California Trade Shows - Novembeer 2017

We thought Chicago was slow for trade shows this month but it seems to be the trend around the country. Don't worry, there is a ton of other work for all of you promotional models. The Holidays and Summer are the busiest in this industry. Here is a look at trade shows taking place in California this month. Los Angeles Convention Center Ski Dazzle 2017. November 17 - 19. World Funding Summit. November 17 - 18. Moscone Center Dreamforce 2017. November 6 -9. NCSS 97th Annual Conference. November 16 - 19. San Francisco International Auto Show. November 18 - 26. Anaheim Convention Center American Heart Association 2017 Scientific Sessions. November 11 - 15. San Diego Convention Center 2017 AAPS Annual Meeting and Exposition. November 12 - 15. California School Boards Association. November 30 - December 2. If you need trade show models for these conventions or any other event please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models. We can be reached at 312.834.5200 or by email at info@Pinkavenuemodels.com for more information. Team Pink Avenue  

Chicago Trade Shows - November 2017

The team at Pink Avenue Models loves being busy, October was definitely a busy month for us. We just wrapped up NACS in Chicago, the week before we had NBAA in Las Vegas, we had a street team event with Coach, and numerous other events. We hope that November and December are just as busy, lets finish the year strong! Here is a look at trade shows taking place in Chicago next month. McCormick Place Academy of General Dentistry Annual 2017 Meeting. November 2 - 5. Realtors® Conference and Expo. November 3 - 6. FABTECH. November 6 - 9. IMPACT 2017. November 14 - 17. RSNA. November 26 - December 1. Rosemont Convention Center PLMA. November 13 - 14. The Chicago Sports Spectacular. November 17 - 19. If you need promotional models for these conventions or any other event please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models. We can be reached at 312.834.5200 or by email at info@Pinkavenuemodels.com for more information. Team Pink Avenue  

What Happens When You Don't Show Up To Your Scheduled Event

It's time for another Pink Avenue rant and tonight I am furious. I will never understand why promotional models back out last minute, don't show up, or send a text message minutes before an event with an excuse that I have heard a million times. I can not stress how many people are inconvenienced by someone's actions. Here is a break down of what happens when someone doesn't work the shift they agreed to. The clients plans are ruined. You were hired for a reason, to do a job, and to assist the client with their event. Sometimes it is impossible to find a replacement, especially last minute. Example: The last time NACS was in Chicago our agency staffed 70 models for the event, 70. It was impossible to find replacements, this is a huge show and almost every booth needs assistance. You make me and our company look horrible and unprofessional. I can't even count all of the clients that we have lost because of the actions of promotional models. I am great at communication, I have a degree in it. I make sure to send you all the details you need, the contact info, keep in touch throughout the booking and send a reminder email. We are all adults and I shouldn't have to hold your hand through the process, but I do. You ruin your reputation. We all talk and if you screw us over I will try my hardest to make sure that you do not do it to a coworker or friend. I have been in this industry for a long time and it's how it goes. We want the best, not unreliable staff. You ruin the day. NACS started today and instead of paying attention to other clients, new business, and the daily tasks I spent hours trying to replace you. It's selfish. I have said this a million times, this industry is fun but it is a job and can be a career for some. If you do not want to work, are unprofessional, unreliable, and have a history of messing around with agencies you do not belong in this line of work. We want outgoing talent that enjoys working and needs to make money. I remember what it was like when I first started, I worked everything because I had to. I lived in downtown Chicago and had to pay bills, rent, car payments, groceries, gas & electric, cell phone, internet, student loans and a credit card. I wouldn't turn down $500 dollars from a fun trade show. The point is... be better. It is not acceptable to do the things that promotional models do, it isn't fair to the agency, client or the rest of the team. It is time consuming to book events. There is a lot of back and forth contact with the clients and the models, the contracts on all ends, it all takes time. It's now 10pm and I am still working on finding replacements 12 hours later. Thank you. Team Pink Avenue

It's Time for Another Pink Avenue Models Pet Peeve

It's time for another Pink Avenue Models pet peeve! The team does most of the staffing in house, we have a database of thousands of models from all parts of the country. These models have been chosen based on experience, photos, and recommendations. These are the models that we trust and reach out to when we have an event in their area. Sometimes we need help and use the job boards on social media sites, it happens. I am currently staffing for a trade show and most of the models are booked, this happens every time no matter where this trade show is located. Almost every exhibitor hires talent, we hired over 70 models the last time this convention came to Chicago. With all of this said, we posted on a job board this week so we could find new talent. We laid all of the details out, the name of the event, the location, the dates/hours, attire, rate of pay, responsibilities and even mentioned that you must be available for all dates and times. What responses did we get in return? Promotional models said they could work 2/3 days, promotional models said they could work part of the day but would have to leave early, promotional models asked for travel even though we mentioned this is for local talent only. We should not receive these responses. We only work with talent 18+, everyone is capable of reading and following directions. This is very frustrating for the agency and our client. When you tell us that you are available we submit you to the client and if the client selects you and you're suddenly unavailable it doesn't look good. The point of this post is to rant a little bit but to remind people in this industry to read the posts all the way through! Team Pink Avenue

Flashback Friday! Our First Event!

The team at Pink Avenue Models dug deep for this photo, it is from our very first event! This client was starting a sports newspaper and hired promotional models to spread the word in Chicago. Team Pink Avenue  

When Is It Time To Leave The Promotional Modeling Industry?

A friend of mine worked a trade show the other day and she realized that she in no longer interested in working in this industry. She said standing there for hours and hours was extremely boring, the comments from the male attendees were disrespectful and uncalled for and she felt like she wasn't respected and was looked at as just a pretty face. The pay was $50 per hour and that didn't matter to her anymore. She felt like a piece of meat and that she was hired to be stared at. I listened and could completely relate. I had the same feelings and knew it was time to move on. When I first moved to Chicago I booked every trade show and event that I could, I never said no to work. One day I realized that I was in my early 20's and I wasn't going out with friends, I wasn't meeting new people, I wasn't dating, and I wasn't living in a city that I paid so much to live in. The guys I did meet didn't want to date a girl that was in bars or at events getting hit on all the time. I felt alone and that made me work more so I would at least feel busy. I missed out on bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and hanging out like all of my friends were. I finally realized that working and making money wasn't going to make me happy. I want to work to live not live to work. The reason for this blog is to encourage people to do what makes them happy and if you aren't happy with what you are doing change it! My friend was miserable at the trade show and realized that she wants more and has outgrown this industry. She's worried that she has spent so many years working as a promotional model that it will be hard for her to get into something more corporate. Thoughts? Team Pink Avenue

Flashback Friday - NACS!

We have been talking about NACS for a while now, it is one of my favorite trade shows! It's Friday and the team at Pink Avenue Models likes to reminisce on past events so we are bringing back a picture from NACS. This is from the last time NACS took place in Chicago. Team Pink Avenue

Las Vegas Trade Shows - October 2017

The team at Pink Avenue Models blogged about the trade shows coming up in Chicago this Fall and there are a ton! We expected Las Vegas to be the same but it looks like October will be a slow month. It is Vegas so we all know there will be a ton of other events and promotions for the promotional models to work. Here is a look at conventions coming to Las Vegas this October. G2E: Global Gaming Expo. October 3 - 5. National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). October 10 - 12. IMEX America. October 10 - 12. ABC Kids Expo. October 15 - 18. Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). October 31 - November 3. If you need trade show models for these conventions or any other event please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models. We can be reached at 312.834.5200 or by email at info@pinkavenuemodels.com for more information. Team Pink Avenue  

Chicago Trade Shows - October

I am so excited to blog about trade shows that are coming up this October. October is my favorite month of the year, Fall is my favorite season, and October is an extremely busy month that is full of trade shows. Here is a look at trade shows coming to Chicago this October. McCormick Place WEFTEC. October 1 - 4. Bank of America Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. October 6 -7. AAO. October 11 - 14. 2017 Chicago Women in Trades. October 14 - 15. IoT. October 17 - 18. NACS. October 17 - 20. Cyber Security Chicago. October 18 - 19. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo. October 21 - 24. American Staffing Association, Staffing World. October 24 - 26. Digital Summit Chicago. October 24 - 25. PMI 2017 Global Conference. October 26 - 30. Hot Chocolate Race Expo. October 27 - 28. Rosemont Convention Center Coil Winding. October 3 - 5. Sensors Midwest 2017. October 3 - 4. Pri-Med Annual Conference. October 11 - 14. Fashion, Jewelry & Accessories Show. October 12 - 15. HCP Hospital Pharmacy Conference. October 17 - 18. Chicago Women's Expo. October 21 - 22. The Quality Show. October 24 - 26. The Assembly Show. October 24 - 26. If you need trade show models for these conventions or any other event please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models. We can be reached at 312.834.5200 or by email at info@Pinkavenuemodels.com for more information. Team Pink Avenue

Chicago Trade Shows - September 2017

Summer in Chicago is not the best when it comes to trade shows, there aren't many. BUT... we are anxious, excited, and looking forward to a busy trade show season. Here is a look at the trade shows that will be taking place in Chicago this September. McCormick Place Lawyers Trust Fund of IL. September 7 - 8. PRINT. September 10 - 14. AAO - HNSF Annual Meeting. September 10 - 13. 2017 National Conference & Exhibition - American Academy of Pediatrics. September 15 - 19. Process Expo 2017. September 19 - 22. WEFTEC. September 30 - October 4. Rosemont Convention Center Pampered Chef 2017 Summer Conference. August 2 - 5. International Gem & Jewelry Show. August 18 - 20. Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. August 24 - 27. 2017 Midwest Accounting & Finance Showcase. August 29 - 30. If you need trade show models for these conventions or any other event please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models. We can be reached at 312.834.5200 or by email at info@pinkavenuemodels.com for more information. Team Pink Avenue

Flashback Friday! NACS!

Yesterday the team at Pink Avenue Models blogged about NACS so today it made sense to bring it up again. Here is a look back at the last time that NACS was in Chicago. Team Pink Avenue

NACS 2017 - Chicago!

NACS is one of my favorite trade shows and it is finally coming back to Chicago! The last time NACS was in Chicago we staffed 75+ promotional models, it was one of our busiest weeks. This is a fun trade show for the models to work. The clients are relaxed, music is playing, there are a lot of fun uniforms and the hours are not long. Almost 24,000 people will be attending this convention. Anyone that works in the convenience and fuel retailing industry will be at this event. This trade show will take place at McCormick Place October 17 - 20. Clients are already booking for this event, save the dates! Team Pink Avenue

How Much Longer Will the Promotional Modeling Industry Last?

I have had this thought for a while but I've been thinking about it more and more lately. Are we working in an industry that is slowly dying? For example, an agency that I worked for just let their whole Chicago staff go today. The past couple years were slowing down for them and it came to the point where it wasn't worth it anymore. I know that I have mentioned the job posts that I see on social media, the pay is incredibly low. I still receive emails of job invites from other agencies and the pay is $16 - $20. How can anyone in a big city survive on that? Being a promotional model costs money. We are expected to be educated, beautiful, and have a promo ready wardrobe. In return promotional modeling agencies offer $16 per hour?! No way! Years ago when I first moved to Chicago I was making a ton of money. I would book back to back trade shows and make thousands of dollars a week. That isn't possible anymore. I deal with clients and they all have different budgets but I think many of them are unaware that promotional models should be paid well. I'm not giving up on this industry yet but I do think it is slowly dying and may not exist in a couple of years. The end of experiential marketing is near. Team Pink Avenue

Hairstyles for Your Summer Events

I am sure that I have mentioned this numerous times in the last 8.5 years of owning this company. I don't like Summer. If I could skip a season it would be Summer. There is something about being consistently sweaty no matter what you do that I don't like. My least favorite thing about working as a promotional model was working in the Summer, which is extremely busy. I remember receiving emails that would tell us to have full hair and make up done upon arrival...It's 95 degrees and extremely humid in Chicago, that isn't possible! Summer in Chicago can be amazing, there is always something going on which is amazing for events and promotions. Being promo ready the next couple of months is going to be a challenge but hopefully this article will help. Here is a link to 31 different hairstyles that are adorable, will last all day, and keeps your hair off your face. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g10284800/hairstyles-to-wear-when-hot-outside/ Team Pink Avenue

Summer Style Tricks for Promotional Models

Yesterday was the official day of Summer and it sure feels like it here in Chicago. Summer is my least favorite season of the year, if I could skip it I would. Summer clothes don't fit my body, I hate sweating, and my hair and make up just don't work. Not to mention I tan easily which throws off my wardrobe and skin care line. Summer here can be disgusting and that is why I choose to stay indoors those days. Unfortunately Summer is extremely busy when it comes to trade shows and events. Every weekend there is a music fest or street fest and tons of promotional models working. I found an article today that might help keep you cool this Summer. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/advice/a41303/summer-style-tricks-to-keep-you-cool/ Team Pink Avenue

Chicago Trade Shows - August 2017

August will be extremely slow when it comes to trade shows in Chicago this August. The good thing about Summer in Chicago is that there are a ton of music fests/street fests, and outdoor events. Here is a look at trade shows taking place in August. McCormick Place W.W. Grainger Healthcare Summit. August 1 - 3. SE Brands Anytime Fitness Corp. August 2 - 3. Rosemont Convention Center Pampered Chef 2017 Summer Conference. August 2 - 5. International Gem & Jewelry Show. August 18 - 20. Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. August 24 - 27. 2017 Midwest Accounting & Finance Showcase. August 29 - 30. If you need trade show models for these conventions or any other event please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models. We can be reached at 312.834.5200 or by email at info@pinkavenuemodels.com for more information. Team Pink Avenue  

What is the Worst Uniform You Have Worn at an Event?

This is a question that I have been meaning to ask for a while. The worst uniform that I have ever worn is either a pea colored dress or a jumpsuit that looked like it was made for a prisoner. The green dress was an awful shade of green, extremely long and fit horribly. They wanted us to wear these in a nightclub in downtown Chicago. The prisoner jumpsuit wasn't much better. It was huge, unflattering, black and didn't make any sense for the event. I've worked a lot of trade shows and events and most of the uniforms have been fine and fit the theme of the event. My question of the day is what is the worst uniform that you ever wore for a trade show or event? When I googled this question this is the first image that came up. It isn't that bad and looks like it fits the theme of the event! Team Pink Avenue

Don't Make These Sunscreen Mistakes at Your Next Event

Summer temperatures have arrived in Chicago and that means tons of outdoor events. The number of trade shows slows down and the number of outdoor events/street fest/ and music fests go way up. I wear sunscreen everyday and have still been sunburned. Please be careful when working outdoor events. Stay hydrated, reapply sunscreen, and make yourself a priority. I saw this article today and thought it was a perfect reminder for all of the promotional models out there. http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/a14367/how-to-apply-sunscreen/ Team Pink Avenue

Chicago Trade Shows - May 2017

It's almost time for trade show season! Things are finally picking up and our team is excited. There will be tons of trade shows and festivals coming up, stay tuned! Here is a look at trade shows taking place in Chicago next month. McCormick Place DBC Pri-Med. May 3 - 4. Digestive Disease Week. May 6 - 9. 38th Annual Scientific Sessions-Heart Rhythm Society. May 10 - 13. Talent Management Alliance - High Potential & Performance Summit. May 16 - 18. National Restaurant Association, Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show / BAR. May 20 - 23. 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo. May 23 - 25. Rosemont Convention Center The Fanatics Sports Spectacular. May 5 - 7. Food Safety Summit Expo & Conference. May 9 - 11. Anime Central. May 19 - 21. If you need trade show models for these conventions or any other event please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models. We can be reached at 312.834.5200 or by email at info@pinkavenuemodels.com for more information. Team Pink Avenue

Flashback Friday! Maxim Beach Party!

After a couple hours of delays I am finally back in Chicago. When I landed there was freezing rain and crazy winds. I had a Winter jacket on and kept thinking that it was April and this shouldn't be happening. Today I thought it was appropriate to look back at some of our warm Summer events. This event was amazing! Maxim and Jose Cuervo sponsored the AVP Tournament on North Avenue Beach. Outdoor events are a great alternative to the trade shows that promotional models are used to. The team at Pink Avenue Models is hoping for more events like this during the Summer! Team Pink Avenue