Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Be realistic in determining how much time and how many resources you can devote to your pageant. Figure out where your priorities lie, and make short-term goals that are achievable based on who and what you have. 

Connect with your community. If you want to solicit help from your community, show them some love first. Promote potential sponsors and advertisers of your pageant on your website, through your social channels, and of course, at your pageant. You could also open yourself up to the local media by teaming up with local newspapers, TV stations, and radio shows to promote your pageant. Offer your titleholder for appearance at community events. Be seen and heard in your community to give your pageant vitality and legitimacy. 

You’re not alone. Assemble a board of directors and loyal volunteers. It takes a village to raise a child, and your fledgling pageant is no different. Once you’ve gathered a group of willing individuals, take the advice of an Illinois local pageant and distribute a questionnaire to determine what job might be best for each volunteer. Focus on the strengths of your volunteers to bolster your organization. 

Gather your contestants. Spread the word about your organization and the benefits of it at workshops leading up to your pageant. Offer seminars in weight training, personal style, mock interviews, nutrition, and body image, and be sure to include opportunities for potential contestants to ask questions and sign up to compete.  

Five Key Tips for a New Director:

1. 1.Recognize and acknowledge existing volunteer relationships, statewide.
2. 2.Develop relationship with your host city and local media.
3. 3.Attend all local pageants.
4. 4.Appoint a statewide board of directors.
5. 5.Provide growth opportunities for all contestants.

Source: Nick Latham is the director of marketing for Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP in Los Angeles and the former Media Relations Director for the Miss Washington Pageant.