The World Startup Convention, held in Noida Delhi, has been exposed for using deceptive tactics to attract attendees. The event, which was supposed to showcase some of the most promising startups from around the world, has come under fire for using fake posters of Elon Musk and influencer marketing to deceive people.
The convention was marketed as a three-day event, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. However, it was soon discovered that the organizers had used fake posters of Elon Musk to promote the event. The posters claimed that Elon Musk would be speaking at the convention, but the Tesla CEO was never scheduled to attend.
In addition, the organizers used influencer marketing to attract attendees. Several social media influencers were paid to promote the event to their followers, but many of them did not disclose that they were being paid for their posts. The event roped in influencers with millions of followers such as Ankur Warikoo, Raj Shamani, Chetan Bhagat and others for promos full of high praise.This is a violation of advertising guidelines and can be seen as misleading to potential attendees.
Ankur warikoo responded back to startupnewsfyi
“I am not involved in the conceptualizing or organizing of the event
We had done an Instagram collab reel on 19th January where I spoke about the importance of funding for a startup and how this event could be a good opportunity to explore the same and meet other founders.
The terms of the collab were clear that my video will NOT be used for promoting the event. However, I realized that this was not respected. While they took down ads of the video when we asked them to, the video was still used on their website and in all of their communication.
In January itself we distanced ourselves from the event. They repeatedly asked me to be present for the event, which we declined.
As late as Feb we had to keep sending them emails asking them to take down ads they were running to promote the event using my video.”
Many people who attended the World Startup Convention were disappointed with the event. Some reported long lines, disorganized registration, and delays in accessing the main venue. Others complained about the quality of the programming, which they felt was uninteresting or irrelevant.
A attendee told Startupnews.fyi that “The worst event. Highly unorganised and there is no dedicated booths for the investors. It’s a complete mess.”
The World Startup Convention also faced police intervention after several attendees complained about the event’s poor organization and deceptive marketing tactics. The police were called to the venue after attendees became frustrated with the long lines and delays in accessing the main venue.
According to reports, the police arrived at the convention and asked to speak with the organizers. They questioned the organizers about the event’s safety and organization, and demanded to see the necessary permits and approvals. The police also asked for clarification on the use of fake posters of Elon Musk and influencer marketing to promote the event.
In conclusion, the World Startup Convention’s deceptive marketing tactics, poor organization, and police intervention are a reminder that events like this must be conducted with honesty, transparency, and accountability to earn the trust and respect of attendees. The startup community must remain vigilant against deception and manipulation to maintain its reputation as a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship.
