Very dissapointing experience and Shady company
We have participated in ACS shows for many years, but unfortunately, our experience has declined significantly over time.
In my opinion, the overall quality and value of the shows are not what they once were. One of our biggest disappointments has been the master lead lists provided to vendors. Based on our experience, many of the contacts we received contained unusable or inaccurate information, including emails that did not appear to be valid. The results from following up with these leads have also been extremely disappointing for our business.
My biggest concern, however, has been our experience with the multi-year contract.
I contacted the company specifically because I wanted to end our participation in future shows. During a phone conversation, I understood that we had been removed from the multi-year commitment. We were therefore surprised when we later received another invoice and were informed that we still had an obligation to participate.
I strongly recommend that any vendor considering ACS carefully read the entire agreement, understand exactly how many shows or years they are committing to, and get any requested cancellation or contract modification IN WRITING.
Communication has also been frustrating. We have dealt with multiple sales representatives over time, which made resolving our concerns more difficult. My personal interactions with manager Jennifer Reilly were particularly disappointing. I found the communication and handling of our concerns to be unprofessional and not what I would expect after being a longtime participating vendor.
Another major factor vendors should consider is cost versus actual return. Bigger and more expensive does not necessarily mean better results. We have participated in smaller, significantly less expensive bridal shows that have produced better results for our company.
For example, we have participated in ABS shows where tables and linens were included. Based on our experience, we have also been more satisfied with the attendees, marketing, and overall value of those events.
We've also found that some smaller shows can provide a more productive environment. Instead of focusing solely on the number of people who walk through the door, we look at how many meaningful conversations we have, how many legitimate prospects we meet, and ultimately how many bookings are generated. Based on those measurements, some smaller and less expensive shows have performed better for our company than ACS.
That is why I strongly encourage other vendors to compare their options. Look beyond advertised attendance numbers and consider the total cost of exhibiting, what is included, the quality of the attendees, the quality of the post-show leads, and most importantly, your actual return on investment.
When comparing what we pay, what is included, the quality of the leads we receive, and the results we have experienced, I personally no longer believe ACS provides the same value for our company that it once did.
We intend to fulfill the upcoming fall show that ACS maintains we are obligated to participate in, but we have formally requested that our relationship end after that show.
This review reflects our company's firsthand experiences and my personal opinions after years of participating in these events. Unfortunately, based on our recent experiences, I cannot recommend ACS to other vendors without strongly advising them to compare other available bridal shows, carefully evaluate the expected return, and thoroughly review every contractual term before signing.








