Booth Babe Confessions

APOLOGIES!

2011-02-21T17:41:00.000-08:00

I have been very busy with work and not working tradeshows.

I think the last show I worked was Oracle Open World last summer. Wait, no. Dreamforce in December.

A couple of things:

I'm terrible at getting back to your emails. Surprisingly, I've been getting a shitton of them. I apologize for the delay, but I will be writing back to each and every one of you shortly.

I'm debating whether or not to renew the blog, seeing that I do not post as much anymore. I'd post more, but then the blog would get redundant. Nobody wants to read about my day. Standing around, bored to death, giving general information to consumers. Does that sound like a fun read? No.

But stay tuned loves...because I got a story for you. Love. Love found at the Moscone Center convention halls...

...and seeing that it is February and it's the month of all love things related, I figure I'd share this story.

Stay tuned.

The Perks of Being a Booth Babe

2010-08-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

I always think of new posts when I'm hungover on a Sunday morning. Something about being in this state has my creative juices flowing.

I digress.

The last few posts on my blog have been nothing but complaints. I don't mean to bad mouth companies, products and people. However, I give credit when it's due. I'm going try something different for a change be positive. It's how I want to start the new week. And I want to generate some good vibes because damn, I've gone and fucked shit up with my last post. Dude's website no longer exists and he canceled his Twitter account. *evil laugh*

There are some perks when you work in the booth babe industry.

Free swag.
My profession is not limited to trade shows, but I do a lot of product promotion as well. I have enough makeup removing wipes, deodorant and anti-wrinkle cream samples that will last me a year. On another note, some companies are very specific when it comes to what the booth babe has to wear for the show. 80% of the time you get to keep it. My favorite was getting not one, but two Bebe dresses from a company I worked for.

Networking.
Getting creeped on by freakshows is part of the job. But in every show there's always someone who makes you forget that you're actually working. Plenty of times I've gotten lost in conversation with someone interesting which makes the next 10 hours feel like nothing at all. Like Forrest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." The quote stays true to trade shows. I've met everyone from the executive staff of big name companies to celebrities. And sometimes, I work for them! A word to the newly, fresh graduates? Attend a trade show. Your next job opportunity could be at the booth you're standing next to.

Taxes.
You're probably thinking, how the hell is this a perk? Being independent contractor blows chunks if you've made over $600 with that company (and for most booth babes, you do), but technically you're considered a "model" so all your expenses are written off. I mean...everything. I write off my MAC makeup products to face creams to mani/pedis to trips to the hair salon. You can also write off your traveling expenses (hotels, flights, gas, parking) to on the job expenses (clothes, shoes, coffee). It's so awesome. So save those receipts!

Booze.
When you work a regular 9 to 5er, you're not allowed to drink. Sure some of you hardcore alkies have a stash hidden under your desk, but it's unprofessional to be a drunk on the job. However, if you're a booth babe, sometimes they allow you to throw back a couple. Personally, I don't drink while I work. It's my work ethic. But every now and then (towards the end of the show and only if I'm comfortable with the company I'm representing), I will have a glass of wine. And usually when you have a big trade show like Comic-Con, ASR or Oracle World, be prepared for the most epic after parties. It's like your city just became Vegas for a night. It's quite scary how aggressive these nerds can drink.

Traveling.
If you're in the industry for awhile, sometimes you're blessed to work with a company that takes care of your travel expenses. Since most conventions are done in a big name city (Vegas, NY, Chicago, SF), when you're off and feeling ambitious, you're free to enjoy the sites. It's probably one of the biggest perks of being a booth babe!

I know I don't mention the amazing companies I've had the pleasure of working with either. There are a couple of reasons why but my main reason is for my safety. Just like people, there are good companies and bad ones. Every now and then, you're blessed with the good.

I'm going back to sleep now.

MME Summit and Cary Grant

2010-08-20T23:59:00.001-07:00

Gather around kiddos...it's story time! On May 12, 2010 for Cary Grant at MME Summit. The show was so disorganized that I began to worry about my payment just for working this promotion. Realizing that I had not received a check in the mail weeks after the show, I contacted him about the payment. Weeks and countless emails later, I finally received my check and guess what? It didn't go through.

Reason? Refer to maker. What the fuck does that mean? Well, from what I gather, it basically states that the creator of the check either froze the account or it is actually fraudulent (I'm gonna go with the latter). I politely brought this to Mr. Cary Grant's attention via email. He apologized and promised to reissue another check with a return service fee (because when a check gets returned to your account, you pay the fee).

I played the waiting game again for the next couple of weeks...and nothing.

I contacted him twice via email and received no reply. Hell, I even threatened to sue him in court for a writing bad checks (it's illegal in the state of California). I'm in the process of sending this guy to court. Shit like that pisses me off. If you're gonna hire someone for a service, pay them. People don't wake up at the crack of dawn and work for free.

To sum it up...

I worked at MME Summit.
I didn't get paid.
And I lost money in the process.

Do you understand why I want to put Cary Grant on blast? Can you SENSE my annoyance with having to deal with this?

There is a MME Summit coming to New York in November. Just a warning to any potential booth babes: I did not get paid...do the math. Shady operation if you ask me.

UPDATE: I received an email from Cary Grant about my post being "slander". For shame! I find it quite humorous that it takes less than 24 hours for him to get an email from him pertaining to this post, yet he finds difficulty in replying to my last two emails sent out over a month ago about my check.

FURTHER UPDATE: Just checked the mail. Still no check. *tsk tsk*

Barracuda Networks Recap

2010-06-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

So my insiders have told me I caused quite a stir with Barracuda Networks.

Apparently Stephanie (the hag with a power trip) expressed her discontent (aka shitting in her pants) when she discovered my blog and my delightful review about her. Her and her cronies stalked my blog and my life (via Twitter anyway) for days. My analytics was blowing up! I was a bit concerned at first, I'm not gonna lie, but then I realized I have done nothing wrong. Why should I care? Bitch you made me cry, calling you out was the least I could do.

So, I was considering of steering my blog towards a different direction, but what's the fun in that?

More confessions. More ranting. More shit talking.

P.S. To MME Summit, you're next.

Creepy Emails

2010-06-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Thanks the reply and all the info. I just wanted to remind you that this position is for an administrative assistant, not really a model. You actually seem overqualified for this position, but if you really do want to talk about it more I won't be driving down to LA until noon tomorrow.

Wow, you really do look great. Can I be frank? I might be a bad idea to work together because you're a little too good looking, which would put us in a dubious position. I've never paid for...um...intimate attention; do you ever come across propositions like that? I'm kinda embarrassed to type this out. I think I'm a little drunk. Whatever the case, let me know what you think.

Aroused,
Miguel

This is just the typical type of behavior a booth babe encounters while working. Creepy. Ass. Shit. This one is just in writing.

WWDC and iPhone 4

2010-06-10T21:54:00.001-07:00

I didn't work inside of WWDC 2010. However, if you did manage to drop your business card to girl who was badgering you for one outside of Moscone, thanks not being a snot rag and avoiding me like the plague. I'm a girl. Not a freaking hyena. I swear I wasn't trying to make you feel uncomfortable, but I had to collect 50 cards to get out of the freezing cold and call it a day.

I got talk to some of you about what was going on inside. A lot of you are very excited about the new iPhone. One expressed so much joy that he screamed, "Android can SUCK IT!"

iPhone 4 must be that legit. So legit that you didn't mind paying $1600 just to be part of the WWDC action (you know that shit was streaming live online, right).

I like the iPhone but I'm always Team Blackbery because of BBM. It has that creeper function so you know the other user read your message. That way I know your bitch ass read my text and there's no reason NOT to respond promptly.

However, the new iPhone will definitely put an end to cheating. You can't hide your infidelities when you got it on video. So many compromising (and embarrassing) moments will be caught through a simple phone call. I might even hop on this iPhone action just so I can exploit people for personal gain. That's how I roll.

I can't believe I get paid for this...

2010-06-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Today was probably the easiest booth job I've ever done. I sat around, worked on my tan, had men cater to me (supplying my life with Subway sandwiches and Vitamin Water) and I got paid for it.

Sure I was in a mini skirt and tank top, however, I'd rather be in a bikini being under that desert heat.

Now, if the men that were serving me were hot and shirtless and also the tasty beverages had vodka in it, I'd be set. But I'll take what I can get.

Ignorance may just be bliss

2010-06-03T09:46:00.001-07:00

I'm having a huge debate with myself about who's possibly more boring: doctors or lawyers?

Any gathering that involves these types of professionals usually end up in a snore fest.

Last month I worked an event that involved CLOs of all major companies you can possibly think of. Although I wasn't handing out information of any sort, I was seated comfortably in a corner, listening (aka sleeping with my eyes open) to the keynote speakers.

From what I learned, we don't need lawyers. There are enough lawyers in this world and free legal advice you can get from the internet.

Then about two weeks ago, I worked a radiology convention for a very well known company. I arrived on time everyday, abso-fucking-lutely clueless as to my existence for this event. They never told me what to do or gave any direction for my purpose at the event. So I stood around in a corner saying "hi" to EVERY radiologist for 8 agonizing hours for 4 days. While all the radiologists were soaking in new information, I guarded the booth like a little puppy. Every single time those doctors would exit out of their meetings to grab snacks, I would hope they would linger over my booth just to make small talk. I wanted to get lost in conversation. However, since I've become completely brain dead during the show, I wasn't able to conjure up anything remotely interesting. So I talked about the weather...

I don't know what's worse either. Getting sexually harassed by creepers or everyone ignoring you for 8 solid hours.

I think I'd opt to get sexually harassed. It makes for interesting stories.

Plotting

2010-05-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

You know what's worse than working for a bitch that barks orders and talks down to you? It's working for that bitch and her company and not getting compensated for your services.

It's too early to be freaking out but I did send the email to her yesterday in regards to payment. However, if I do not hear from her by the end of the week, I will be calling her expressing my concern.

And a piece of my mind...

Then if she doesn't answer, I will be contacting those above her. Nobody likes to be bothered by this. And nobody likes bad press. I have their emails and their names. People, people...keep in mind that everything is Google-able. And then if that doesn't work, I will be putting their company and this convention on blast.

Then again, I had already planned on doing so. So it's a lose-lose situation for them. But I could make it a wee bit less spiteful if they respond and pay it forward.

Jesus, it's not even noon and I'm already plotting. Who knows what the day has in store for me?

Bitch, Please!

2010-05-14T22:45:00.000-07:00

I do a couple of promotional modeling gigs. Only ones that pay reallllllly well. I hate promotional modeling because they usually involve alcohol and the nightlife scene. I'd rather enjoy my time at a bar than work an event. However, if I'm eating expired groceries because I can't afford fresh ones or if my friends are being lame that weekend, I'll work. Very rarely will you ever see me doing an alcohol promotion.

This ongoing promo I picked up is actually in a theme park and does not involve alcohol. Another pro, it's during the day and I live 5 minutes away from the place so I don't have to rush to get anywhere. There was no reason not to do it other than being lazy.

However, another one of my gripes are working with other "models".

I don't consider myself a model. I hate calling it that because I feel models are more aesthetic based. They take photos and don't actually need to carry on a intelligent conversation.

Being articulate, poised and quick to pick up information is a must when you work a convention. Also a degree in bullshitting your way out of anything would help. Sex appeal is a major plus. I have that general knowledge of the product and/or company and I can spit that right back at you. Sure I'm getting paid to look great in those 4" stilettos, but I know what the hell I'm talking about. So I actually consider this work than play.

Models play. I don't. This is work. If I'm dying in my heels, getting sexually harassed and can't say anything about it, that's a job on it's own. I consider myself more of a product specialist rather than a "model".

I digress.

I hate working with other girls. I either LOVE them because their personality is like my own (very open minded with a fun, easy going attitude...you definitely need this if you're going to be doing this kind of work, TRUST) or HATE them because they are stuck up little snot rags who think they are god's gift to mankind.

I work with five other girls for this promo. One of the girls I'm working with is a COMPLETE diva. She's great with me but some of things she says are straight up appalling.

For example, apparently she was world class model. Even if this is a promo job, I don't doubt her because she has the height and look. But the moment she says she won't work with a no-name designer because it is beneath her, it's like HELLO! Honey this promotion that we are both working is lower than that. She claims to work with well known designers such as Alexander McQueen, Versace, etc... I don't know this chick on a personal level but maybe it was true when she was 15. However, that money's not coming around anymore. We all know a model retires at 22. You're practically dead at 25.

Then she goes off talking about how excited she is about the new Olive Garden opening to where she lives and raves about how "bomb" the soup and salad are. My jaw literally dropped. You go from Versace to Olive Garden? I don't think I've ever stepped foot in an Olive Garden since I was 10.

Love the girl, but the diva attitude needs to check itself the minute we start working. You can't be acting like that when you eat at Olive Garden. I don't care to hear about your glory days. You're at my level when you're working with me. Shut the hell up and let's try to face the next 3 agonizing hours together without me having to rip out your vocal cords.

Thank god I only see her once a week.

Hos vs Pros

2010-05-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was asked to hire other potential models for an upcoming trade show in San Francisco. I asked my friends first, but seeing that this company wanted a few other girls, I put an ad out.

And let me tell you, some of you ladies are doing it ALL WRONG.

First off, these are LEGIT companies. They want an individual who has a professional demeanor. Not someone who replies, "Hey yeah I'm interested." and sends off a couple of photos. Which leads to the second no-no...

...photos! Why on EARTH are you sending bikini shots or photos with you butt naked in bed with your legs all sprawled out?! Picture the CEO of the company opening up the attachment, only to find mediocre, softcore porn. And to the ladies who submitted club photos...don't get me started! Send a respectable photo. It doesn't have to be professional, but nothing that suggests you're a escort, pornstar or you just finished off your fifth shot of Patron.

Send a photo of you at a previous show and tailor your email to the job. It's that simple. Sure you might have to embellish a couple of things and highlight your assets, but that's what companies want. Be witty, creative and most of all professional. I've always almost gotten a response mainly because I didn't sound like a ditzy model in my email.

Otherwise, you might want to just start looking for work elsewhere...you can submit your photos to sugar daddy or escort sites. Those photos will get you THAT FAR.

Attention gold diggers!

2010-04-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

Convention halls are the mecca for rich (not always single) men.

I met a fantastic woman with the same initials as me during my bathroom break. She was just floored by this fact alone that she insist we celebrate. We literally ran over to the beer garden. This lady was full of energy (and alcohol) and I could not keep up with her.

She introduced me to her boss and then told me that she's secretly dating him. I had a feeling she was sleeping with him considering her boss looked like the bachelor type. These men are so easy to spot because they believe in the Jersey Shore way of life: GTL. Businessmen who look like they spend more time in a tanning bed than their office. They also look pretty fit opposed to the pale and chubby ones who are usually men stuck in a suffocating marriage.

The last day of Ad Tech was pretty fun. Played a lot of games like launch the Conduit foam missiles at the XYZ balloons and a Where's Waldo type game involving finding these so-called "assistants". And boy, oh boy did I find a few. These women are usually distastefully dressed but not working at a booth. Booth babes stand out in a crowd, but she is not walking around the convention hall with a purpose. Booth babes are paid for standing or sitting pretty. "Assistants" go the extra mile and walk around and over to their boss' hotel suite for a quickie.

I pondered all morning, how much are these women getting paid? They are probably not actually getting money, but compensated through gifts, trips and things of that nature.

So ladies, if you're ever looking to date a wealthy benefactor, hit up a convention. There's a slew of men out there. And most (not all) of them are not wearing their wedding bands, so if you're looking for a cheap thrill...by all means.

And to the orange looking Miami man who was literally hanging around my booth during the show, I could not believe you could not sense my discomfort after all the awkward pauses during our conversation. Go upstairs at the registration area or at the Starbucks across the street. You will find what you're looking for out there. Not at my booth!

P.S. Instantly, the surrounding booths were more aware of my presence thanks to my high heels. There's just something about a woman in 4.5" stilettos...

Thank god I'm not Lara Croft...

2010-04-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

...because I know what the hell is going on through her mind. Hell, I did it before! Dressed in a skimpy little costume, walking around aimlessly through the Moscone Center for 8+ hours. It's emotionally draining. So many men in suits, staring you up and down, sexually harassing you.

Today I blended with the norm. Dressed in a sleek LBD and flats...everyone overlooked me and actually treated me like a normal human being. In which I actually did not enjoy! Is it odd to enjoy people staring at me like a sexual creature? At times it's creepy, but being a plain Jane isn't cracked up as I thought it would be. Actually, I never even contemplated living a "plain" life. Tomorrow I will bust out the legs and put on those hooker heels. That will teach Ad Tech to overlook the girl in her mousey looking outfit!

Another reason why I toned it down was because the company allowed me to dress comfortably! I wore what I'd normally wear but opted for flat shoes. Most international companies don't use "sexy" to appeal to their customers. Their products sell themselves. They don't need no booth ho working the show. And thankfully I didn't have to hear that businessman's tired old excuse, "Wow you're going to be dying at the end of the day in those shoes..."

No shit, Sherlock.

Tomorrow I will sex it up to test a theory. Let's see how many people make a comment on my highest heels and me strutting around the booth like nobody's business.

DrupalCon Booth Babe Confessions

2010-04-20T07:24:00.005-07:00

DrupalCon was a complete success! That is if you define success as showing up in short shorts and getting paid for having lunch with the director of PR and COO.

Apparently one of their partner companies weren't having this whole promo thing, so our company paid us off after lunch. Not a bad exchange if I do say so myself!

Although, I wouldn't mind working with them again (free lunch or not) because they were a solid company. Our contact was extremely attentive to our needs. Once we arrived she immediately asked if we had lunch. She didn't want to have us bad mouthing the company about how we weren't fed, "it's bad press" so she says (keep in mind, she has never visited my website). You can tell this woman is a professional because she cared about how we saw her as a person...because this person, regardless how big the company is, represents the entire company. PR rule number one: keep a good image at all times!

So companies, keep in mind, if you ever make the mistake of pissing one person off: you're making the whole company look bad.

And when that happens, I will be there to exploit you.

Kind of wish I worked DrupalCon, even though I know jack shit about anything Drupal. It sounds like an evil sorcerer. However, there's was this cute guy I made googly eyes with when I got there, but didn't have a chance to go over and creep on him. Although I did get personally creeped on by another attendee. Apparently, I do not belong in the Drupal environment "with those legs and the shortest khaki shorts known to mankind". Duly noted.

Careful, the Barracuda BITES!

2010-04-20T07:24:00.003-07:00

When I open my inbox, I get emails from companies asking for my resume, references, photos and my standard daily rate. I hate quoting a price over email without discussing what they are looking for over the phone. People don't believe that a "booth babe" could actually be intelligent and most importantly, articulate.

The minute I drop my standard rate, the emails come to a screeching halt.

However, most of these companies start emailing me back when the show draws near. In fact, one company was unfortunate enough to not receive their US Visa in time. They purchased their space and cannot attend the Ad Tech Conference this year. Last Thursday night (while I was five drinks deep), they asked if I would take over their whole booth.

From what I remember, the job entails not only standing around looking cute, but actually WORKING, which I am not accustomed to doing (kidding). They wanted me to manage their booth for the duration of the show. Call vendors, hire models, do the whole setup, tear down and most importantly - handle all sales questions. The latter frightened me the most because I know jacksh*t about their company. However, I agreed to the job (blame it on the alcohol). They just needed confirmation from the Moscone Center about pushing the date, otherwise this show is mine. They took a long time to figure it out and by then another company had approached me for Ad Tech. I would have done it but they took awhile to get back to me and I promised myself to another company.

See, and I'm a loyal employee. I should add that to my resume.

Anyway, about a month ago, I was offered to work at the RSA Conference. It was a four day conference, however the first and last days were only a couple of hours.

First night was interesting. Three solid hours, full of IT dorks getting their free mugs of beer over at the Qualys booth. Qualys did a great job drawing in attendees to the booth without sexualizing it. However, the free booze made things rather uncomfortable for the surrounding booth babes. The more alcohol the attendees guzzled down, the creepier they got. Especially the international men. You never thought I would be nervous to see a group of Swedish dudes congregating in a corner, undressing me with their eyes.

There were six other models contracted to work the booth. However, working for Barracuda Networks was like being on that show Survivor. Models were slowly getting voted off the Barracuda booth. The Barracuda Networks events coordinator was a bitch on wheels. Normally, I don't like to talk sh*t about companies, but this woman had it coming. She sat there in that Barracuda party bus all morning, occasionally coming out to crack the whip at us. And she had one hell of a power trip over the models.

Here are a couple of the things she would yell at us about:

smiling
being "happy"
greeting people
scanning badges
talking to each other
passing out shirts a certain way
more shirts and where they were stragetically placed
the difference between the words "demo" and "product demonstration"

I've never worked for a company were we had to be so goddamn technical with how the hell we handed out t-shirts. The shirt had to be placed left arm and handed over with our right hand. We got bitched at every hour, on the hour. Booth babes are naturally happy creatures, but the minute you're barking orders at us like we're animals, you just suck the joy out of life.

At the end of day two, I was dying. I wasn't physically prepared for standing in my highest heels (with only a timed 30 minute break) for 8 solid hours. I was jealous that all the attendees gathered over at the Qualys booth, getting their happy hour drinks. Lord knows that all the Barracuda booth babes needed it more. Anything form of substance abuse would help to drown out the banshee wailing on us.

The third day was possibly the worst day of the show. By then, one of the models was cast off the island (god bless her) for not being happy enough and a new model came in to take her place. The event coordinator had the audacity to say that we needed to quit complaining about our feet because she was wearing heels too. Uh, yes. You were wearing heels. But you weren't standing out there for 8 hours. In fact, you were sitting pretty in that Barracuda party bus while checking your Facebook all day, so shut, the, f*ck, up. I say this was the worst day whole-heartedly because not only did we have to stand around forcing a smile while flirting with IT guys for another 8 hours, but we had to attend the company event at the W that evening. Which I didn't understand why on earth they would want the models there because the women who worked Barracuda seemed to dislike the models. There were rumors that we could actually enjoy ourselves at the cocktail party; however, when we got there our Slave Master had a list of things for all the slaves (models) to do. Like get on our knees and stuff swag bags or casting someone in a corner, making sure that no one without an invite crashes the party.

By that moment, my mental well-being was getting the best of me and the Slave Master broke me down and got me to cry. I blame it on the third glass of vino and the 14th hour of being in those wretched 4.5" stilettos.

Since I only got a total of 4 hours of sleep after the forced fun, the last day of the RSA Conference made me question life and what the hell I was doing with it. To add the icing to the cake, I got a carpool violation on my way to work (which is a $450 ticket). When I arrived at the Moscone Center, I changed into my Bebe dress and contemplated suicide in bathrooms. However, I decided I will not let this woman who sucks at life get the best of me today.

I made sure to steer clear of the wicked witch of the west so day went by rather quickly. All six girls (only five survived) were rewarded with payment and two free Bebe dresses. Which kind of made up for verbal beat down throughout the whole show. The best part of the RSA Conference? Meeting all the wonderful girls I worked with. Usually when you're around that many models, things get rather catty amongst one another. However, think the experience of working for Barracuda banded us together. Nobody else could understand how terribly mistreated we were except us, which drew us close together.

I hate bad mouthing companies I've worked for, but I always give credit when it's due. Good or bad. To the Stephanie over at Barracuda, thanks for making those four days a living hell. I wish nothing but stress and doubt with your work with Barracuda. Cheers!

Double Booked

2010-04-20T07:24:00.001-07:00

Never thought this would happen, but it did. Apparently I've double booked for two shows during the same week. Who knew that the Moscone Center would allow two different conferences during the same time?

I will find a way to split my time between DrupalCon and the Ad Tech Conference. Sometimes I wish I could conjure up a twin and then my life would run so much smoothly. During that week, I will be working for two different companies. More than likely I'll just work a day at Drupal and pray that their booth is not posted up next to the one for Ad Tech.

Last week I worked an event in San Francisco. Very private event, to the point where I signed a release not to disclose any information regarding the event. However, this was the event that every college graduate DREAMS to attend. All HR executives from well known companies were there. And the whole entire time I was just sitting pretty. Literally sitting. Thank god.

"Sometimes I can't believe how much you get paid for standing there," says my best friend of 11 years.

You know what, I can't believe it either. Living the dream.

WonderCon 2010 Booth Babe Confessions

2010-04-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

From the words of my friend's boyfriend, "WonderCon, a place for 4 out of 10 chicks." That was a bit too harsh. I was there. And thousands of chicks dressed up as their favorite characters. To me, WonderCon is like a Disneyland for dorks and a time for everyone to get their money's worth for that Halloween costume sitting in the closet.

This year at WonderCon, yours truly was passing out the Tru Blood drink while dressed in a Merlotte's outfit. People were giddy with delight to try this bloody colored beverage. The kids were a bit skeptical when I approached them, maybe because I described the drink as children's blood hopped up on sugar. They were so quick to run off and tell on me to their parents. However, I reassured them it was just orange soda and they guzzled it down real fast. Thank god because my arm was getting tired from holding that tray. I'm pretty sure I got bigger biceps just from holding it up with one arm for the past two days.

I worked with another girl who was also passing out samples in the Merlotte's outfit as well. She was getting a lot attention because of her vampire fangs, in which I failed at life because I didn't put them on. They felt weird and they kept falling out. In fact, one of the fangs fell out while I was in full on conversation mode with someone. He suggested next time I use Poli-Grip to keep them in. Thanks for the advice man. I'll remember that next time I decide to put on vampire fangs or dentures.

It's always entertaining to see people you know at the convention. They think I'm doing is for kicks. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed myself at the show but being hung over both days and screwing on a smile wasn't exactly my cup of tea.

But what was my cup of tea was my convention crush. Usually I have one or two convention crushes when I work the booth, but I expected a total of 0 at this show. So needless to say, I was completely taken by surprise when he came into my life. He brightened up that convention hall every time he came by booth (you're probably throwing up now). He had this interesting Superman tattoo. It wasn't the Superman insignia but of Superman himself, the city of Metropolis in background while the Bat-Signal was in the sky. DC Comics fan? I believe so. I wanted to talk to him but I wussed out because YES booth babes get shy too!

I think the other highlight was meeting someone who found this blog through my Twitter. I also did a couple of interviews with some people about the beverage. I had a great time despite the fact I was running on 8 hours of sleep in the past two days. Another great feat was that *I* wasn't considered the most scantily clad attendee. I was the most modestly dressed booth babe in comparison to everyone at the show. Some of these girls (and boys) weren't even working! No death stares from parents. Nobody judging on how much flesh you're showing. Just your usual kids and adults dying to take photos of/with someone in costume. I was made for WonderCon! This place was the outlet to let your inner freakshow out. I have a feeling me and my inappropriate Halloween costumes have just found a safe haven...

So you want to be a booth babe?

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Yes, the life of a booth babe is oh so glamourous. So how does one join this revolution of booth babes?

Find a modeling agency. Most companies go to agencies first. They get a quote on their models and then the agency sends them their best. Another way is to scour job boards for these events. I work for a couple of agencies. Personally, I'd rather cut the middle man out of the equation. Mainly because all agencies take a cut out of your check. And keep in mind, some agencies take awhile to pay (sometimes months) or even worse, don't even pay you at all. This goes for companies as well. You might want to do your research on the company before you proceed.

My first convention that got me hooked was Comic-Con. One of my fellow promo girls told me about the gig and introduced me to her friend that got us in. Comic-Con, to this date, is the best convention I've ever been to. The atmosphere is full of excitement and everyone is dressed up in costume. Sure, there are a bunch of nerds who sometimes forget to shower during these 3 days, but it's an amazing turnout and loads of fun.

After Comic-Con, my tradeshows experiences have been going towards a different direction. More business oriented rather than the glittery costumes and shiny boots. Conventions are a great networking tool. Usually it's the same girls at these shows so it's only natural you become friends over time. Fellow models are also a reliable source for scoring a gig. Sometimes companies want more than one girl for the gig. When you find one booth babe, chances are she knows a couple of others willing to help.

Another great way to find out about these events is through media photographers. Photographers are usually the first to know about any upcoming events. Remember, once you're in the convention, mingle! Network! Talk to everyone. It's in your job description anyway.

My next job is at WonderCon 2010 next week at the Moscone Center. I'm very excited. It's like Comic-Con but for the Bay Area. Hope to see everyone there!

Welcome!

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Imagine this: you're making your way down the escalators and into a convention hall full of companies eagerly waiting to spit the same ole spiel about what they can offer you.

On the left you have a booth full of male sales reps who just downed their first cup of coffee, ready to take on the day. On the right is a small, dimly lit booth hosted by an old man who probably played the Santa Clause at local mall last Christmas. Then in front of you is this stunning creature in her highest heels, standing with a bright smile on her face in a professional, yet revealing black dress.

You take notice of her and you make your way past her booth. She greets you with a friendly "hello". You:

Greet her back and make your way to your next booth.
Stop, ask her questions about the company and listen in on a demo by one of the sales reps.
Avert eye contact, fail to acknowledge her greeting and make your way through this booth as quickly as possible.
Give her a hard time by hounding her with difficult questions about the company.
Take pictures of (or with) her like she's a zoo animal.
Make a comment about her shoes knowing for the next 8 hours she will be experiencing sharp pains on the balls of her feet.
Get uncomfortably close to the point she could smell your lunch all while sexually harassing her.

Welcome to the world of trade shows. For the next few days, all the exhibitors of this show are part of a small community. The gorgeous women working at these conventions aren't usually part of the company, but contracted to work at their booth for duration of the show. Often times, people forget that some of these women come from educated backgrounds and work these "promos" as they finish up their degrees or use these jobs as a source of income. More than often they forget that these women are living, human beings with feelings too. I'm positive that none of these women enjoy getting creeped on; however, they are really great at shrugging or laughing it off other than any other person.

And who am I? I am that girl who stands around in her 4.5" stilettos, wearing a provocative outfit, handing out promotional giveaways, giving a less than 30-second overview of what the company offers all while screwing on a smile for 8 solid hours. I am a booth babe. I am paid to stand around and look hot. Often times I work alone or in a pack full of hot girl madness. I get sexually harassed for 8+ hours by men in business suits and shots of death stares from women in the industry.

Stay tuned for my adventures and stories of the wonderful world of conventions. Don't be a creep and enjoy the show!