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

Pick Your Employers Wisely

I know we have blogged about this before because it has been a consistent problem in this industry. Last night I saw a post on one of the job boards about companies not paying their staff, ignoring their calls/emails, and treating their staff poorly. I have seen this happen so many times. We all know that I started as a promotional model, I started when I was 18 in Wisconsin. I knew early on that I should stick to the companies that I trusted, paid me on time, and appreciated my work. Just like everyone else, there were times when I was desperate and booked any job I could. I've chased money, I have not been paid by companies and given up, and I have also been treat like $hi! by marketing managers, those NYC women are the worst! When we started Pink Avenue Models almost 9 years ago I told my partner that I wanted to be different. I wanted to be the agency that was available at all hours, the agency that paid well and paid on time, and I have always had the promotional models best interest in mind. I did what models do, I worked long hours, I skipped lunches, I worked every single weekend while my friends had fun, I dealt with the stupid comments, I worked while I was sick, and I waited and waited for paychecks. Promotional modeling is a different kind of industry, we all know that, there are highs and there are lows. Please, please learn from your mistakes and listen to others. When I first started I asked other models about trustworthy companies, this is how I found the best agencies. We are living in a time where social media is powerful and we should use it. Promotional models are very vocal on these job boards, if they are struggling to get paid from an agency you shouldn't work for them. You also shouldn't take jobs that are paying $14 per hour, you are more valuable than that. The industry is changing and I don't think it is for the better. 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

There is More to Life Than Work

This article popped up today and it caught my eye. I recently had a birthday and I swear every birthday I evaluate my life and question if I am making the right decisions. I also wonder if I am where I am supposed to be at my age. A lot changes as you age and one of the main things is the types of conversations that you start having with your friends. I always tell my friends that I want to be happy in life and that I want to help others. Some of my friends say they want more money, better cars, bigger houses. We all want different things but I think there are a few things we all want, a life of health and happiness. This article doesn't really have anything to do with promotions, trade shows, or events. I know a lot of promotional models get asked what their real job is, or what will they do when they grow up. Being a promotional model is a full time job! Promotional models are smart, beautiful, hard working and chose this profession to have a flexible schedule. They have time to love, be healthy, be happy, and have a great work/life balance. That is what this article is about. I hope that I am alive and active at 100! http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/healthtrending/100-year-old-skier-shares-4-secrets-of-long-healthy-happy-life/ar-BBE8PWS?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=ientp Enjoy! Team Pink Avenue

Beachy Waves Tutorial

Summer is here! Well technically it's still Spring but it feels like Summer. I have tried everything to get beachy waves. I have tried heatless ways, I have tried every curling iron/wand on the market, braids, buns, you name it. I can't get the look that my promotional model friends have but I want it! I saw an article today and I'll try it tomorrow and see if it works. This is the perfect look for trade shows and events this Summer. If you have a way to achieve this look please send it my way! http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a8624/how-to-get-beachy-waves/ 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

It's Tax Time! Here is What You Can Expense.

Tax time is an extremely confusing time for anyone in the promotional modeling/acting industry. When I first started I didn't know that I could expense anything. Then another promotional model shared her secrets with me and I have saved every receipt since. There is still time to pull together all of your receipts and submit them to your accountant. Make sure you find someone that understands what your job is. It can be expensive working trade shows and events, make sure you expense what you can. Here is an article that will help you with those deductions. https://motivatedmodels.com/2012/02/tax-deductions-for-models/ Team Pink Avenue

How Pictures Can Come Back to Haunt You

I can relate to this article and I know a lot of other promotional models probably can to. When I was in college I bartended on the weekends, then was recruited as a promotional model which led to events, trade shows, photo shoots and print modeling. At the time I was so excited about all of the opportunity because I was 20 and not thinking of how it would make finding a career challenging. I posed for every mens magazine out there, Maxim, Stuff, FHM and even placed in the top 100 out of 1 million in a Playboy competition. At the time I was proud and it is still fun to think that I did all of those things but finding a career was impossible. I studied Marketing in college. I thought that it would be a career path that would allow me to use my personality, creativity, challenge me and would always be changing. That is all true. What I didn't think about was that most of the hiring teams would consist of women, women that google your name and find out everything about you. With so many social media outlets now this has to be even easier to find dirt. I'll never understand what posing for magazines has to do with my education or ability to work but it definitely has made things difficult. After college I moved to Chicago and landed an internship at a promotional modeling agency, moved up to the position of Director, quit and started Pink Avenue Models. I applied for numerous jobs with lots of companies and didn't even get a reply. This wasn't because my lack of education, I had a 3.96 GPA from a great school, have social skills, great work ethic and like to be the best at what I do. These companies will never know that because they didn't give me a chance to show them. When I saw this article today I could relate to her story and the constant fear of those pictures being leaked. It isn't anything that I would ever deny and I'm not ashamed but it's not something that I want determining my future. It is actually something to be proud of, not everyone is published in magazines. The topic is something that I talk to the younger generation of promotional models about, I want them to know what they are getting into. I hate how women are treated in the work place. If they are pretty they are judged and harassed, if they are overweight they are talked about, if they don't wear make up they are sloppy and lazy. Can't women just be women? Is it okay for women to be smart AND pretty? What would happen if men were judged EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. What if we brought up their past? Here we are again with the double standard. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/politics/a9141665/alejandra-campoverdi-congress-maxim-sexism/ Team Pink Avenue

WHAT Happened to the Pay Rate in This Industry??

Is it just me or has the pay gone down in this industry. The team at Pink Avenue Models is all over social media and we see all of the job postings on FB and I can't remember the last time that I saw a posting for more than $18 - 20 per hour. I have seen this for in store demos, special events and trade shows! This is a problem. Pink Avenue Models will turn 8 in 2 days and we have worked with hundreds of clients. We have a lot of clients that respect the promotional model position but we do get clients that think they should be paid pennies, deserve unpaid lunch and won't reimburse parking. These are the clients that request supermodels for $10 per hour. We do not work with those clients. As an ex promotional model my first priority is our staff. I think that treating your staff is important. They deserve to be paid well and paid on time. Being a promotional model is not easy work. Imagine standing for 8 hours in heels while smiling and having pointless conversation with strangers while being harassed and having to prove that you are more than a pretty face. That is an average day at a trade show. Something has to be done, this pay rate is way to low for what the job entails. Team Pink Avenue  

Las Vegas Trade Shows - March 2017

I know a promotional model that goes to Las Vegas every single month, and it's not for work, she loves Vegas that much. I have mentioned many times before that Vegas is not my favorite city, I actually dread going there. However, it is great for business and a great place for trade shows. Las Vegas is definitely one of the busiest cities for this industry, it is home to some of the biggest trade shows. Here is a look at events taking place in Vegas this March. ConExpo-Con/Agg 2017. March 7 - 11. MillerCoors Distributor Conference 2017. March 13 - 17. ASD Las Vegas. March 19 - 22. 3rd Annual International Photo Booth Expo. March 20 - 22. Globalshop 2017. March 28 - 30. National Association for Pizzeria Operators - Annual International Pizza Expo. March 28 - 30. Nightclub and Bar Show 2017. March 28 - 29. International Wireless Communications Expo 2017. March 29 - 30. Digital Signage Expo 2017. March 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 312.993.7991 or by email at info@pinkavenuemodels.com for more information. Team Pink Avenue

Time for a Pink Avenue Rant

It's time for a rant. This has happened a couple of times recently and it has happened in the same city. I worked as a promotional model for many years and am still heavily involved in the industry. I see the social media posts, I have friends that still work and I am aware of how much promotional models should get paid. Working trade shows and events for many years gave me a clear understanding of the pay range. Working as a promotional model for many years gives promotional models that work for Pink Avenue Models an advantage because I will always be on their side and try to do what is best for them. We pay fast, we pay within range and we are very careful about what events we agree to work on and what uniforms are appropriate. We send out detailed castings to see who is available for certain jobs, the pay rate is listed on there. Models tell me that they are available and then ask for more money. I'm confused, you told me you were available and then asked for more money when the client wanted to book you? This is when I have to agree that some people in this industry are divas and take the title model way to far, Mariah Carey attitude. To sum things up... a client has a budget, we stick to that budget and offer local talent work, they agree to work for a set rate. That is where it ends. If you ask for more money you are eliminated from that position. We book hundreds of events a year and have for almost 9 years, we know what we are doing. Team Pink Avenue

NACS - Atlanta!

NACS is one of the best trade shows any promotional model can work. The hours are great, the energy is amazing and the attendees are relaxed. This convention used to take place in Chicago but now rotates every year, this year NACS will take place in Atlanta. NACS will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center October 18 - 21. There will be close to 24,000 attendees from around the world. This convention is segmented into 6 categories, Fuel Equipment & Services, Food Equipment & Foodservice Programs, Candy/Snacks, Facility Development & Store Operations, Merchandise and Technology. If you need trade show models for this convention or any other event please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models. We can be reached at 312.993.7991 or by email at info@pinkavenuemodels.com for more information. 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

Promotional Model Problems - Missing Payment

I'm not sure if every staffing agency pays attention to the casting pages on social media but the team at Pink Avenue Models does. I don't go out of my way everyday to spy on other agencies but I am aware of who is casting for what event. I also notice all of the complaints from promotional models, the biggest one is late payment or not being paid at all. I know we have mentioned this before but you have to be careful who you work for! I know that you probably see cool jobs or maybe you just need money and are so eager to work any event. There are so many companies out there right now. It seems like every ex promotional model is starting there own. As a business owner for over 7 years I can tell you that it is not easy running a staffing agency, the work never ends. As a former promotional model that has seen it all I always put our staff first. I worked for companies that didn't pay, companies that paid month and months later, and dealt with rude staffing teams. They didn't understand that I needed the money and that I earned it.We make sure that you guys are paid within 30 days because you deserve it. You worked for us, you have bills, and you should be paid in a timely manner. Personally I think that the agencies that pay 90+ days after an event are wrong. That is 3 months after you worked and unacceptable, they get paid every 2 weeks and you should get paid in a decent time frame. Some agencies do not pay at all and then avoid your calls and emails when you try to reach out. The sad thing is that these agencies are still in business. There is a long list of agencies that I don't want any of you to work for but I am not allowed to mention them. There are a couple of things that you can do to avoid payment issues. Work with companies that you trust and have experience with. If you are new to the industry ask other promotional models for recommendations. Don't leave the event without the clients contact information. If you are having issues with the agency get the client involved, that should get your problem solved. Read the social media forums, there are tons of complaints from models on there. Trust the people that are in the same industry as you! If you do have a bad experience please share it but also share your good experiences. If the booking agent is using a personal email address that is usually a red flag as well. All businesses should have a work email. Keep track of when you worked, who you worked for, and when payment is due according to your contract. Please just use common sense when booking work. Summer is right around the corner and it is going to be extremely busy, be careful where you spend your time. Lets have a great busy season! Team Pink Avenue

IMTS 2016 - Chicago!

I worked IMTS a time or two and it is a huge show. I remember walking in to McCormick Place and being amazed by the huge machinery and how big every booth was. All of my promotional model friends were working and it felt like a reunion when we were walking down the isles. Well, it's almost time for IMTS to make its way back to Chicago and we are already hearing from clients. This is a trade show that is booked months ahead of time. This convention started out as being 10 days long but is now 6 days long. IMTS will be taking over McCormick Place September 12th - 17th. This is the largest manufacturing show with over 2,000 exhibitors and almost 115,000 attendees. If you need trade show models for this convention or any other event please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models. We can be reached at 312.993.7991 or by email at info@Pinkavenuemodels.com for more information. Team Pink Avenue

PLMA Chicago - Success!

The team at Pink Avenue Models teamed up with a repeat client of ours for the PLMA show in Chicago last week. The client was happy and the promotional model had a great time so we can say that we had a successful event! Here is a picture from the trade show. Team Pink Avenue

Lollapalooza 2015 - Chicago!

Lollapalooza is back and will take place in beautiful downtown Chicago! This festival will celebrate it's 20th anniversary and is expecting over 300,000 attendees. The headliners are The Weeknd, Sam Smith, Florence + The Machine, Metallica, Paul McCartney, Alesso, and Kascade just to name a few. If you have never been to Lolla it is hard to explain the madness that comes along with this fest. It is 3 days of music, over 130 bands, some of Chicago's best food and people from all around the world. The scenery is the best, you see the Chicago skyline while listening to your favorite bands. It is definitely one of the biggest things to take place in Chicago. To all of the promotional models working this event, please be prepared. This fest is great but you are there to work so stay focused. Do not even attempt to drive to this event, it's not possible. Bring food and water, it is usually extremely hot. Watch out for yourself and others. Make sure you have comfortable shoes, chances are you will be working 12 hour days for 3 days in a row. Be safe, leave your house early so you are on time, and have fun! Team Pink Avenue  

Find Your Next Flight With These Apps

I saw this article today and thought it would be beneficial to any promotional model that is interested in traveling for trade shows or major events. Finding cheap flights can be frustrating and there are a ton of different sites to use now. This quick article points out some of the easiest ways to find your next flight. Have fun on your next workcation! https://www.yahoo.com/travel/the-best-apps-for-finding-a-cheap-flight-123054766742.html Team Pink Avenue

Awesome Website For All Promotional Models

The team at Pink Avenue Models usually blogs about upcoming trade shows and events but we like to write about fashion and beauty tips as well. We think that the promotional modeling industry needs to know about what is going on with our company but we want them to also gain tips of how to succeed as a promotional model and how to succeed in life. Today I came across a post on instagram that intrigued me and I ended up on a new website. This is a website that I think all girls can appreciate. There are fashion tips, make up tips, travel tips, life tips, and even a book club. This is a website that I am excited to visit again and I hope some of you enjoy it too. www.laurenconrad.com Team Pink Avenue  

Flashback Friday! NACS - Chicago!

NACS is one of the best trade shows to work and it will be back in Chicago this Fall. This show is full of energy, music, and has a professional but relaxed crowd. If you are a promotional model and haven't worked this convention yet try and work it this year. Here is a picture from the last time this show was in Chicago. Enjoy! Team Pink Avenue