My First Scam Conference

I've been invited to participate in many things. This is the first time someone has tried to prey on me with a speaking engagement. I can only assume the "winners" of this award are narcissists or desperate.

I got the following DM on LinkedIn

"Hey Bryan,

We believe you are a great fit to apply for our "Leadership Award", set to be conferred at the Internet 2.0 Conference in Las Vegas, March 2024.

Let's schedule a time to talk."

So first, I already have awards. People tell me that I've helped them. I've delivered solutions that have made people's jobs easier and, in a couple of cases, have materially improved the ability of people to support their families. I don't need something else to dust. However, I was curious because it MIGHT be a way to bring exposure to my company's work, so I set up a call. They were 15 minutes late.

The call made me even more skeptical. The conference is actually five concurrent conferences for industries that are only connected because they all use software. The value proposition they provided for me to attend was networking (I have a network), chances to talk to investors (we don't need investors and I'm the wrong person to do that), and speaking on a panel. I enjoy panel discussions. I always learn something. Only one of the MANY panel discussions was related in any way to anything I'm qualified to speak about.

I asked them to send me an email with the details. It's so scammy. They weren't offering a pointless award and a speaking slot. They were offering me the opportunity to send them $50 to apply for an award and win the opportunity to be one of many people on a panel.

But wait! There's more!

If I win, then I get the $50 back but I get a lot of other benefits!

"If one makes the cut as a winner, then for their 3 days expenses at the conference they have to register with a attendance pass of $1500. This caters to 3 days breakfast, lunch, access to exhibition, networking areas & knowledge sessions & post event high tea networking parties.

Also, I would like to list out the benefits a winner gains should they qualify-

1. Access to photos/videos of the moments when you accept the trophy on stage with a minute of mic time in front of an applauding audience

2. A mention of you with photo, name & designation in the conference exclusive magazine so the potential collaborators can identify you

3. A mention on the next event's website as a past winner

4. A seal of recognition- which is a digital badge to be put up on social platforms or email signatures

5. A shared access to 4 concurrent conferences that you might have an interest in

6. Discounts on Hotel Bookings"

So, if I lose I'm out $50. If I win then I'm rewarded with the right to spend $1500 on a ticket, plus airfare, plus a DISCOUNTED hotel room in a city I hate, plus speaking on a panel and "exposure." Sweet!

I've never had anyone try to scam me with a speaking engagement before. How common is this for you?