C+2’s Raychul: I wouldn’t mind the term 'booth babe' if I was working a booth. Being referred to as a 'babe' is always a compliment in my book. Even if I am covering a convention for a magazine or hosting video coverage, at times I still get people who ask if I am a booth babe. I politely tell them no, that I am there covering the event, but still, being called a booth babe is not a negative thing to me. If someone thinks I am pretty enough to be a booth babe and that’s why they assume I am one, that’s a compliment!
Above: Bryan. Isn't keen on wearing bikinis
GR: Is there a more appropriate job description?
C+2’s Yoko: I think 'Gamer Models' works better in our case because we're not only promotional models like most, we are gamer booth babes.
Above: Yoko's favourite game at the moment is Left 4 Dead
C+2’s Natasha: I think for us to be called 'booth babes' sells us short. I can’t speak for everyone, but I work full time as a tradeshow model, hostess and professional gamer/video game demonstrator. This line of work is really fun because I often get to be the spokesmodel of some of my favorite companies. And as a professional gamer I get to play and demonstrate games that are not even out on the market yet. As for school, I am finishing up my Bachelor's Degree in Video Game Art and Design.
Video games are not just a hobby for me, but it is my life and career. I have less then a year left until I graduate. I also recently finished an internship program at a local video game company as a video game designer intern, and I often work for them as their spokesmodel/professional gamer.
Above: Video games are Natasha's life and career
GR: What would you say to people that think the job is just about looking good in hot-pants?
C+2’s Ashley: I think for most conventions that is the case but not for us. I mean, we do have to look good in hot pants, but we also have to know what we are talking about. Being the PR/marketing person for Charisma+2, I sometimes have to go to the events beforehand and try to explain what we do. It is so funny how incredulous some people are until I say, "fine, where’s your rig - let’s get online."
Above: Ashley looks good in hotpants and knows her gaming
GR: What do you think of booth babes/models at game shows that don't know anything about games?
C+2’s Kat E: I would hope that after working for one that they would take an interest in games. It's just another job to them, but everyone needs to make a living somehow, right? I think in this case that they should have some understanding of the industry they're talking about though. I mean, I wouldn't want to buy a car from a salesman that didn't know anything about vehicles or the companies that he's representing.
Above: According toher bio, Kat E enjoys a spot of HTML
C+2’s Daniel: Being a booth dude, I have to admit, I love looking at the booth babes at a convention. Who wouldn’t? It is part of what motivates me to work out so I can nab those gigs. But it didn’t impact me like seeing a hot booth babe who actually played the same games I did and knew what she was talking about. That was smoking hot and is permanently branded on my mind.
Above: Daniel isa booth dude. Yes, really!
GR: Do you get any training or briefing before working a convention? So, for example, you know what aspects of a game/product the client wants you to show off?
C+2’s Jessica Z: Of course! I have been doing promotional modeling in addition to regular modeling for some time. Whenever you get briefed or prepped for an event, it depends on what capacity they have hired you. If you are a game demonstrator, obviously you will need more time beforehand than if not.
Above: Jess Z has got legs. She knows how to use them
C+2’s Tiffany: That’s part of the job. I think they find it nice, though, that we know what is actually going on.
Above: Tiffany with the original Master Chief
GR: Do people ever criticize you for being a booth babe/model? If so, why?
C+2’s Adelle(theCharismaplus2.com/magazineChief Editor): Every once in a while, yeah. Sometimes it may be that you are lowering yourself by being a model. Sometimes it's criticism from other girl gamers because they say you are doing a disservice to them. Having a degree in Women’s Studies, I still don’t feel that way at all. I enjoy it because I really like meeting people and telling them about games. It's a great way to meet other gamers, people in the industry, and have a great time.
Above: Adelle with her cuddly one-up mushroom
C+2’s Jae (Charisma+2’s Facebook Community Manager): If they have, they haven’t done it to my face. I am not a snob and talk to just about anybody, so maybe that helps. I also love acting and working a booth can be a bit of a stage at times so I am always having a great time, which I think decreases criticisms.
Above: Jae can speak Mandarin Chinese. Impressive
GR: What are the perks of the job?
C+2’s entire roster : 1) Playing the new games! 2) Meeting fellow gamers and 3) SWAG!
C+2’s Candace: Being a Ghoul Girl and enjoying make-up FX and costuming. I love an opportunity to wear a great outfit while playing games.
Above: Candace aka VelvetCupcake
GR: What's the hardest part of the job?
C+2’s Jeanne: I am sure every girl out there will agree it has to be the long hours in heels. The booth guys… they may have another issue. I know the enclosed armor costumes are incredibly hot, so maybe that for them.
Above: Jeanneowns aWii, PSone, PS2, PlayStation 3 and Game Cube
GR: Is it in your contract to be 'nice' at all times? Have you ever lost your temper with anyone at a show?
C+2’s Megan: Of course it's not hard to be nice all day. That’s funny! I am pretty sure that misanthropes would not be attracted to working a booth and meeting a ton of people and would most likely not become a gamer model. In addition, everyone is here because they love gaming, so it is a total blast and not hard to be nice. I’ve never lost my temper at a show. If you have heard of a girl somewhere who has, she must not have been into being there, or perhaps was not accustomed to being a booth babe.
Above: Megan in 'nice girl' mode. Ooo... furry
