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

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

AUSA 2017 - Washington, DC!

The team at Pink Avenue Models has staffed hundreds of trade shows around the country, we thought we've staffed them all. Today we were contacted by a new client for a new type of trade show and it's in a location that we haven't booked a ton of work in. This is exciting! AUSA will be taking place in Washington, DC this Fall. There will be presentations, panel discussions, seminars and other networking activities. We are excited about this event because it is something new. If you are a female living in the DC area and are interested in working 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

NBAA 2017 - Las Vegas!

NBAA/BACE (Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition) is an event that we have staffed for many years. This event will be taking place in Las Vegas this October. This is the 6th biggest trade show in the US and over 27,000 people will travel to Las Vegas for it. This is always a big event for the team at Pink Avenue Models and we are excited to be part of it again! If you need promotional models for this 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

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

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

Plastic Surgery is on the Rise

I saw an article over the weekend and at first I was surprised but then I thought about all of my friends that have had work done and it made sense. According to this article there were almost 1.8 MILLION cosmetic surgeries done last year. I think that is a lot. These surgeries consist of breast implants, lipo, nose jobs, and facelifts. This number does not include the simpler procedures like lip injections or botox, but there were 15.5 million of those procedures done last year. Last week we blogged about the pressure and expectations of being a woman. We mentioned that it is expensive and frustrating to try and liv up to these standards. Promotional models are expected to show up to an event or trade show hair and make up ready but investing in all of these plastic surgeries is not expected! Be you! 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  

Routes Americas 2017 - Las Vegas

It's back and expected to be the biggest yet. Routes Americas will be taking place in Las Vegas next month. This trade show is expecting over 800 aviation professionals, over 80 airlines, over 300 airports forecasted, over 50 tourism authorities, more than 200 prearranged meetings, and over 20 speakers. This is a great networking experience and the chance to meet with some of the best people in aviation. If you need promotional models for this 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

NBAA 2016 - Orlando!

The world's largest business aviation event is coming back to Orlando this year. The Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition will be taking place at the Orange County Convention Center from November 1 - 3. This event brings in over 27,000 business professionals, has over 1,100 exhibitors, has over 50 educational sessions, and is ranked the 6th biggest trade show in the country. If you need promotional models for this trade show 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  

IMTS - Chicago

IMTS is coming back this September and will take over McCormick Place in Chicago. The International Manufacturing Technology Show will take place September 12 - 17. IMTS is one of the largest industrial trade shows in the world. There will be over 2000 exhibitors and over 114, 000 attendees. This trade show comes around every two years and we are so happy to have it in Chicago. We have already started booking trade show models for this event. If you haven't booked any promotional models for this and are interested please contact the team at Pink Avenue Models for more information. We can be reached at 312.993.7991 or by email at info@pinkavenuemodels.com. Team Pink Avenue

ITW - Day 2!

We have a team at the ITW trade show taking place this week in Chicago. They made it into the daily magazine! We have to thank our promotional models for all of their hard work! This is a great picture! Team Pink Avenue

The Best Self Tanners for Any Promotional Model

Well, it is finally warm in Chicago, 75 degrees! I am working outside and realized that I haven't seen the sun in months and am the color of a ghost. I am very careful about wearing sunscreen but lets be honest, we all feel better tan. With this said I thought I should discover the best self tanners out there because I need them! I know a lot of promotional models believe in spray tan, that scares me. Here is a list of self tanners that have been tested by the pros. Try them out if you want that Summer glow for your next trade show or event. http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g8077/best-self-tanner/ Team Pink Avenue  

ITW 2016 - Chicago

ITW is coming back to Chicago and will take place next month. There will be close to 2,000 exhibitors from over 140 countries and around 7,000 attendees. This is the annual meeting for the global wholesale telecommunications community. This is the 9th year for this convention and it just keeps getting better. If you need promotional models for this trade show 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

Heat Free Beach Waves for All Promotional Models

Summer is coming soon, hopefully. As a girl that has long hair and a lot of it, I can say there are many days that I do not want to do anything with it. Curling irons are time consuming, I hate how my hair looks straight but if I let it air dry it is a mess. Promotional models live hectic lives and have crazy schedules, worrying about their hair is the last thing they need. I saw an article on Allure.com this morning that shows us how to get those beachy waves that everyone wants. The best thing is you don't have to use heat! You can basically braid your hair and go to bed, wake up and take them out, and there you have it... amazing hair! Keep these hair ideas in your head when you are getting ready for your next trade show or event. Here is the link! 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

America's Beauty Show 2016 - Chicago!

America's Beauty Show will be taking place at McCormick Place next weekend. This is one of my favorite trade shows in Chicago because it has any beauty product a girl could dream of. You walk up and down the isles and see demonstrations from celebrity stylists and learn new techniques. This was always a hard trade show for promotional models to book because a lot of the vendors want models that are willing to cut and color their hair and it can be a pretty dramatic change. They are expecting about 65,000 people this year! If you still need trade show models for ABS 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