Sask. vendors consider legal action after losing over $50K at cancelled comic convention

Acknowledging a feeling of being disrespected, Alyssa Noella Nagy said she has many questions, not the least of which being where the money she paid to reserve a booth at Sask. Expo Regina has gone.

The owner of Kaze Productions is one of dozens of vendors impacted by the sudden cancellation of the event. She explained to paNOW with these types of events vendors normally pay a deposit at least six months in advance and rely on the profits from one show to carry them through to the next one.

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“So to have individual vendors who have paid anywhere from $200 to $1,500 tied up waiting for this event, I mean that could be six weeks or more of groceries,” she explained.

A statement posted on July 21 on the Sask. Expo Regina’s social media page, confirms a decision to dissolve the event, which had also been cancelled in 2024.

Meanwhile, Nagy who confirmed vendors are discussing the possibility of legal action, estimated over $50,000 could potentially be tied up in vendor fees. It’s also unknown how many admission tickets may have been sold in advance.

“We’re aware chances are we are not gonna get the majority of our vendor fees back, however, we want to see this brought to light and some justice not only for the vendors but also the non-profit who have also lost out on all their costs,” she said.

Alyssa Noella Nagy at her booth at the Regina Queen City Exhibition. (Alyssa Noella Nagy/submitted)

Lorne Oliver, owner of AP Spray Art, which is based in Domremy, paid out $750 for two booths.

“It took some of the wind out of my sails for trade shows and things”, adding that with money going out and nothing coming in, he did not make much money last season, and it affected his ability to buy Christmas gifts for his family.

Lorne Oliver at the Sask Expo Regina in 2023. He said now he’s more cautious about signing up for markets. (Lorne Oliver/submitted)

Oliver also said that when the event was cancelled last year, reportedly due to someone’s health concerns, vendors were told the money they paid out would simply be passed on to 2025.

“I had some financial things where my fees would have helped me with some bills, so I sent them emails asking if I could get my money back and I got no response,” he said.

Lorne Oliver creates a variety of pieces of artwork to sell at different markets. (Lorne Oliver/submitted)

Through subsequent conversations he’s had with the organizer, Oliver was informed that the money was actually tied up with the venue and the organizer promised it would be dealt with in court.

The venue in question was the Queensbury Convention Centre, which is operated by the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL).

In a statement provided to paNOW, Tim Day, who is the manager of Community Engagement and Public Relations, said the event was not booked with REAL this year. He also confirmed REAL is pursuing payment of outstanding debt.

“We understand there are questions and concerns regarding the Sask Expo Regina and the handling of vendor deposits,” Day said in a statement.

“To clarify, REAL was not the organizer of this event and is not responsible for collecting or refunding vendor deposits. All financial transactions, including deposits, were managed directly by the event organizers of Sask Expo Regina.”

paNOW and 980 CJME have attempted to reach out to organizers by way of email and social media, but there has been no response.

— With files from CJME