Pink Avenue Models – Gossip

It’s 70 degrees in Chicago and I could not be more excited. Warm weather means tons of events and busy models! There are a lot of big trade shows coming to the Chicago convention centers next month. Here is a list:

McCormick Place

BIO International Convention. May 3-6.

ASTD 2010 International Conference and Expo. May 16-19.

2010 National Restaurant Association,Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. May 22-25.

Sweets & Snack Expo 2010. May 25-27.

Rosemont Convention Center

Freedom Expo. May 1-2.

Powder & Bulk. May 4-6.

Anime Central. May 14-16.

If you haven’t booked your trade show models yet there is still time. Feel free to contact us by email at info@pinkavenuemodels.com or by phone at 312-993-7991.

Team Pink Avenue

www.pinkavenuemodels.com

America’s Beauty Show was in Chicago over the weekend and I have to say it was a pretty exciting trade show. I was at the show and am here to report what I saw and what some of the new trends were.

I saw a lot of tall runway models with insane hair, but I also saw a ton of promotional models. There were a lot of models that now have short hair with bright colors, this style was very popular at this years show. The runway models all had big hair this year, curly, crimpy and very noticeable. I noticed that there were not a lot of blondes, I saw a lot of red, some brunettes and a lot of green, purple and pink.

Another huge trend was glitter. Everyone was wearing glitter eyeliner, glitter nail polish on nails and toes and even in their hair. This is something that will be very popular this Spring. Bright make up was everywhere too. Purple, pink and green seemed to be very popular colors this year.

There were a lot of celebrity stylists that brought a lot of attention to this show as well. Tabatha was on stage at Matrix and fans were blocking the aisles to get a peek at her for 3 days. She had tons of energy and brought excitement to the show.

I know that all of the models are tired and have sore heads and bodies after working this show. All the models did great and looked amazing. Hope you all had fun and enjoy your new hair!

Team Pink Avenue

www.pinkavenuemodels.com

Last month we had a client at the LMT show in Chicago. Our client booked model Kelly Marie(right) and here is a picture from the event.

Thanks Kelly!

Team Pink Avenue

www.pinkavenuemodels.com

I have heard about the Winter Music Conference for years but never knew much about it. I knew that it was in Miami and I heard that it is full of parties and great music but there has to be more to it, right?

WMC has been going on for 25 years now and is taking place March 23-27 this year. This  is one of the most publicized annual music gatherings in the world. Last year there were almost 2,000 artists and DJs, and over 70,000 attendees with over 500 events to attend. Basically another 5 days of celebrities, tons of people, crazy parties, and some Pink Avenue Models of course.

Yes, we are teaming up with one of our favorite clients to promote a popular vodka brand on the streets of Miami. Our male models will be taking over the club scene doing what they do best. Antoine, Alex, Kory and Claude will look amazing this weekend while interacting with all of the WMC attendees. Thanks guys, have fun!

Team Pink Avenue

www.pinkavenuemodels.com

This industry can get confusing especially if you are just getting started. Today I want to explain the different kinds of jobs so new models can know what to expect.

Trade Show: Trade show models are hired to attract attention to the clients booth. Trade show models will greet show attendees and assist the client with whatever they may need.  Trade shows are long hours and usually require standing in heels the entire time. They can be very painful but the pay is great!

Liquor Promotion: Promotional models are hired to work liquor promotions. These promotions can be anywhere from 1-4 hours and require training. Models should know everything they can possibly know about the product. Attire for these promotions is usually something small and attention grabbing. Models must be outgoing, fun and patient to work these promotions.

Street Team: Street teams always ask for brand ambassadors. These are always outside and usually require handing out fliers or samples. Brand ambassadors have to be extremely outgoing and approach everyone. The attire for street teams is usually khakis and a branded t shirt. Pay for these are lower than trade shows and liquor promotions.

Print/Commercial/Video: These are a different type of modeling. Models are usually experienced and know how to move their bodies to get the perfect shot or have acting experience. This type of work takes a lot of confidence, patience and practice. Models may work 8-10 hours or sometimes longer. However long it takes to get the perfect shot or scene.

Spokesmodel: A spokesmodel is someone that has been trained and knows everything about the product. She will be the face of the product and usually works numerous events for the client.

Presenter/Demonstrator: Sometimes presenters have memorized scripts and present to crowds at trade shows. Demonstrators are trained on a product and show consumers how to use it while pointing out important features with intent to sell. Some locations for these positions will be trade shows, conventions, and even local retail stores.

Runway: Runway models are known to be tall and skinny. These models have to have confidence and an amazing walk. Usually these models are signed by well known international modeling agencies. You can do local shows for local designers but the pay is extremely low if anything. They are fun but no way to make a living.

These are some of the more common jobs in the modeling industry, but there are so many other possibilities. This is an industry where anything goes.

Team Pink Avenue

www.pinkavenuemodels.com

One of my favorite trade shows of the year is coming up and I am really excited about it. Yes, I am talking about ABS 2010!  This is the show that every Chicago model wants to work. Imagine walking around multiple halls in McCormick Place that are full of beauty products, famous stylists and so much going on. So what should new models expect?

1. Expect to go on multiple casting calls. Clients want to see their models before they book them, makes sense it is the Beauty Show.
2. Clients want to cut and color the models hair and some might get very creative. Getting a trim at the ABS is not happening.
3. There are some companies that won’t cut or color your hair and may just use you for styling. There are also companies that will use you to help sell their products. Choose whatever you would enjoy more.
4. The pay rate for the ABS is different than other trade shows. Some companies pay low but send you home with a lot of product. Some don’t pay at all. Most models will not get an hourly rate but a day rate of around $150 and up.
5. Models for the ABS are usually taller. 5′6”  is the smallest for tech and demo model and runway is usually about 5′9”.
6. This show is high energy, long hours and very busy. Never a boring moment.
7. This is a show where you can actually purchase things and get things for discounted prices.

For all of the models that are working this show have a great time! Send me pictures of your new look.

Team Pink Avenue

www.pinkavenuemodels.com

We had an eventful weekend here in Chicago at the Home & Housewares Show.  This is a huge show and a great one for our trade show models to work. There were over 2,000 exhibitors from 35 countries and over 60,000 attendees this year. 

Pink Avenue Models staffed multiple booths at this years show. Thank you to all of the trade show models that worked. Ashley and Tambra did a wonderful job in the kitchen and small appliance department. They used juicers,and blenders to promote healthy living which these models knew a lot about. We also had Danielle and Monica in the North Hall promoting any products that you have seen on TV. Definitely a fun booth to visit and work, pictures will be coming soon.

I hope all of the visitors had a great time in Chicago and we look forward to seeing you in 2011.

Team Pink Avenue

www.pinkavenuemodels.com

Pink Avenue Models books a lot of trade shows at McCormick Place in Chicago. This is a great convention center that hosts some of the biggest trade shows every year. This is the 2nd home to a lot of our models. If you are just getting into the promotional modeling industry here are a few things you should know about McCormick Place.

1. McCormick Place is huge! This convention center has 2.6 million sq feet of exhibit halls. Make sure you know what hall you are working in and arrive early because the building can be complicated.

2. Parking is expensive! Parking at McCormick Place is a minimum of $19 per day. My advice is to take a bus or the red line.  There is free street parking behind the convention center and on some of the back streets but it’s not guaranteed. Feel free to ask your modeling agency if parking will be reimbursed, usually it’s not.

3. Food is below average! Bring your own lunch. McCormick Place has a McDonalds, Connies Pizza, and a few sandwich and pretzel carts but it is expensive and never tastes good. Paying for food cuts into the money you are making at the show, bring your own lunch.

4. The floor will hurt your feet! McCormick Place is all cement. Some clients get padding under their carpet but not all. Try and buy a comfortable black close toe shoe with a smaller heel. Get insoles and rest your feet when you are off work. Standing for 8 hours a day for multiple days in a row gets painful, reward yourself with a massage after.

5. Don’t be greedy! Models can come home with a lot of stuff after working a trade show. Never ask to take things, if they are offered that is different. Don’t bring a suitcase and expect to take anything you want. Be courteous and grateful.

Team Pink Avenue

www.pinkavenuemodels.com

Spring weather is here, its 60 in Chicago today! We are so happy that warmer weather is on the way because our modeling agency and models will be so busy, this week has been non stop. Pink Avenue Models is working on casting the lead model for a music video that will be shot in Los Angeles in a few weeks. We also have models working at the upcoming International Home and Housewares Show starting March 14th. We have a lot of things coming up for America’s Beauty Show which is my favorite show of the year. March has been great and we are looking forward to Spring and Summer.

If you are interested in hiring models for any of your events feel free to call us at 312-993-7991 or reach us by email at info@pinkavenuemodels.com.

If you are an interested model feel free to submit all of your information on our “Become a Model” page so we can add you to our database.

Team Pink Avenue

www.pinkavenuemodels.com

I know that Pink Avenue Models blogs a lot about our expectations and rules of working promotions. We also mention what every promotional model should have in their closet but I don’t think we ever mentioned where to get these items for cheap. Today I have been researching popular stores to get the cheapest prices on the items that models will need when working events. Some of these basic items are less than $10! Have fun shopping!

Black skirt. This is a must! You can dress this up and look professional at a trade show but you can also use it while working liquor promotions. I found one at Forever 21 for only $5.50!

Khaki shorts. These will be a requirement for brand ambassadors in the summer. Old Navy is a good place to go for khaki shorts and they will cost around $20. Aeropostale will also have them for about $25, and American Eagle $35. Make sure when making this purchase that the shorts are not too short or too tight.

Black heels. Every model should have a pair of simple black closed toe shoes. Gojane.com has shoes for about $23 and Charlotte Russe has great shoes for about the same price. Another good place to go for name brand shoes at cheap prices is T J Maxx or Marshalls.

Khaki pants/black pants. Models will wear these all the time! It’s best to go to a department store for these and you can usually find them on sale. Old Navy would be a good place to go as well.

White button down shirt. This is requested a lot at trade shows. H&M is a great place to go. You should be able to find one there for less than $20.

Little black dress. A must! This is worn at trade shows, charity events, bar promotions and other events. Models can get a simple dress from Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, Forever 21 , H&M, Urban Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret, or Macy’s. Prices can range from $20 -$80. Buy one that fits great and makes you feel amazing.

I hope our shopping tips helped you all. Never spend a lot of money on these things, look good at an affordable price.

Team Pink Avenue

www.pinkavenuemodels.com