Ocean Model Group is a Chicago's premier promotional staffing and modeling agency servicing models for trade shows, promotional models, product models, events & club models

Here we go again… another week means another hot girl spilling her guts. This week we have the gorgeous Sammy Ojeda . We asked her a few questions, nothing too personal. Read more »

Let’s face it, when it comes to being a Chicago trade show model, there are two things that can set you apart from the rest. Read more »

Every week, we hit up our files in search of the hottest Chicago trade show and promotional models! This week, our model is Ashlee Gillen, a young twenty-something who is here to tell us more about her hookups, heartaches and turn-offs!

When did you get involved in the modeling industry and why?

I have been modeling since I was 15 (about 7 years). I grew up acting, dancing and singing in many theaters, and I thought I should try the other part of the entertainment industry, modeling. I was discovered by BMG Models in Chicago and signed with them for a few years. However, when I went away to college, I became a freelance model.

Modeling is a competitive industry, how do you set yourself apart from other models?

I think that my personality really sets me apart from the rest. I have a passion for modeling and I love everything about it. So, I always go into every casting, shoot, or fashion show with a great attitude because I feel very blessed to have been given the chance to live out my dream.

Explain your first photo shoot.

My first photoshoot was so much fun! It was with Chicago photographer Pete Stenberg and his MUA and Hair Stylist. Pete took me out onto these cool broken down train tracks and we got some great editorial shots. We also did some really commercial shots as well as high fashion and beauty. It was great to see that I was a diverse model and that I could shoot all of the different styles.

Any accomplishments in the modeling industry yet? If not what are your goals?

I’ve done some really great fashion shows for Chicago designers and I have a spot on a morning news program coming up!

If modeling doesn’t work out what is your next choice?

I’ve always been involved in theater, and I hope to keep pursuing acting as well as modeling.

Where can we find you on a typical weekend? What is your favorite Chicago bar/club?

I do a lot of fashion shows at Chicago clubs on the weekends, so you will probably find me doing those! But I also love to go to chill sports bars to hang out and have a beer every once and a while.

Drink of choice?

Bud light for low key nights, RedBull Vodka for the crazy club nights

Favorite karaoke song?

“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood. I actually won a karaoke contest singing that song!

Relationship status?

Attached—4 years and going strong!

Most memorable pick up line?

“Do you do karate? Cause your body is KICKIN!

Turn offs?

Cocky people who think they are better than everyone.

Explain your worst date.

I’ve actually been lucky enough to not have one!

Where do you shop the most?

Arden B., BeBe, Express. But the best shopping is in South Beach, Miami!

Who is your celebrity crush and why?

Jim Sturgess from “Across the Universe” and “21.” He has an amazing voice and such a cute accent!

Any hobbies?

Singing and dancing! But I also love sports, especially volleyball

Ever hooked up with anyone famous?

No… maybe someday!

What is your least favorite body part and why?

My feet! They are so weird! HaHa

 When did you get involved in the modeling industry and why? I actually did it when I was younger but took a break and got back into it when I was 18. I love it. It has always been a hobby of mine. It lets you pretend you are someone different for a day.

Modeling is a competitive idustry, how do you set yourself apart from other models? I try to keep my look very naural . I hate make-up and never wear a lot, I dont go tanning, get my nails done, or dye my hair. I like to look natural and innocent and it shows in all of my work.

Explain your first photoshoot. I remember this well. It was a group shoot in Milwaukee and I thought I brought a lot of cute things until I noticed that most girls were walking around naked or in skimpy lingerie. Right then I noticed that if I was going to continue in the modeling industry I would need a manager. I found a manager asap and have been working with him ever since.

Any accomplishments in the modeling industry yet? What are your goals? I have actually worked with a lot of amazing people and done amazing things. I was a semi-finalist in the Maxim Hometown Hotties competition 3 yeas in a row. I placed in the top 10 for FHM’s Digital Darlings competition. I also placed in the top 10 out of millions in a Kane & Lynch, Myspace, and Playboy competition. I have worked a lot of awesome promotions and even walked in a few fashion shows.

If modeling doesn’t work out whats next? I never expected to get rich off of modeling I always just wanted to have fun with it and see where it could go. I am in Chicago now just trying to figure out what I do best.

Drink of choice? I love martinis. I also enjoy shots, Malibu and pineapple and even Vodka and Redbull.

Relationship status? Its a secret. = )

Turn-offs? I cold never date a guy that smoked, I hate it!! I also am annoyed by guys that talk about themselves way o much or disrespect women.

Explain your worst date. I really havent dated much. I have had some boring dates but nothing to terrible.

Where do you shop the most? I loved American Eagls but realized I was getting too old for that store. I get a lot of stuff from Charlotte Russe and wish I could shop at Forever 21 but nothing ever fits.

Ever hooked up with anything famous? Well, not as many as I couldve but I did kiss someone that is in a pop punk band. I wont say his name but I can give a clue… He is dating Paris Hilton now. Shh.

What is your least favorite body part and why? I hate my legs!! I was a gymnast and a girl wrestler and have manly muscle legs. I get a lot of compliments from guys but I still hate them.

While sitting around the office today we were  thinking of new awesome ideas and we decided that we want to feature our amazing Chicago models weekly.  Every week we will  showcase a different Chicago model but don’t worry we will not be asking any boring questions. Read more »

“I don’t really need a Chicago trade show model!” That seems to be the common answer when we ask Chicago trade show exhibitors who they have booked for their upcoming industry trade show. Whether its due to budget restraints, or apprehension the girl you bring in will be wont be worth the time and money, many exhibitors believe adding a Chicago trade show model will add little value at your upcoming industry event. Ocean Model Group, however, is here to tell you 5 reasons adding a Chicago Trade show model to your next exhibition booth will be worth your while and more! Read more »

Making sure each Chicago Trade Show you attend is successful can be an excruciating task–especially if you are a newly formed company at your industry’s biggest trade show. How do you stand out? What do you do if there is a major influx of traffic? Surely thats great, but how do you help one potential client, while you are already working with another? Ocean Models are chosen to be the best trade show models Chicago has to offer! Our models are professional, naturally beautiful and articulate–an excellent addition to any exhibitors booth. Read more »

Ocean Model Group specializes in staffing Chicago’s top trade shows and promotions! We enjoy working with each individual client on a regular basis, working hard to make sure their Chicago trade show or promotion turns out perfect. Whether you’re at McCormick Center, or the Sheraton, there are several guidelines to follow as quoted from http://www.about.com!

Part 1: Before You Attend That Trade Show

Chicago trade shows can be an incredibly effective promotion and sales tool for small businesses. Whether you’re a trade show tyro, or an experienced trade show participant, these tips will help you get the best return on investment from any trade show you attend.

1) Set clear goals for your trade show participation.

What do you want to get out of it? Do you expect to sell a particular amount of inventory at the trade show, or expect to become known to a certain number of wholesale suppliers? Are you focusing on promotion or hoping to launch a new product?

You can have more than one goal, of course, but the point is that you need to be clear about what your participation in the trade show is going to achieve.

2) Do your research.

You need to choose the trade shows that will give your business the best ROI in terms of your goals.

on-site sales, having a booth at that big splashy trade show where your booth is one of a dozen that sell similar products may not be the best choice.

You want to choose a trade show that best targets the audience that you want to reach, and best suits your participation goals. Find out what the particular trade show’s objectives are, and investigate and evaluate the show’s audience.

3) Once you’ve chosen a particular trade show to attend, plan your budget and book your space.

Find out everything you can about your space, including where it is on the floor, what kind of other exhibits will be around it, whether it’s a high traffic or low traffic area, and the physical conditions of the booth space, such as lighting.

4) Plan your exhibit in terms of your audience.

Who is it that you’re targeting with your trade show display? Retail customers? Wholesale buyers? Other businesses in your industry? Different audiences “shop” trade shows differently, and have different needs.

5) Advertise in advance.

Put the word out that you’re participating in a particular trade show, by inviting your clients, customers, suppliers, and other contacts to attend the show. (Be sure you give them all the details, such as your booth number.) If you have one, be sure to advertise your coming trade show attendance on your Web site as well.

So now you’re ready to attend that trade show - almost.

6. Don’t forget to book your Chicago Trade Show models!

Ocean Model Group offers over 75 naturally beautiful, articulate and professional models for any occasion. With competitive pricing, we work with nearly all budgets to insure that when you invest in marketing your brand, you are able to see results! If you are ready to book your Chicago trade show models today, please check out our “I need a model” section where we will be with you shortly. Good luck!

As a promotional model you know the importance of looking and feeling great!  With summer around the corner and skirt weather degrees away its time to knock off those unwanted winter pounds and become the best you!  Self.com has a great program every year called “The SELF challenge”.  It’s a free, easy to follow exercise and healthy eating plan.
Also check out beachbody.com.  If you’re wanting a fun way to tone up, then you will love these creative workout videos.  They have everything from extreme workouts and Hip Hop dance to ballet and yoga.  I have been doing Hip Hop Abs for awhile and you won’t believe how fast the workouts go by.  Whoever said working out was not fun obviously has not logged into this site.
There are tons of fun ways to get in shape so what are you waiting for?

Summer is almost here–you know what that means! Every Chicago model knows how important it is to carry yourself with confidence–great skin, great hair, a fit body. The question is, how do you know the best way to get there? Read more »