.  Maybe the CEO   can claim a disability in that blue oasis. Good Luck bringing that on in the Red Oasis.  This entity is completely bogus and certainly not a legit enterprise. I digress and will take my claim to another platform.  Please post this review so others can have an idea of what they are dealing with.  Respectfully submitted.
  
  Regards,
  
  R****** ******
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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