Organizers have told pseudo-models Chrissie Chow Sau-na and Jessica C they will not be able to take part in a Microsoft promotion, though they will be allowed to enter the event as visitors.

"Any celebrity-related activity can only be held at the assigned areas and at the main stage in order to avoid chaos and to ensure visitors' safety," a statement issued yesterday by the organizer said.

"In order to properly control crowds and maintain good order during the fair, exhibitors should submit as early as possible proposals for promotions and activities which may attract a reasonable quantity of visitors."

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The four-day annual festival is expected to feature about 500 exhibitors and attract more than 700,000 visitors.

According to one report, Chow and Jessica C were informed on Monday they would not be allowed to take part in a Microsoft online sports game promotion on the first day of the fair.

"We sincerely regret the fact the two models have been forbidden from attending the promotion," a Microsoft statement said. "We were informed at a late stage after preparations had been made and this could result in a sizeable loss for our company.

"We hope to talk with the organizers to see if there is room for accommodation."

But a spokeswoman for the festival's PR company said: "It is our usual practice and has been followed by exhibitors over the years."

The models are allowed to attend as visitors, the spokeswoman said, adding: "If they cause chaos they will be asked to leave."

Meanwhile, Hong Kong Trade Development Council deputy executive director Benjamin Chau Kai-leung said Book Fair 2011 will ban models from signing their photo albums.