When Alan arrived at the IMTA convention, he was looking forward to taking in every moment of it! Alan was ready for whatever the IMTA convention had to offer because he was totally prepared for anything as a result of the preparation he received at Pro-Model and Talent Management. Alan was excited to work with the Pro-Model and Talent Management staff leading up to the convention because it allowed him to be more comfortable during the competitions and remain competitive at every turn!

Alan's commitment to his craft didn't go unnoticed! Alan received two third-place awards and three honorable mentions, which resulted in Alan receiving an honorable mention award for Male Actor of the Year! Alan's amazing performance captured the attention of MMG Model Management and Manikin Model and Talent Agency! We are pleased to announce that Alan has now signed with both prestigious agencies. Way to go, Alan!

Since signing with MMG and Manikin Models, Alan has had the opportunity to return to New York City for auditions already! Alan auditioned for a promotional program for an electric company and a holiday shoot for an apparel company. Alan was very excited to take part in the holiday shoot because it was different than what he is normally used to. He has had more practice with acting rather than modeling, and this particular audition was a ten-minute photoshoot. This didn't stop Alan; he was up for the challenge!

Alan continues to develop and hone his craft. He attributes his determined drive to get better to the success he is already finding in the industry. "I am flattered to have these opportunities and it is a blessing for every new experience," Alan said. Clearly, Alan is motivated into becoming the best he can be and we all appreciate his impassioned dedication!

Alan's had some pertinent advice to future talent attending IMTA, stressing readiness. "Absolutely attend every prep meeting, no excuses. Listen and follow Pro-Model and Talent Management's advice in preparation for IMTA," Alan said. "Know that they care about each and every contestant in finding placement after the convention. They will support and guide you on an incredible journey that is life-changing."

Alan plans to keep working in real estate while advancing his career in the acting and modeling industry. We at Pro-Model and Talent Mangement know this talented gentleman will continue to push boundaries with an unrelenting work ethic and we cannot wait to see where that spirit takes him in the national market!

Gerri's outreach with the community isn't limited to just assessing her customer's needs with personable care. After a 90 day period, if a consigner's item isn't bought and returned, Gerri's Closet sends it to Haven of Rest, a homeless shelter in Akron. Gerri also donates clothes to an Akron women's home called Lydia's Home, a recovery program that provides housing and mentoring. Even with all she's done for her community, she told us she plans to do even more in the future!

Speaking of future events, there are several that we are definitely looking forward to. Every month, Gerri's Closet does a monthly drawing for a chance to win a $25 gift card. To be a part of this, it's as easy as purchasing an item and having your photo taken by an employee. You will even be showcased on their social media page! You can also save the date for Small Business Saturday which occurs after Black Friday where there will be vendors, refreshments, and tremendous sales. A Clothing Swap will also occur in November. Gerri recommends people check their social media accounts for the most up-to-date events and offers.

Pro-Model and Talent Management is proud to have found and celebrate such a fantastic shop. Not only do they take pride in being an upscale boutique but they cherish their customers. Make an appointment for some quick cash or simply look forward to livening up your closet; regardless, we hope to see you there!

KAMORA P. AND HER MOM, LATOYA  IMTA NYC '17 The weeks are flying by, and the IMTA LA '19 Convention will be here before we know it! Our PMTM staff could not be more pleased with the dedication of the contestants and the progress they are making each week. As we work together to prepare for the convention, our contestants are quickly becoming a part of the PMTM family, and our IMTA staff attending the convention with the contestants, are looking forward to continuing to support and guide them during the convention week in LA this January. Many of our IMTA parents are in the process of deciding whether or not they should attend the convention with their child. We are frequently asked our thoughts on the matter, and we want to share some insight that will hopefully assist our IMTA families in making the best decision for themselves.  To begin, we want all of our IMTA parents to understand if your child is 13 years or older and you are unable to attend IMTA with him/her, it is totally OKAY! We will be taking an entire staff to IMTA, in place to assist and support our contestants. We are excellent cheerleaders! We understand that IMTA is a big endeavor for families, and it is most important that the contestant is able to make it to the convention to have the opportunity to potentially launch their career in the entertainment industry. ANIYAH R. AND HER MOM, STACY  IMTA LA '17 For our parents who are able to attend but are perhaps facing some indecision as to whether they should, we feel that Rebecca D., mom of past IMTA contestant Kylie, says it best: "I feel there are many advantages to being by their side during the most thrilling and exhausting week of their lives. To witness my child on stage winning top awards and celebrating all of the hard work we both invested was priceless! It was honestly a week we both bonded and worked together as a team, and the memories created at IMTA will be cherished by us forever!" Rebecca's feelings echo what we hear from most of our past IMTA parents who have attended the convention with their child. The IMTA week can be a great bonding experience, and it can be an amazing support for a contestant to have mom or dad there to cheer them on.  EMMA K AND HER MOM ABBY  IMTA LA '17 Getting a child into the modeling and acting industry is an educational journey, not just for the child, but for their support system as well. Parents who attend IMTA with their child will gain great insight into the "business of show business" and can continue to educate themselves on how best to help their child grow within the industry. Anna M., mom of past IMTA contestant Kaitlin, said: "I was able to better understand the competitiveness of the industry, and how to continue preparing her for her future in modeling. Aside from learning the industry, I had the opportunity to really get to know some of her peers and their parents. Since IMTA, these people have served as a support network for both of us!" As we have said since the day of the IMTA auditions, the purpose of attending IMTA is exposure! A parent who is able to attend IMTA with their child will have the opportunity to directly interact with the managers and agents who are interested in their child. It is an excellent opportunity to gain an even greater sense of what it may be like to work with a manager or agent, and ultimately may help a family make an easier decision on representation if there are multiple managers or agents interested in the contestant. JAIDA, KENDYL, AND RAYNE  IMTA LA '18 As another past IMTA parent says: "Pro-Model and Talent Management made sure our group was 100% ready for the experience, and their staff was there to support the group. I would want to be there to help make sure the maximum benefit [for my child] is realized. If parents can, grab the opportunity and go!" So parents, if you are able to do so, we would love to have you join us in Los Angeles this January! If not, rest assured your kids are in the capable hands of the PMTM staff, who will be present all week support our contestants and help them soar at IMTA! Written by: EmmaLee Ducoeur Edited by: Susan Piekarski & Michael O'Malley