Running a pinup pageant

[Johnte]

Hi Pinup Lifestylers,
Looking for a bit of advice please. I'm looking to run a pinup pageant in conjunction with a hot rod event and I'd like to know what people would like to see or expect from such an event.

As a model what would attract you to enter?

As a spectator, what would you expect to see?

As a sponsor, what would you expect to gain?

As a sponsor, what would attract you to becoming a sponsor?

As someone with an opinion, what have you got to say?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
JT

[Polly Polka-Dot]

As a model-

Good prizes? Such as- mech from industry retailers (there are about a million who make hairbows and things), vouchers for pin-up stores like That Shop (or one that is near to your event), full or part voucher for a soot with a reputable pin-up photographer, maybe to be the face of the event next year, shots and bio/story published in a pin-up magazine.

There would need to be a good size audience, and preferably with a covered stage if it is held outdoors. 

Fair judging is also important. There should be more than one judge, and points should actually be awarded for categories, rather than the judges just getting to pick someone who is their friend to win (since everyone seems to know everyone else in this industry). Perhaps the judges should be the sponsors/people providing the prizes?

Just a few thoughts... 

[Johnte]

Hi Polly,

Thanks for your thoughts, they are exactly how I'd run this!
I'm all for fair play and would expect unbiased judging.

Obviously I'd hope to get backing from industry and be able to attract some worthy competitors, with a view to having an annual event, so The Face Of would be a definite accolade.

I'll keep everybody posted with the progress of this, but feel free to add if you can think of anything else.

Is there a 'standard' you've seen/experienced that I could investigate?
Cheers

JT

[Ruby Raven {★}]

Hey JT this sounds great - where are you thinking of holding your event?

From my experience (as a model) I think it is important to have some criteria in place and an application prior to the actual pageant, mostly to ensure that the girls who are chosen to participate are authentically pinup and have the right look to preserve the reputation of your event. Otherwise I guess you run the risk of every wannabe zoo model prancing around in their knickers hehe :) A few of my friends entered into Autumnfest in March which was run really well, the girls had three costume changes - tiki/swimwear, lingerie and evening. They had a great MC ask them 2 random questions and then one they'd been given beforehand (something along the lines of 'why do you deserve to win Miss AutumnFest 2012?'). The girls were also told that they were being judged from the minute they stepped foot into AutumnFest which meant they had to have some decorum about them! (a bit intimidating though!) In between costume changes the Chop Tops and the Firebirds played sets which kept the whole event flowing really nicely and broke up the pageant a bit and gave the gals time to get pretty. 

Also photoshoots and merch would attract me as a model!! But the opportunity to enter a pageant is attaction enough for me! :) It's also great PR for you, and the model who wins to have a 'Face Of' prize attached like Wintersun and AutumnFest are currently rocking :)

For sponsoring, I'd love to see smaller pinup/rockabilly businesses given an opportunity to get behind you and to get their name out there at the same time (rather than just the big wigs like That Shop). Maybe you could approach businesses like My Sister's Wardrobe (Coffs Harbour), My Little Rockabilly (Brisbane/Gold Coast) or Miskonduct Klothing (Newcastle)? 

Sorry I got a bit carried away there! Hope any of my ramblings were helpful. Best of luck! xx

[Johnte]

Thanks Ruby, I appreciate your being carried away! And thanks for becoming a fan, I love your portfolio too by the way.
I'm based in Newcastle NSW, so the comp will be around here somewhere, but that doesn't mean to say it couldn't be done elsewhere too if it's successful.

I like the idea of a selection criteria, it makes a lot of sense and the 'being judged from the time you arrive'. This would weed the real ones from the fakes! I'd really appreciate the opportunity to chat with your friends who competed at Autumnfest, for a first hand account.

I also like the idea of using it as an opportunity to get smaller passionate businesses a bit of publicity.

Thanks for the great ideas, now all I have to do is make it happen! I'll keep you posted with the progress. But feel free to keep in touch if you have any more suggestions.!

Cheers

JT

[Polly Polka-Dot]

Maybe go along to this Miss Pinup Australia Live Heat, July 7th, to get some ideas?
(I'll be competing too!) 

[Johnte]

Hi Polly,

Thanks, I'll put it in my calendar and see if I can get there. I'll look you up if I do!

[Ruby Raven {★}]

Sounds great! A few of us went from Newcastle to Autumnfest actually! The girls who competed this year that I am friends with are Ruby Rabbt, Elyan Shotbolt-Kirkland (find her on her business page for My Sister's Wardrobe) and Ranee Hanlon (Miss Lady A Broad). Ruby and Ranee both were runner ups in last years' Miss Pinup Australia Comp so they know their stuff! And they are all lovely and would be so happy to have a chat to you about their experiences. I think you would be able to message them relatively easily through facebook. 

If you were after some publicity, get in contact with Kat Creasey (runs My Little Rockabilly). She has a huge fan base for her facebook page of over 15000 likers, and she is more than happy to let kustom lovers use her page to advertise their businesses or events if you get in contact! :)

Hope that helps, best of luck! 

Johnte said:

Thanks Ruby, I appreciate your being carried away! And thanks for becoming a fan, I love your portfolio too by the way.
I'm based in Newcastle NSW, so the comp will be around here somewhere, but that doesn't mean to say it couldn't be done elsewhere too if it's successful.

I like the idea of a selection criteria, it makes a lot of sense and the 'being judged from the time you arrive'. This would weed the real ones from the fakes! I'd really appreciate the opportunity to chat with your friends who competed at Autumnfest, for a first hand account.

I also like the idea of using it as an opportunity to get smaller passionate businesses a bit of publicity.

Thanks for the great ideas, now all I have to do is make it happen! I'll keep you posted with the progress. But feel free to keep in touch if you have any more suggestions.!

Cheers

JT

[Johnte]

Wow, thanks so much, you really are connected!

I'll get ont all of them and see what I can find out. And I'll be sure to mention that you recommended them.

If there is anything I can do for you Ruby, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Cheers

JT

[Ruby Raven {★}]

My pleasure! I'll be sure to enter when your competition gets all underway! Let me know if I can do anything else :)

[Johnte]

Absolutely! Looking forward to getting up and running.