Suitcasing & Outboarding

RollerCon Suitcasing and Outboarding Policy

RollerCon depends on our exhibitors and sponsors for successful events, and they count on us to protect them, as well. In order to defend our valued sponsors and their investment in attending RollerCon, our rules strictly prohibit suitcasing and outboarding at RollerCon. The Westgate Conference Center and Las Vegas Conference Center also strictly prohibit suitcasing, and Clark County law prohibits the any commercial use of hotel sleeping rooms because it undermines trade shows and the trade-show business, which is so important to the state’s economy.

What is Suitcasing and Outboarding?

“Suitcasing” and “Outboarding” are unethical parasitic business practices in which non-exhibitors and non-sponsors attempt to gain access to conference attendees. This is either by walking the show promoting or selling products or hosting events during RollerCon.

“Suitcasing” refers to those non-participating companies or persons who go to conferences as an attendee but “work the aisles” from their suitcase and solicit business in the aisles, session rooms, or even the lobby area. Examples of this include the distribution of samples, flyers, and other materials to attendees.

“Outboarding” refers to non-participating companies that set up meetings, parties and demos during RollerCon, in our host locations or at offsite locations such as hotel hospitality suites or restaurants, and encourage RollerCon attendees to attend.

Examples may include but are not limited to:

  • A non-exhibitor sets up a hospitality room or unsponsored party at the host hotel or nearby and invites attendees to leave RollerCon and visit their suite.
  • A non-exhibitor sends out alerts to potential customers that while they will not be participating this year they will have personnel walking the show and/or will be offering demos or show specials.
  • A non-exhibitor puts together a webpage with the conference logo and solicits meetings with attendees.
  • A non-exhibitor piggybacks on the activities of a third party such as a vendor or partner who is exhibiting.

What are the Consequences of Suitcasing or Outboarding?

Please note that anyone in RollerCon Westgate or Las Vegas Convention Center observed soliciting business in the aisles or other public spaces, or uninvited attendees in another company’s booth, will be asked to leave immediately and banned from further RollerCon events.

Likewise, commercial activity conducted from a hotel guest room or hospitality suite, a restaurant or any other public place in proximity to RollerCon by non-participating companies, will be shut down. Non-exhibitors using Westgate rooms for sales for commercial activity will be evicted from the hotel without refund. Companies that violate this policy may not be given a warning, and run the risk of being banned from participating in future RollerCon events. Violators may be reported to local law enforcement for investigation. Punishments include $1,000 fines and up to six months in jail.