Las Vegas trade shows are among the most competitive in the world. With brands vying for attention in crowded exhibit halls, having the right people at your booth isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. For decades, companies have hired booth talent to increase visibility and draw attendees. But today, there’s a growing distinction between the traditional “booth babe” and a more sophisticated brand expert.
If you’re exhibiting in Las Vegas, how do you decide which type of trade show model to hire? Understanding the difference can help you make the right choice for your audience, industry, and objectives.
The term “booth babe” refers to a promotional model, usually female, hired for her appearance to attract attendees to a booth. Traditionally seen at automotive, tech, or gaming shows, booth babes were known for drawing foot traffic, often by wearing eye-catching outfits or interacting with passersby.
A brand expert, by contrast, is a trained representative who not only looks the part but can also communicate your message, answer product questions, and assist with lead qualification. In Las Vegas, where brand perception can be shaped in minutes, this difference matters.
In the past, having a visually appealing model might have been enough to stop traffic. But today’s attendees are more discerning. They’re looking for value, education, and authentic brand interactions. The most effective booth talent in Las Vegas today blends personality, appearance, and brand fluency.
TSM Agency has seen a significant increase in demand for bilingual booth staff, tech-trained demonstrators, and models with strong interpersonal skills. While some clients still request models to match a visual theme, more brands are opting for professionals who align with their company voice and can support the sales process.
| Aspect | Booth Babe | Brand Expert |
| Primary Purpose | Attract attention | Communicate value |
| Focus | Visual appeal | Brand knowledge |
| Training | Often minimal | Trained on talking points, demos, or FAQs |
| Attendee Engagement | Surface-level | Deeper conversation, lead qualification |
| Best For | Crowds, entertainment expos | B2B, tech, product-driven industries |
At events like CES or NAB, a tech-savvy spokesperson who can answer product questions often provides more ROI than a purely visual draw. On the other hand, nightlife or entertainment activations may benefit more from high-visibility personalities.
In Las Vegas, appearances matter—but so does substance. The best booth models are those who understand both. At TSM Agency, we staff trade show professionals who can attract attention, but also deliver on messaging, lead generation, and brand consistency.
Our Las Vegas trade show staffing includes brand ambassadors, promotional models, bilingual reps, and experienced demonstrators who arrive prepared, briefed, and ready to engage.
Instead of choosing between “booth babe” or “brand expert,” many successful brands now request hybrid talent—models who are charismatic, professional, and ready to deliver on your event goals.
Whether you’re hosting a high-end activation at The Venetian or exhibiting at the Las Vegas Convention Center, your booth team will shape your brand’s first impression. That impression should be aligned with your message and goals—not just your aesthetic.
The team at TSM Agency can help you select models who match your audience, industry, and brand tone—ensuring that every conversation at your booth counts. Learn how we help companies hire promotional models in Las Vegas who make a lasting impact.
To explore how booth talent can be trained to perform product demos or lead capture, continue to our next article on Las Vegas trade show staffing tips.For help staffing your next show, contact us today and get a curated list of Las Vegas-based professionals ready to represent your brand.