Authorities are warning consumers that they should beware of false and misleading advertising relating to the “2018 Women EmpoweredUp Conference.” The ads claim that the conference will feature First Lady Michelle Obama, Cece Peniston and First Lady Angela Ducey.
Supposedly the conference will take place in late September at an unspecified location in Phoenix.
Online advertising, including the ticket sales page, promises consumers that the conference will have Obama, Peniston and Ducey. However, in response to inquiries from authorities, Obama’s representatives have confirmed she will not be at the conference.
In addition, the conference’s organizer, Kimberly Shedrick, recently posted to her Facebook page that with every ticket purchased for the conference attendees would receive one entry to win a Maserati Quarttroporte. The pictured Maserati does not belong to Ms. Shedrick, and she deleted the post after being confronted about this fact by a third party.
Ms. Shedrick continues to promote the event and sell tickets for $55 apiece. Ms. Shedrick has stated that she expects to sell 4,000-5,000 tickets (up to $275,000 in ticket sales).
Authorities are reportedly working to stop false advertising related to this conference and is issuing this advisory to ensure additional consumers are not deceived. Consumers who bought tickets and feel they were deceived should file complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.