Travel show at Brownwood Hotel 4/22-26, BE AWARE!!
 

Saw the full page ADV. in 4/18 Daily Sun paper, for Travel Show, Brownwood Hotel.
Just sharing our thoughts on their offerings, as BE AWARE!!
Attended this show earlier this year, it did sound interesting, offering free trips.
(Did seems somewhat High Pressure to commit immediately at that show).
Upon checking the availability for the "Complimentary" Air Fare / Cruise offers,
found they are definitely NOT "Free"! They have numerous restrictions, along
with significant fees. We just trashed the whole thing.
That is our thoughts, but be your own judge.

As a very wise man once said, aint no free lunch

All trade/convention type events...even small ones like this, present a short window for ‘dealers’ to sling their offerings. I’ve yet to see a travel ‘complimentary’ offer without strings or without having to be imprisoned for a multi hour presentation to redeem. Nothing new here...

If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is,

The term "high pressure sales" does not even exist in my vocabulary. I cannot imagine that I would ever buy something because a saleperson applied pressure, except maybe physical pressure or assault.

Don't waste your time
 

Bottom line - there is no free lunch> Don't waste your time.
From our recent experience. By the time you get the details of you free offer and then the strings attached and unknown delays you will be better off going on a cruise of your choice when and where you want to go.:blahblahblah:

What you experienced at this trade show is no different than any of the other myriad products salesmen peddle prior to a free chicken dinner. After the presentation, they will attempt to talk you into an annuity, life insurance, more insulation for your attic, water purifiers, lightning rods, solar panels, prepaid caskets and a match, solar tubes, garage door screens, home appliance warrantees, etc. All of these have one thing in common: to remove thousands of dollars from your checking account.

Also "been there done that at the Brownwood Hotel also" ! Thought might be a nice day out, lunch at the WP restaurant, something different to do. What a disappointing waste of time.... not W. Puck's, at least a nice lunch, LOL, but that "show", just a clone of the old phone routine: HELLO, I am delighted to let you know you are the winner of an all expense paid trip to ...... LOL ! Also reminded me of the "free tickets" we won for a number of events and attraction entrances in Aruba years ago when we were young and had no knowledge or experience with the old "vacation condo tours"... where they have some rather large individuals standing at the exits to "discourage" the "suckers" from leaving ! At least our experience at Brownwood was not as bad as that one long ago....LOL ! We could, and DID, leave not long after it began. At least all those WEALTH "management" "seminars" include a free dinner or lunch, our lunch at W.Puck's before was on us....LOL !

Agree with you, have walked out of MANY an auto dealer who even got to the edges of "pressure", but we are definitely in the minority, this array of tactics has lasted not only decades, but generations and in nearly every category, retail, housing, autos, travel, financial services, etc. etc. If it ever fails to work, you can bet all those types of approaches will be "dropped like a hot poker" as the old saying goes. I have found a very effective explanation to "wealth management" people. I am very calm, kind, and sincere when I say: I have no doubts that you are, as you say, ONLY interested in MY future and love your helping helping others "achieve their dream retirement", BUT, I have to tell you honestly, I do not believe there is anyone as interested in MY best financial interests as I AM, sorry, I just don't believe you care about my investments more than I do !

Hope you at least got the free swag!
Some of the people you mentioned no doubt are well intentioned .....and the others are a step above a Carny.

Amen. WE did go check out the travel show as I posted on here. Just curious thinking it would be like the many the Villages USED to have at Savannah and other regional centers, and way back, around the S.S. square. Those were fun and interesting, places such as the Bahama Islands and U.S. Virgin Isles even sent folk groups who put on small cultural shows and dances. Residents were able to talk with reps about areas they represented, Holland America and many other cruise lines participated, and many of the counties in Florida showcased what their part of Florida has to offer in vacationing and entertainment. Those shows were so entertaining and informative, we also found new places to try, visit, new resorts and interesting sights.

A good summary... and, nope, no swag, but I guess we have enough key chains and pens now...LOl !

Scam
 

I actually went this week. They ask for $12,000.00 to join their “club” today only. They promise that you will save thousands of dollars in future travel. In the end after I said no they quickly escorted me to the door and I received a certificate for free travel. “Free” travel included a fee of $189.00, with a registration fee of $49.00 and that is before you can see what “free” travel might be available. Bad reports at BBB. Comments all over the internet saying it’s a scam. They open up shop under different names but when you go online and follow the free travel it takes you to the bigger name which tracks as a scam.

Agree. . You never get something for nothing. No surprise here

I had a friend buy one of their travel packages for around 10K. The package is only good if you can book a trip 12 months in advance. Now she is stuck with it and cannot sell it.
What a ripoff!