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

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

Why Do Promotional Models Back Out Last Minute?

I wish I could count the number of last minute cancellations/no shows on one hand but I can't. Why does this happen? Why would any promotional model just not show up to work? Do they not need money? Do they not how important it is to be professional? Did they find something better to do? I don't know the reason but I have seen it happen when I worked trade shows and events and unfortunately it has happened while running a promotional modeling agency. This is not my fault, it is the model's fault but the client takes it out on me. What the client doesn't know is that every model is contracted, given final details, followed up with numerous times, and sent a final reminder that asks for confirmation. I do everything that I can. I have said from the beginning of my events career that if a promotional model is going to cancel/back out of an event to at least be an adult. Take responsibility and actually call the agency and tell them. Tell them the truth! We would much rather hear that you booked something else, are no longer interested in working, or whatever the reason is. PLEASE do not send me a text at 2am telling me you have a family emergency. PLEASE do not tell me that you woke up sick or that you got in a car accident. Definitely do not tell me that you called/emailed/text me when you didn't. I have a work number, a work cell phone and a personal cell phone, there are many ways to get in touch with me. You may be wondering where this is coming from this time. We had an event earlier this month with a repeat client. The client called me an hour before the event saying that he received a text from one of the brand ambassadors saying he wasn't coming to the event and that he had told me that days ago. Obviously the client is pissed and accuses me of ignoring the situation. If someone backs out of an event the first thing I do is look for a replacement and ban the person that backed out from our database. The decisions of this promotional model made the agency look bad and made me look unprofessional and unable to handle my job. This is the reason for the rant today! Team Pink Avenue

The Truth Behind The Modeling Industry

A friend posted this on her Facebook yesterday and most of it wasn't shocking. I started in the modeling industry at a young age and luckily I knew that I wouldn't make a lot of money and that this career would be short lived. I went to college, earned two degrees and now do modeling as a hobby and a way to be creative. Can you imagine working all day on set and getting 10 - 20% of your day rate? How do you live off of that? You don't, you are forced to borrow from your agency which gives them the power. As the article says, they know the models won't do anything about it. This article is sad and I would think it's going to discourage people from getting into the industry. The team at Pink Avenue Models receives a lot of calls from potential models and the first question is about how much we will charge them. Stick to trade shows and events, at least you know you are getting the pay you earned! http://money.cnn.com/2016/05/09/news/runway-injustice-model-expenses/ Team Pink Avenue

Pick Your Promotional Modeling Agencies Wisely

The promotional models are at it again on social media. Today I saw a post on the Brand Ambassadors of San Francisco that talked about all of the new companies popping up. It's true, I have seen so many new companies the past couple of years but most of them don't last. You can only get away with screwing over the talent for so long. With new companies comes trust issues and of course payment issues. It is relatively easy and very affordable to start a promotional modeling agency. I think some are more trustworthy than others and that is what makes an agency great and long lasting or unfair and temporary. The main priority when it comes to a promotional modeling agency should be the promotional models, you can't run an agency without them. The post today was about working with unknown companies and having to fight for payment. We all know that you can make great money in this industry but sometimes you don't get that money for 90 days, and sometimes you don't get that money at all. Fighting for your money is annoying and happens way too often in this industry. What is happening is these agencies are booking clients, then booking models and not paying them, they are keeping the money and sadly get away with it. I wish there was a simple situation to this problem but there isn't. Promotional models want to work events and trade shows and they want to work a lot. My only advice is to stick to agencies that you know and have worked with in the past. Do your research! Ask other people in the industry if they know of the agency offering work, google them, the more you know the better. Be smart! Good Luck! Team Pink Avenue

Don't Cancel Last Minute

I don't know how many times I have written about no call no shows or backing out last minute but it happened again. I don't think promotional models know how big of an issue this is and how it puts everyone in a bad place. Here is an example of what happened late last night. IMTS is one of the biggest trade shows in the World and definitely one of the biggest conventions that comes to Chicago. One of our clients booked a model months ago and I made sure to follow up with her numerous times to make sure she had the dates set and planned on working. I reached out to her over the weekend with final details and she responds saying she is no longer available. This was 11 hours before IMTS was starting. IMTS is one of the busiest trade shows, pretty much every local model works and many travel in for this event. Most models have been booked for months so imagine how hard it is to find a replacement at 10pm on a Sunday. I reached out to our local staff and posted on the brand ambassador pages on social media and as you can imagine I barely received any response. At this point I am extremely annoyed, the client is furious and the situation isn't getting any better. As I am spending hours working on this the model isn't thinking about the situation at all. The worst thing that happens to her is that I delete her from the database and she never works with us again. We did find a replacement after hours of back and forth emails with models and the client. Promotional models don't understand that this costs the agency thousands of dollars, ruins our reputation and makes our clients go elsewhere. Promotional modeling is a profession and can be a career. This can only happen with reliable, professional, outgoing and intelligent models that care about their reputation and appreciate the opportunity given to them. The moral of this blog is... if you book work, plan on working. Team Pink Avenue

Has The Promotional Modeling Industry Died?

I have worked in this industry since I was 18 and my how has it changed. I remember when I first started working events all of the other promotional models I worked with were gorgeous, smart, reliable, responsible, outgoing and professional. They were friendly and we were part of a small circle and so lucky to work in this industry. We helped each other out and recommended other staffing agencies and promotions to each other because we trusted each other and cared. I don't see this in the industry anymore. The NRA is a trade show that comes to Chicago and is one of my favorites. I think it is the best convention to work, the consumers are relaxed, there is music, food and drinks and close to 70,000 people. All I noticed this year was girls that looked like they rolled out of bed, promotional models coming late to their booths, constantly on their phones and just not thrilled to be there. There were so many last minute cancellations, promotional models not showing up or canceling half way through the event. If you cant have fun at the NRA you should not be working trade shows. I know we all need to work and love to make the money we do in this industry but seeing all of this makes me miss how things used to be. Models were excited to work and happy to work in this industry because it didn't feel like a job. It's heartbreaking to see an industry that I love so much not do well. Clients aren't paying as much, they are cutting hours yet demanding more than ever. I don't know if things will go back to the way they were. Is the promotional modeling world dying? Will this be a position that doesn't even exist in 5 - 10 years? Team Pink Avenue

Why Have Promotional Models Changed the Past 10 Years?

I started working in this industry when I turned 18. I started as a promotional model for Miller Lite and other liquor brands. From on premise samplings I headed into special events, trade shows, and other promotions. When I started I worked with smart girls, most had marketing backgrounds. They were pretty and always showed up with their hair and make up done. They were professional, educated on the brands, and very outgoing. This was 14 years ago and my have things changed. I'm still involved in the industry but in different ways. Promotional models are not the same as they were when I was working events. The staff doesn't care about the brands or the client/agency, they just care about the paycheck. Models are late and show up like they rolled out of bed. They are not as outgoing and most have bad attitudes. When did things change and why? Promotional modeling is supposed to be fun! Models get to work at some of the biggest events in the country and get paid for it. They get paid well to! When you are hired you are expected to show up on time, study up on the brand, be energetic and engaging, put effort into your appearance and respect the client, staffing agency and attendees. Lets work together and be better at this! Team Pink Avenue

Beauty Doesn't Come Easy

I saw this article online today and just had to post it! If any of our promotional models have ever walked in a local runway show or participated in a photo shoot with stylists they can probably relate. These pictures show team work! These are pictures of models getting ready for runway shows and photo shoots. Even when designers ask for the natural look a lot of work goes into it. These pictures make trade shows and events look easy. Enjoy! http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/news/g5012/models-surrounded/ Team Pink Avenue

The Top 10 Excuses We Have Heard From Promotional Models

This article made me laugh. Working in the promotional modeling world has taught me a lot about people and has definitely made it hard for me to believe any excuse we receive. When we book promotional models for trade shows, events or promotions we hope that they follow through and show up for work. In this industry if a model wakes up and doesn't want to work or books something better they usually give us a lame excuse. The modeling agency cant really do anything about it. We have to find a replacement which usually upsets the client and we always ban them from further work. There are so many staffing agencies now that models have no problem screwing one over because they know they can get hired from another company. This is a list of excuses to give instead of just bailing and I feel like we have heard all of them. I hope you find this list as funny/annoying as we did! http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a43646/alternatives-to-standing-someone-up/ Team Pink Avenue

Comic Con 2015 - San Diego!

This is a busy week for all of the Los Angeles and San Diego promotional models, it's time for Comic Con! This is a huge convention and one that the models look forward to working every year, it's such a fun event to be part of. Here is what to look out for this year. https://www.yahoo.com/movies/comic-con-2015-preview-8-things-to-look-out-for-123455958077.html Have fun! Team Pink Avenue  

Do You Think This Dress Is Inappropriate?

I woke up this morning and checked my email like I do every morning and was bothered by this article. As we all know the USA women's team won the World Cup and that is so amazing! The part of this article that bothers me is that they are saying that these models are in skimpy dresses and that it is sending the wrong message to young girls. These models are in knee length dresses that are not tight or revealing at all. As promotional models we wear anything from bikinis to men's t shirts. I think we would all be happy if this black dress was our uniform at a trade show or event. Sexism still exists in the world of sports and it exists in life, this dress shouldn't be an issue. I think that the models looked classy and I feel that it was perfect for an award ceremony. Here is the link to the article if you would like to read it. https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/girls-inspired-by-world-cup-win-despite-fifas-123483340817.html Team Pink Avenue

Model Submissions

I know that the team at Pink Avenue Models had written about this numerous times but we keep getting the same wrong submissions. We look for promotional models that are experienced and professional. We want models that are interested in working trade shows, events, and other types of promotions. When submitting online there are a couple of things that we look for. Please use your real name not your stage name. Also, use an appropriate email address. When we see your email and it's inappropriate or you're calling yourself a queen or a bad bi**h its an automatic turn off. Please submit 4 different pictures like the fields ask for and upload a resume with promotional experience. We only work with models 18+ so keep that in mind as well. We do not manage talent and models work as independent contractors, we won't make anyone famous. Keep this things in mind when filling out your submission. We are always looking for new talent and hope to work with you soon! Team Pink Avenue

Survival Tips for Promotional Models

I have worked in the promotional modeling industry for a while now, longer than most. I have worked as a promotional model at trade shows, events, street teams, and just about any other type of event there is. I have also worked at 2 agencies and have been part of everything this industry has to offer. We love what we do and are so lucky to work in this industry. We need promotional models, as many as we can find. We want to help you get booked with us and other modeling agencies across the country. Here are a couple things that we look for when it comes to adding promotional models to our database.

1. Be professional. This includes everything from your email address to your pictures and resume. We want our clients to have the best models for their events.
2. Watch what you say on your social media pages and on the job forum pages. We see everything.
3. Be reliable. We understand that things happen but since we do work in a flakey industry we don't believe every excuse that we hear.
4. Don't bother the agency. We receive a ton of calls and emails every day and try to answer all of them. Unfortunately we have no say in who our clients choose for their events, they always pick.
5. Be promo model ready. This means have black pants, a business suit, flats, heels, and khakis. These are basic uniforms for events.

These are a couple tips that will hopefully be helpful to future models. Good luck! Team Pink Avenue

Flashback Friday! Our 1st Event!

This picture goes way back, I don't even know what kind of camera was used. This team of promotional models worked numerous events in Chicago promoting an online sports blog. I am so proud of these models, most have moved away but we will always appreciate your hard work! Team Pink Avenue

Festival Season Starts This Weekend!

It is only 40 degrees in Chicago right now but that doesn't surprise us. This weekend is the first festival weekend of the year and it's a BIG one. Everyone knows that Summer is extremely busy for promotional models, the work never ends. Festivals will be going on all Summer and it is a great way for models to make a lot of money. For anyone that is new to the industry be prepared to work long days while working a festival. These events start in the morning and close around 10PM or midnight. Remember that you will be outside all day and possibly without a tent. Make sure that you bring your lunch, snacks and lots of water and do not forget sunscreen! Make sure that you have khaki shorts that are not too short and comfortable flats. Those are my tips for festival season! Enjoy the warm weather and all the money! Team Pink Avenue

Automechanika 2015 - Success!

A couple of our promotional models worked the Automechanika show over the weekend. It looks like these pirates had a great time! Thank you to the models that worked and for making this another successful event in Chicago!   Team Pink Avenue

ITW 2015 - Chicago!

International Telecoms Week will be back in Chicago early next month. This is the annual meeting for the telecommunications community. This is a great networking opportunity for anyone in this industry. We are excited to be staffing promotional models again for this event. If you are thinking about hiring models for your trade show please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models for more information. You can reach us at 312.993.7991 or by email at info@pinkavenuemodels.com. Team Pink Avenue

Promotional Model Travel Tip

We know a lot of promotional models that travel to different cities for work, that is awesome! Here is a tip for anyone that is thinking about doing this. Please have your travel and lodging arrangements made before you agree to work. Modeling agencies are already hesitant to book models from out of state because anything can happen, the flight can be delayed, you can get lost, who knows. If you tell an agent that you are available they may ask for proof of your flight or lodging because they want to make sure you have made the effort and are committing. When planning to travel for events or trade shows make sure that you know how much you are making and how much you are spending. Most clients do not cover travel expenses so be aware of this before you commit to traveling. Just keep all of this in mind, the agencies appreciate it! Team Pink Avenue

Flashback Friday! Ferrari Event!

This was such an amazing event for our promotional models to work. This event took place in downtown Chicago, the weather was perfect, and the brand couldn't have been better. The models looked amazing and did a great job, the client loved them! Team Pink Avenue