These are some convention tips posted by misslollipop!
A couple of the girls rooming with me for Exxxotica NJ are first timers and were asking me a few questions. I started writing an email with stuff to bring, tips etc.. then it sort of grew into a crazy long tips list. So I thought I'd post it here. Much of it is common sense. Some of it is my personal opinions on how models should treat each other, manners etc.
If anyone sees any glaring errors, or has anything to add please do. I'm basing my experiences off the AEE in vegas, The camgirl Mansion (I attended both of the previous ones) and Exxxotica Miami. I'm by no means a 'vetran' at conventions.... that said - here are a few things I wish I had known!
THE BASICS:
There are many conventions around the US every year that Myfreecams Sponsors and attends officially. If anyone has a list to add to this thread that would be awesome.
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Exposure. To meet other models. To network. To watch and learn. Exposure! FUN? FUN is a perfectly acceptable reason too.
WHY YOU SHOULDN'T GO: Don't go expecting it to make you a lot more than it normally does. Often you won't break even, after all travel expenses are paid for. DONT go if you're brand new and easily overwhelmed, scared in social situations, or very concerned about being 'exposed' or outed.
HERE is the official MFC wiki about tradeshows.
http://wiki.myfreecams.com/wiki/Tradeshows
It helps to see it sometimes. If you can watch a few models during one of the shows, do so! Nothing beats seeing it live.
Here's videos from the convention that MFC puts out. You can also look on the web for footage from peoples own cameras that is posted, to give you an idea of what to expect.
http://www.vimeopro.com/myfreecams/mfc-tv
Common misunderstandings/myths i've heard models ask about:
a) You have to be top 20/top100 to go. You have to be invited. INCORRECT - any registered MFC model can go.
b) MFC pays models to go. INCORRECT - you do not get paid to go. You DO get your TICKET free. I have heard rumors of top models getting large tips from leo after conventions. I have no idea whether this is true or not. All I can tell you is I've never had one LOL!
c)MFC models have to stay in one place: INCORRECT. Stay wherever you want.
d)Camming from conventions will make you more money: I haven't found this strictly true. It's a great chance to network with other models, do girl/girl shows and get Exposure. But it may pay off in the long run, rather than immediately. Think of it as marketing your brand, rather than expecting HUGE tips to fall out of the sky when you arrive.
e) You have to cam on a schedule/arrive at certain times: You don't have to do anything. You don't even have to cam.
f) Members will show up and expect you to sleep with them: Be careful managing the expectations of members who may want to visit you. But I have not had this happen.. yet.
g) Girls are really bitchy there, its drama and if your'e a low camscore model, or don't look like all the other girls it'll be horrible:
THIS IS TRUE IF YOU LET IT BE THAT WAY FOR YOU. ANY TIME you put a large number of young women together, especially where we are essentially in competition with each other, there will be drama. However I've found if you AVOID negativity, gossip and go in with CONFIDENCE and a FRIENDLY POSITIVE attitude, you can avoid most of it. I'm by no means a petite model, and haven't found I was snubbed. And I'm certainly not top 20! If you have a 20k camscore are you gonna be more popular for girl/girl shows? Well yes of course. As we always talk about on here, DONT compare yourself to other girls. Focus on yourself
h)You have to be bisexual, lesbian (or willing to play with girls) to be able to go. INCORRECT - you can do perfectly fine going and doing your own thing if you're straight, or just want to fly solo. Girl/Girl shows are a blast and yes, they get lots of viewers but don't feel pressured.
The conventions are NOT success on a plate. Don't expect it to be handed to you. You'll need to work. You'll need to put yourself out there.
BEFORE YOU GO
-Mail MFC model support and tell them you are coming.
-Mail the convention and tell them you will be attending as an MFC model. Send a NON nude picture for them to use on their promos. This is not necessary to attend but seems like a good idea! Exxxotica will post you on their website.
-Follow the convention on twitter!
-Talk to other girls going. There are usually threads that spring up here about girls that are going. It helps so much if you can go in knowing SOMEONE a little bit, especially if you're shy.
-Even if you don't tell people what you do for a living, make sure SOMEONE at home knows your itinery.
-Label EVERYTHING. colored ductape works fine. I cannot stress this enough - EVERY girl there will have a hitachi, a C910 or C920 cam, many will have the same laptop chargers etc. If you can instantly recognize your things its a lot easier to keep track of them.
-Weigh your luggage and know how much you can check. Remember to check all liquids over 2 oz. Its a good idea to check most sex toys too. Take the batteries out of your vibrators.
THINGS TO BRING:
-a copy of your STD results. You'll be surprised how many girls won't ask for these. My advice is if you plan on doing shows with girls, you insist on seeing these for your own saftey. Testing from a year ago is not ok. They must be recent. Call your doctor and find out how long you'll need to wait for results so that you can plan your appointment. Even if you've had no sexual partners in the last 10 years, the girls you're working with DON'T KNOW THAT.
Get tested for: HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Herpes. You can do a blood test for herpes, though it is NOT completely accurate I'd rather see a negative result, than no result. I believe there is a TESTING thread somewhere which talks more about these kinds of things in depth.
Remember that a clear test is not a guarantee that the person does not have herpes, or has contracted something in between the time of the test and playing with you. If you have ANY doubts, there are many sexy things you can do without fluid contact.
- Your Laptop. Don't forget the charger.
-Camera and a tripod if you want to film content.
-Memory cards/flash drives. Remember videos take up room! Don't wait to get your content from another model after the convention. Copy the files raw so you have them! It's a pain in the ass waiting on someone else to send you the files afterwards.
-A standard model release form. Most models don't ask for these, but if you're working with someone you don't know well, if you are posting vids to your website or somewhere like clips4sale you should have the models information on file. It's also a great way to cover your own ass.
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Wifi stick. if you want to cam from the convention you MUST have your own internet. There is no wifi provided by the conventions usually. If it is there you can bet its crap. You can get these from your cellphone company, in most cases they will add them to your plan.
In my experience verizon has worked well for me at MOST conventions (except the camgirl mansion). They now sell these fancy wireless ones that you plug in with a usb to charge. I personally don't like them - they loose charge to quickly and seem to accept more interference (from other girls using wifi sticks in close proximity). I've had the best luck with a usb plug in stick so far. I have one that swivels so i can angle it different ways for best reception.
If you've never used a mobile hotspot before remember to warn your regulars that your internet connection will not be as good at the convention as it is at home. It's part of the trade off to get to watch you having a blast with other girls!
EXPECT PROBLEMS. IT'S NOT LIKE CAMMING AT HOME. BE AS PATIENT AS YOU CAN.
Most hotels are crap, so do not plan on relying on it at your hotel either. You will be frustrated and unable to make money.
-If you're driving, a car charger for your electronics is handy. Especially if you want to cam from the car!
- Sex toys
-Wet wipes
-Sex toy cleaner
-Condoms for toys if you want to share them
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Cards or postcards/prints to hand out and sign are an awesome idea. Most girls will have them, and you'll feel silly scrawling a website down on a piece of ripped up napkin.
-A pen to sign stuff!
-Flats you can carry in your purse, if you're like me and not good at walking in heels.
-Cold weather clothes! It's NJ and its fall. Stuff you can throw over a dress to go outside is helpful.
-Make up.
-Sexy clothes!
-A power strip or extension cord can be super handy for hotel rooms.
-Vitamins!!! Especially vitamin C and Zinc. Start taking it right before you leave. Travelling, and then intimate contact with other girls - I almost always end up sick! Eat healthy and stay hydrated.
-If money is a problem consider doing a cam fundraiser to get to the convention! Do remember though, that If you tell them "I'll be doing LOTS of girl girl shows" and you don't actually know anyone who has said they'll cam with you.. you might end up in an awkward position. I also PERSONALLY think its pretty low if you fundraise for the event, then don't ever log on or shoot content. If your members help you get there, give them something back.
-DON'T MAKE TOO MANY PROMISES! The weekend will FLY BY. You simply will not be able to schedule every minute of the day. Be very careful promising specific shows with models you've been talking to unless you KNOW they're good for it. Have a basic plan... but don't try to do too much.
AT THE CONVENTION
- There are no specific 'rules'. You can talk to fans, cam, walk around etc. You don't have to arrive or leave at any set time, though it's smart to share cabs.
-Leo will sometimes make an appearance, but isn't there a whole lot. Alex is the guy who is usually on hand to make sure things go smoothly
-Alex will usually come around with a camera and a model at some point with the camera filming for the video promos they do for conventions. It's good exposure so if they ask you say Yes! Talk about MFC as positively as you can stomach.
-MFC will usually have a security guy watching the booth.
-If someone is giving you trouble, remember you're in a PUBLIC place. Don't let anyone touch you, grope you or creep you out! If you feel uncomfortable, SHOUT. There are a bazillion white knights who will jump to your aid, as well as convention security.
-Check the Dress code! Dress code for exxxotica is I BELIEVE that your nipples, ass crack/hole and pussy must be covered. Body paints count and you can often be painted there for a fee. When picking an outfit for the convention wear what you feel comfy and sexy in, not just what you think you SHOULD wear.
-The public are allowed to take pictures - which can end up on the web. So try to look your best.
-Carry flats in your purse. Wear them in the cab, and into the con. You can also wear them behind the booth. Heels are a killer after wearing them all day.
-You can usually duck down behind the booth to do shows. Some conventions are stricter than others. This is technically against the rules. MFC will usually not say anything about it as long as you're discreet and they aren't getting in trouble with the convention organizers. If you see convention security close by, don't flash or do anything! It would suck to be the model that got mfc kicked out.
-My tip: Look around you. If there are 20 other models standing behind the booth smiling at the cam..... its not something that is super interesting. DONT do what the other models are doing. Figure out SOMETHING different. Be creative!
- Only use bottled drinks. Don't leave them unnattended.
-DONT leave toys or ANYTHING ELSE on top of the booth. It WILL BE STOLEN. The bottom of the booth is covered by a curtain but is not necessarily a safe place either, anyone can reach underneath it.
- DONT trust other models. It's tempting to think we're all friends and we all want to help each other but the reality is just not that way. Just because she's another model don't trust her with your things. Don't give out your real name unless you have no other choice. Be careful giving out your number.
-Get there early to secure a spot behind the booth
- Men on cam. MFC is generally much more relaxed about this rule at conventions. But we all know how MFC is with penalizing lower camscore models and playing favorites. But: when members by tickets to Exxxotica they consent to knowing their image may be taken by photographers etc. So they cannot theoretically SUE mfc for broadcasting their images.
I don't want to tell you "DONT WORRY JUST BREAK THE RULES" but don't freak out if a guy peers into your cam or something like that. I think MFC is usually pretty understanding about accidents at cons.
- Other Models: Not all models work well together even though we might like each other. An example of this: can you imagine me on cam with a seductive, non-nude model? Don't be hurt if someone isnt interested in working with you. Just move on.
The model meet is a good time to make new contacts etc. This is usually thursday night - held at a hotel that MFC will host. MFC will let you know where and when. No members allowed but boyfriends etc are.
-If a model lets you kiss her for a tip in your room, or says hi - I think its good manners to plug her in your room. Personal opinion... If a model does you a favor, say THANK YOU
-You will get assholes in your chat room going "HotChickFistsHERPussy" is so much hotter/is doing a way better show at the end of the booth" - don't let them walk all over you. Explain that while its OK to talk about other models and you're having fun with them, its NOT ok to put down or try to advertise another show in your room. I also think it's INCREDIBLY bad form to allow a member to say "You're so much hotter than the chick next to you" without reprimand. Deal with it outloud in your room, nicely or bossy, or send them a quick PM. Whatever works for your style. But I don't think guys should ever be allowed to think that putting down another model is OK. This is my personal opinion....
-A note about boyfriends. MANY girls will bring their partners and keep them underwraps. If a girl introduces you her to her boyfriend, DONT assume that she wants everyone to know thats who he is. Often they'll be introduced as Managers, Photographers or Security. Respect their privacy.
-ON the subject of trusting models, don't trust their boyfriends, security guards, managers etc either. You may also get approached and asked to do porn shoots, or photoshoots. Use your brain if you do these! Take a friend if you don't know them, make sure someone knows where you are and dont be afraid to ask for references.
-MFC clothes! MFC will have a box of the most hideous shorts you've ever seen, panties, boyshorts, tank tops and t-shirts. You can help yourself. Sometimes they go quick so get what you need!
-THE DUNGEON - if its the same people as the last convention they are aware of what camgirls are doing and if you go over there and talk to them first they will usually let you try a whipping/spanking etc live on cam. Some of the guys they had last time were INCREDIBLY grabby - if you want to know who is good to go to come ask me.
-THE MECHANICAL PENIS (bull) You can go and ride it. Wear panties... you dont know how many chicks have been on there.
The guy running it is a JACKASS, but he's harmless. Just a little rude.
-Members: If you're out with a member make sure someone knows where you are. Take cash with you. Don't leave your drinks unattended - normal safe stuff. DONT get too drunk. Just be smart.
- While I say DONT TRUST OTHER MODELS, I also believe we should lead by example. Don't be a flake. Don't be rude. DO look out for the other girls! Treat others the way you want to be treated.
GIRL GIRL CONTENT and SHOWS
Sort out what youre gonna do and who gets what ahead of time. In my personal opinion, if a high camscore girl has you on her cam and she's giving you exposure at the convention - forget about the tips. It's awesome exposure.
Shows at hotels etc - I find the easiest thing to do personally is to have both rooms running and girls make what they make in the show. Many others will simply split it. OR you might agree to do some time in her room, and some time in yours.
If you're a group show girl, you may want to ask members to take you group in both rooms - or you may want to arrange for the other girl to give you cash. Remember to discuss if she will take money off the top for taxes before splitting it (and what % that is).
Content: BEFORE YOU FILM A VIDEO or take PICTURES WITH A GIRL discuss:
-What you will sell it for?
-Is it ok to put it in a package deal/discounts?
-Is it ok to post it to your fanclub/website etc.
-Who will take charge of editing, watermarking etc?
Try to get any pictures you take to all models. Check before you tweet them. I hate it when models tweet pictures that I look awful in without showing me. Some girls might not be comfy with semi nude photos being posted publically.
To Summarize:
Conventions are busy, hot, noisy and overwhelming sometimes. Take breaks. Remember to ENJOY yourself. Be as confident as you can - if you are shrinking and shy in the corner, you will be ignored. Stay Hydrated. Bring headache meds. Take your vitamins. Sleep! Don't forget to eat, and try to eat HEALTHY.
