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Hostess Work: What are typical hostess jobs?
What is a hostess, what does she do? And what kind of jobs do exhibition hostesses?
To establish an understanding of the job before you fully engage yourself, we explained typical work areas of a hostess in the following article. There are different jobs a hostess has to do, which are all covered here. We also included a few experience reports of our hosts and hostesses.
If you would like to intensify your knowledge about the work as a (fair-)hostess, you can do that by reading another one of our articles, Become a Hostess. Precise information on hostess salaries is listed in the article Hostess Salary.
General Hostess information
First, we would like to start by saying that the job of a hostess is not one of indecent nature. In almost any case, hostess jobs comprise representing companies on fairs, congresses and events, as well as service and catering jobs. There is a fluent transition to gastronomical jobs. Even though every job you may get as hostess is a little different, they all got one thing in common: one always works for clients and has to adjust to their specific guidelines. Naturally, this is only valid in rather restrictive boundaries; no client will give you tasks you cannot complete. Generally speaking, the tasks of a hostess can be separated into the following fields of activity: Information desk, Catering, Modeling, Promotion, Walking Act, Sales-Consulting and other, miscellaneous tasks. All these will be briefly explained to you below.
Hostess tasks at the info desk / accreditation
At the info desk, different tasks await a hostess. Among other things, one functions as the first contact person for visitors of the respective fair, congress or event. The hostesses at the info desk are in charge of providing quick and basic help to anyone who contacts them. Usually, initial briefing prior to the event shall give you adequate information on what to tell (interested) visitors, as well as everything important regarding the job.
From time to time, a hostess will also have to carry out accreditation. Predominantly, this is the case for events which are only accessible with a ticket or a pass. Often times, these tickets can have different specifications, providing access to different areas. A hostess’ job can be to ensure all guests have the right entry-pass. One may also have to check a name or guest list.
Alicia on her hostess job at accreditation:
“My first job at InStaff was a sales training day 2014 of Joy of Drive AG at the racing track at Bilster Berg in Bad Driburg. Among different tasks, I was in charge of the participants’ accreditation, test-evaluation and the workshop's prep and follow-up. I could quickly fit in with the kind and competent team, so naturally, the work was twice the fun.”
Work as Catering Hostess
One of the most common hostess jobs on a fair is the assistance of catering, although the tasks can vary very much. Normally, one is required to hand out snacks or drinks to the guests. A fair hostess has to ensure that there is always enough snacks or drinks available.
Catering jobs can also take place outside of fairs. Hostesses may be employed on company events, product presentations or congresses.
Hostess tasks as Model Hostess
Despite the fact that all hostesses are asked to attract attention through their pleasant demeanor, this is especially the case for model hostesses. Model hostesses are usually highly attractive and engagingly dressed young ladies.
The occurrence of model hostess jobs is very much dependent on the respective branch. Model hostesses are booked predominantly by curators of events in sectors where a lot of big corporations are represented, which sell directly to their customers. This is the case for e.g. the video game sector and the automotive industry. This is probably linked to the manufacturers’ need to set themselves apart from their competition.
The tasks of a model hostess are mainly focused on product presentation. The manufacturers want their potential clients to transfer a model hostess’ attractiveness to the product while she stands next to it. This hostess job is likely the “easiest” amongst the other tasks of a hostess; yet it is still very demanding, given the constant public exposure.
Promotion & Marketing jobs
Promotion jobs often times are about acquiring new clients. One is asked to convince a client about a previously unknown product’s benefits. Consequently, a hostess’ job is to attract attention and spread awareness.
Different actions are used to achieve the goal of enticing customers. As soon as one has gathered the attention of a potential client, a hostess’ task is to establish a conversation and, after explaining the product’s specifications, convince him or her about its advantages.
Very frequently, promotions are ordered by lifestyle-companies. For example, Red Bull’s modified Red Bull Mini Coopers are widely known. Also the tobacco-industry and its many cigarette-manufacturers carry out a lot promotions.
Hostess tasks as Walking Act
Hostess jobs as Walking Act are very similar to hostess promotion tasks. It is commonly the case that a company requires one or more hosts or hostesses to embody a mascot or something similar. The hostess(es) will receive uniform costumes to try and gain attention.
As one evokes a lot of interest in a flashy costume, one is naturally asked for pictures. Thus, it can belong to the job of a hostess to be available for photos with visitors or clients. This sounds worse than it is, as many clients are too shy to ask for a picture.
Sales-Consulting and Customer Contact
From time to time, sales-consulting is part of a fair hostess’ job. If a fair hostess has a lot of expertise in a certain area, she can also take on parts of sales-consultation to assist the sales-team of the respective exhibitor. This is rather rare, but jobs like these are very well-paid.
Usually, a fair hostess will provide a first product-contact for the potential customer and later pass the conversation on to an on-site sales-person.
VIP-Hostess
If important persons, e.g. executives, politicians or public figures, have to be cared for during events, this task is carried out by VIP-hostesses. Here, an especially attractive and simultaneously staid appearance, as well as very good language skills are required. A relatively good general education, a basic organization talent and an independent feel for the needs of the guests round up the profile.
VIP-hostesses have the sole task of ensuring the comfort and well-being of the guests. This means that they are indirectly responsible for the catering, even if they typically do not do it themselves. Additionally, one has to be able to communicate well, as a VIP-Hostess is the first contact-person for the guests.
Ann-Sophie on her job as VIP-hostess:
“Auf dem GQ Men Awards of the Year 2014 “On the GQ Men Awards of the Year 2014 in Berlin, I was in charge of caring for the guests. I handed out delicious cocktails and supplied information on products. There were quite a few prominent actors who enjoyed being cared for. The job was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to new experiences and job possibilities. Thanks a lot to InStaff for this great experience!”
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