HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF A MODELING CONVENTION

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations for taking the first step to launching your modeling career. Thousands of aspiring models have the same dream as you. Take a look around and see how many others attended the convention also hoping to be "discovered". The work has only just begun. Your goal at a modeling convention should be to learn everything you possibly can about the modeling industry and to make as many contacts as possible. Pay attention to how you can make yourself stand out from the others in the room and to get yourself noticed! You will hear many speakers and learn much valuable information. The following is a compilation of some of that knowledge and advice based on our personal experiences. Good luck!

TIPS TO SUCCEED AT RUNWAY REVIEW
The Night Before…
* Get a good night's sleep.
* Girls shave your legs and apply moisturizer.
* Practice walking in the shoes you plan to wear. Rough up the bottom or put tape on them to make them non-skid.
* Select your outfit. Should fit comfortably and not be too tight. If skirt rides up too high, change it. If shoes hurt or make your walk unnaturally, change them. Choose something body-conscious but not too revealing. Don't choose anything too short – you will be up high on a runway and don't want to flash the agents. Girls should show their legs and try to avoid jeans or long pants.
* Remove excessive piercings!

The Morning Of…
* Eat a light, healthy breakfast. Many people get nervous and make themselves sick if they eat too heavy. But you need something so you don't get light-headed and pass out.
* No panty hose. Girls use a shimmer lotion on your legs and elbows so they don't look pasty or scaly. Skin should look young and healthy.
* No nail polish on fingers or toes. You want to look natural and have the agents focus on your body instead of your claws!
* Wear comfortable shoes with moderate heel. You don't want to teeter down the runway or look like you're about to fall over. A strap that goes around the heel is a good idea. You don't want to clunk down the runway, lose a shoe or make too much noise. You appear more graceful when your shoe heel stays close to your foot and doesn't clip as you walk. Clogs are not a good choice.
* Make-up should be natural to minimal. Use a light, sheer lip gloss and light coat of mascara. No foundation, blush or heavy eye shadow. If you have freckles, let them show through.
* Hair should be freshly washed and worn naturally with no styling products. If your hair has a tendency to fall in your face, pull it back. The agents MUST be able to see your face. If they can't, you won't get a callback.
* Your goal is to present a blank canvas to the agents and you only have 1 chance to make a good first impression!
At The Runway Review…
* NO GUM on the runway. Very unprofessional and you will NEVER be able to chew it on a real job. (Unless you book a commercial for Wrigleys!)
* Smile naturally while walking but don't be fake. Try to scan the agents. It will be difficult to make direct eye contact and you want to watch for any cracks on the runway so you don't trip.
* Keep your head up and look confident as you walk. Watch your posture at all times. Keep your head and chin up. Shoulders back and tuck in your rear end. Imagine a string is pulling you up straight from the top of your head. Good posture will add to your height.
* DON'T RUSH!!! You have only 35-40 seconds to walk the runway. It will go fast enough as it is. Maintain a normal pace. Don't run up on the person in front of you and don't get flustered if the person behind you gets too close. You PAID for this moment and you need to take it! This could be the ˝ minute that changes your life forever. Don't let anyone steal this moment from you!
* Show your personality and demonstrate a little attitude. Have fun and show some self-confidence. The agents enjoy seeing some one who looks like they are having a great time on the runway.
* DON'T worry about walking like a professional model. They have been trained by their agencies to walk a certain way and no- one expects you to be able walk the same way. You are a diamond in the rough and the agents are looking for someone with raw potential.
* Make sure your number is visibly displayed at all times so the agents will have an easier time seeing it for callbacks.