Several mega trade shows were forced to extend their discount-registration deadlines after their registration and lead-retrieval provider had to go offline to deal with a cyber-attack.

Registration and lead-retrieval event software provider CompuSystems had to take its systems offline last week after it fell victim to a cybersecurity attack that underscores the potential fallout for trade show organizers when even a major company like CompuSystems is proven to be vulnerable to a cyber-attack. The company’s client roster includes major show organizers including Informa, INFOCOMM, the American Library Association and the American Urological Association.

The company was quick to inform clients about the attack. “We have identified a network disruption that is affecting some of our systems. Our team is working diligently around the clock to resolve the issue. As a precaution, we’ve temporarily taken these systems offline to ensure they are fully secure before restoring service,” the company said in a statement on its website. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to restore service as quickly as possible.”

This is in fact no small inconvenience for the large shows that use its systems, especially those whose shows are scheduled for November and December, such as the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Parts Exhibition (AAPEX).

The affected shows were quick to alert their exhibitors about how the outage is affecting their ability to register. For example, SEMA, whose early-bird registration deadline is looming for its Nov. 5-8 Las Vegas show, posted on its website that it “will extend the price deadline to accommodate those who did not register before the previously announced badge-price increase deadline.” It added that the outage shouldn’t affect the domestic badge-mailing process.

AAPEX, whose show is being held Nov. 5-7, also in Las Vegas, also pushed out its discounted registration deadline to accommodate those who had not registered before the price increase goes into effect. PRI, whose show isn’t scheduled until mid-December, has a bit more wiggle room. According to a statement on its website, PRI Show management is “aware of a CompuSystems issue preventing PRI Show registration. PRI is working with the vendor to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Badge mailing deadlines will not be affected by this outage. We appreciate your patience as we resolve this matter and will provide updates as they become available.”

This latest attack serves as a reminder that any company can be vulnerable to a cyber-attack, be it phishing, ransomware or malware. In 2023, some of the biggest cyberattacks hit organizations related to the meetings and events industry. MGM, a major hospitality company whose properties are popular with meeting and event organizers, also had a rough fall last year when hackers stole the personally identifiable information from more than 10 million of its customers. Caesars Entertainment also got hit with a ransomware attack last year. Also in 2023, a $51 million ransomware launched at Johnson Controls, which specializes in providing technology for smart and sustainable buildings and spaces, including hospitality venues.