Giving fans the opportunity to meet you in person is truly rewarding for both parties. I was so nervous about planning my first event, scared of the costs involved and still wondering "do my fans even want to see me?" The answer is yes. Even if a fan can't show up to the event, they love watching your social media and seeing you enjoy yourself. It's a great opportunity to meet other models, even be a fangirl in my case haha! Be treated like the celebrity you are, while also staying informed of the latest the industry has to OFFER YOU. Remember that these conventions are more than just mass selfie opportunities. Take time to ask every service booth what they are all about, load up on swag, try some awesome gadgets, and yes...Snapchat every moment.  Never stop promoting your brand. 

Basic things you'll need is your business card and a permanent marker. Additional items you can bring are 8x10 photos, DVDs, stickers, spare phone charger and if you are presenting at a certain booth, ask if you may put up a banner. Some booths don't allow you to sell your personal products, so please be sure you check with your booth admin beforehand. Also, try to be on time when slotted for a signing. These events can get packed and confusing. Let everyone know on your social media where you will be and what time. This isn't just for fans, but for respect of the other models' time slots and for media who want to stop by and interview you. Don't forget your pasties. Even at a porn convention, you can't be nude and if you have an excess of nude items at your table or banner, it will be blurred out for media and you may be avoided. 

You have the right to say no. You are not obligated to do anything for anyone including free photos (if you charge for them) or interacting with a handsy fan or model. FANS SHOULD ALWAYS ASK WHAT IS OK as far as posing, and you can tell them right off the bat what posing or interaction is ok. Some models are more daring like me, offering motorboats and handbra pics. But even then, I am not afraid to call security if I feel anyone has crossed my boundaries or following me around suspiciously. Just because they paid 20$ for a picture doesn't give them the right to try and stick fingers in you or kiss you. Be firm but not dramatic or snobbish. Don't get offended when someone doesn't know who you are. That's the point of putting yourself out there in person. It's a very different experience and you don't look the same as you do on cam. Be welcoming to fellow models. New or veteran, someone is looking up to you, and someone is the next big star. 

Do go to the parties, but don't overdo it. This is the pot calling the kettle black, as I'm notorious for going a bit wild. What can I say, I'm an introverted cam model stuck in my bedroom most of the year, the adrenaline gets the better of me and I'm just thrilled about visiting a big city. But I'm learning tricks to getting through these events, especially Las Vegas and the infamous AVN flu. Here's a handy list to avoid getting sick and losing your voice.

1. Sleep. You actually have to put effort to plan this in the city that never sleeps.

2. Stay hydrated. The smoke and alcohol in these casinos will be the end of you, not to mention this is the desert.

3. Whisper. The fastest way to lose your voice is trying to shout over the loud music at the conventions or in the after parties. Save your voice for interviews. The smarter media crews have microphones. Whisper or talk directly into a person's ear when you can. It's sexy too.   

4. Bring hand sanitizer.

5. Take vitamins, and eat something throughout the day. Don't wait to realize you haven't eaten all day, and you're now drunk David Hasselhoffing a burger off the hotel floor.

6. Take advantage of the venues' rest areas and organizations that provide safe haven for models. Look up The Cupcake Girls. They are a godsend with snacks, coffee, makeup, sometimes massages in a quiet suite. Just a wonderful way to decompress.  

7. Bring spare flats. You can always step into your heels for pictures or just when you are at your booth. But don't kill your feet if you don't have to. I see models all the time ending up barefoot on yucky floors. It's ok to switch into cozy shoes especially while walking to and from the event and setting up. 

Have fun and say hi to me at the next event! 

♥️Ling