Washington, DC – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today welcomed news that Superior Court Judge Robert Okun has issued an order permanently enjoining William S. Loiry, a Florida-based conference promoter, from operating in the District of Columbia until his company is properly registered and has paid the District fees and penalties to be determined by the court.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) filed suit against Loiry in October 2013, alleging that many of his conferences – promoted under names like “United States Leadership Forum,” “American Energy Summit,” and “Defense Leadership Forum” – were not held as advertised. The complaint alleged that Loiry made misrepresentations about upcoming conferences, failed to refund registrants’ conference fees or sponsorship fees when conferences were rescheduled or changed, and continued operating in the District even after his business’s registration was revoked.

In his order, Judge Okun found it to be “undisputed” that Loiry “has been doing business in the District for almost 20 years through [his company] Ultimate Events or other entities, even though these entities were not registered to do business in the District.”  He ordered that Loiry and Ultimate Events are liable to the District for fees and penalties due as a result of their failure to register and file required corporate reports.  

“This is good news for consumers and those doing business in the District of Columbia,” Attorney General Racine said, “We are committed to using all the tools at our disposal to stop businesses from deceiving our residents and visitors and to hold these businesses to account.”

For one event billed by Loiry and Ultimate Events under the names “American Energy Security Summit” and “American Energy Summit,” but then postponed for months, the District’s complaint noted that he and his company received at least $27,740.00 in registration and sponsorship fees from at least five companies. Copies of the District’s complaint and Judge Okun’s order are attached.