Welcome!  Please read everything in this manual carefully.  It is designed to provide you with much needed information to help you prepare for the pageant.  After reading the manual thoroughly, e-mail us at pageant@live.com with any questions you may have.

The pageant will be held May 9, 2026.  The qualities you can gain by participating in this pageant are qualities that will last a lifetime!

A. REQUIRED PHOTO –
• Headshot: Each contestant is required to submit one headshot to the pageant office. The headshot photo will be used for the program magazine, judge’s notebooks, website, and other media. Additionally, the headshot photo will determine the ‘Photogenic’ award winner in the Miss and Teen divisions.

• Miss Contestants – White, solid color blouse or bare shoulders.
Teen Contestants – White solid color blouse.
This blouse can be any style, however there should be NO rhinestones, sequins, or beading.

• The photo must be printed vertically, in color, 5 x 7, high resolution (at least 300 dpi or higher). This must be a head or head and shoulders photo, no hats, no scarves, or other accessories (other than jewelry). Remember, this photo will be judged for most photogenic and shared on social media.
• The photo must be submitted electronically to pageant@live.com. A professional photographer will be able to submit the photo in the proper format.

B. WARDROBE –

Personal Interview – For personal interview with the judge’s you should wear a fashion forward outfit. A good guideline would be to ask yourself what you would wear for a press conference, television interview or a luncheon held in your honor. You should keep them interested in your conversation and not in what you have on. You should wear minimal jewelry and ‘daytime’ make-up. Your hair should be clean and well groomed. Business attire is not mandatory. No cocktail wear, hats, scarves, or gloves permitted.

Opening Production Number – You will not be judged in the opening production number. Teen & Miss Contestants – SEE OPENING NUMBER & FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

Fitness Competition – Delegates, you should be physically fit and exude confidence, enthusiasm, and grace. During this phase of competition, you want your fitness wear outfit/swimsuit to compliment your muscle tone. You want the judges focused on your physical fitness and not distracted by your wardrobe. Teen & Miss Contestants – SEE OPENING NUMBER & FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

Evening Gown – A good rule-of-thumb is that if you feel good in your gown, if it makes you feel like a queen, then it will be most appropriate.

C. JUDGING PROCESS – There are three categories of competition:
1. Interview – The judges will be divided into 2 panels. Each contestant will have the opportunity to converse with a panel of judges for 2.5 minutes. The judges will seek a young woman capable of expressing herself clearly, intelligently, and confidently. This is your opportunity to impress the judges with your opinions, ability to communicate, and overall sense of self. They are not looking for rehearsed answers. Questions may come from the information you provide on the Judges Profile sheet but be prepared for anything.

2. Fitness – You should be healthy, natural, fit, and confident about your physical appearance. Physical measurements and height are not considered by the judges.

3. Evening Gown – Judges focus on poise, overall appearance, sense of fashion and style. No single detail of the gown, hair or make-up should garner attention. The overall effect should be elegant and sophisticated.

4. Special Awards – In addition to choosing the next titleholders, other awards to be presented are
Miss & Teen Photogenic, Miss & Teen Fitness, as well as:
a. Peoples’ Choice Award – This is an online contest. For $5.00 per vote, online visitors vote on their choice for best photo. The one delegate in the Miss division whose picture raises the most money receives the award.
b. Fan Favorite Award – This is an online contest. For $5.00 per vote, online visitors vote on their choice for best photo. The one delegate in the Teen division whose picture raises the most money receives the award.
c. Miss Congeniality – To be voted on by the delegates in the Miss and Teen divisions.

D. IF YOU WIN – You will be required to compete in the 2026 MISS TEXAS USA or 2026 MISS TEXAS TEEN USA pageant. You will also be required to make at least ONE personal appearance per month representing the pageant, pageant sponsors, as well as different charities and/or organizations. It is important that Diverse Dreams LLC is made aware of your school and/or work schedule. You will be required to post/blog on the pageant’s social media pages at least 3 times per week. Additionally, you will be required to sign and adhere to the titleholder’s contract.

E.  CONTESTANTS-AT-LARGE – In addition to the winners of the pageants, the contestants are invited to go on to the state competition as a “Contestant-at-Large.” While the winner’s entry fee is part of her prize package, the Contestants-at-Large are responsible for paying their own entry fee.

F. PAGEANT REGISTRATION – It is important that as a contestant you fully understand that all the necessary papers, documents, photos, forms, and entry fee be submitted to Diverse Dreams LLC by the deadline dates given.

G. ONLINE PROGRAM MAGAZINE INFORMATION – WE ARE GOING DIGITAL!
As always, we are planning a magazine that will be a great keepsake for you and this year it is online!

1. Delegates are required to sell at least one (1) full page ad for the online program magazine. Of course, you may sell more! Ad pages can be valuable tools to help you recruit sponsors. These pages may be laid out however you like within design specifications. They should include your name and a photo of you (subject to approval) with sponsors information or wording of your choice (also subject to approval). Let companies know that their donation to you is a tax-deductible advertising expense if they are listed in your ad(s).

2. You will find that many of your family and friends may want to be included in your ad(s). Your ads are a great way to show the kind of support network you have. It is also a wonderful advertising tool for local businesses that may sponsor you.

3. A full-page ad size is 8.5 x 11 (full bleed) and sells for $100.00. These pages may be designed however you like within design specifications. They should include your name and photo of you (subject to approval) with sponsors information or wording of your choice (also subject to approval).

Ad layout information is included in this manual. Any ads and monies must be received on or before the deadline date written in the Paperwork Checklist. No new ads or monies will be accepted after this date. Payment must be made through the at https://austinusapageant.com/payments/

H. HOTEL INFORMATION – our host hotel is the beautiful Embassy Suites Landmark hotel. You may choose to book a room (at a pageant special rate) for convenience, but you are NOT required to stay at the hotel. You will receive booking information in a separate email.

I. TRANSPORTATION – You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the pageant rehearsals and all pageant competition events. It is important that you are on time for all events. Constant tardiness will be grounds for disqualification from the pageant with no refunds.

J. DEPARTURE PROCEDURES – For your safety it is necessary for every contestant to officially check out from the pageant. Unless you are one of the new title holders you have 45 minutes after the pageant to check out with security. Please be sure you collect all your items from the hotel as we will not have a ‘lost and found.’ Diverse Dreams LLC and the hotel are not responsible for any items left in the hotel.

K. MEALS – We will provide continental breakfast and lunch Saturday.

L. HAIR AND MAKE-UP – You are welcome to do your own hair and makeup, or you may choose to hire a professional artist. Please note that there will not be a designated room for hair and makeup, and these services are not permitted in the lobby or any public areas of the hotel, including restrooms, event spaces, or dressing rooms. If you hire a professional artist, you or your artist(s) must reserve a hotel room for that purpose

M. CONTESTANT CHAPERONES – Chaperones are there to help you and to make sure you are safe. At no time are you to leave any pageant event without permission. Remember, these ladies are volunteering their own free time, so please be courteous to them and treat them with respect.

N. RECORDING – PERSONAL VIDEO CAMERAS OR CELL PHONE RECORDING IS NOT ALLOWED AT ANY TIME.

O. PAGEANT PHOTOGRAPHER – You will receive information via email. PERSONAL CAMERAS OR CELL PHONES PHOTOS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT ANY TIME.

P. SECURITY – There will be security at the pageant venue. Please do not bring any valuables to the pageant. Diverse Dreams LLC, the pageant and/or pageant venue are not responsible for any lost, left behind or stolen items.

Q. TICKETS – We encourage you to sell as many tickets as possible to the pageant so you may have your own cheering squad! ALL attendees must have a ticket, NO ONE under 10 allowed. You will be notified when prices and tickets are available.

R. PAGEANT EVENTS
1. Rehearsals – Rehearsals are the keys to a truly successful show. Rehearsals take a great deal of time and hard work. Be prepared for this. Listen, be cooperative, follow instructions and be on time! Rehearsals are for contestants only; no family members or friends will be allowed to watch. Contestants are required to remain through the rehearsal; we simply cannot produce a professional show without your complete co-operation.

2. Interview – The judges are looking for a young lady who is outstanding, can communicate on many levels, and is secure enough to manage her responsibilities and enjoy her year. She must be able to represent her peers with dignity, grace, and professionalism. This is the first phase of competition.

3. On-stage Competition – Preliminaries – the contestants will compete in Fitness and Evening Gown; these are the second and third phases of competition and will determine the 10 semi-finalists, according to the 10 highest scores. Finals – the 10 semi-finalists will be announced and they will compete in Fitness and Evening Gown, which will determine the 5 finalists according to the 5 highest scores. The 5 finalists will have an on-stage interview, leading to the announcement of the 4 runners-up and the winners. If the pageant is a one-day event we will proceed directly to 5 finalists.

S. RULES TO REMEMBER
1. Do not leave pageant rehearsals without permission. If you leave before you are dismissed, you will be disqualified without a refund.

2. Cell phones sound should be turned off during the rehearsals or pageant events.

3. Contestants must be on time to all scheduled events.

4. If you must leave an assigned contestant area (i.e. – restroom break) you must advise your chaperone first.

5. Contestants and/or their family will be responsible for any medical expenses incurred during the pageant. If you are taking any medication or have any medical problems, advise us prior to the pageant. This will have no effect on the competition.

6. No food or drinks in the dressing rooms.

7. NO SMOKING, DRUGS OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES!

8. Pantyhose or stockings are not permitted during the fitness competition.

9. No one is allowed in the judging areas, backstage, in the staging area, or in the dressing rooms during any of the pageant events, except pageant contestants and staff.

10. Any contact with the Judges, outside of official pageant activities, is inappropriate and is grounds for disqualification. This includes contact made by family members, pageant trainers, etc.

11. OBSCENE LANGUAGE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES!

12. TEEN CONTESTANTS: No ‘Public Display of Affection’ between you and your significant other at any time. This includes kissing, constant prolonged hugging, walking arm in arm, handholding, etc. If in doubt, choose caution. You never know when you may set an example. Make sure it is a good one.

13. Please remember that only one lady can win in each division. You are representing yourself, your sponsors, your family, and friends. Please act accordingly with respect to the other contestants, the Pageant, and its staff and most importantly to yourself.

14. Any misconduct, disrespect, or nonobservance of rules by a contestant or family members is grounds for immediate dismissal from the pageant, as determined by the Pageant Officials. ALL RULINGS BY THE PAGEANT OFFICIALS ARE FINAL, WITH NO REFUNDS.

KEEPING EXPENSES DOWN
Providing services and goods for pageant contestants is a growing industry. While many of these people can be helpful, several of them will try to sell you items you do not need or charge you exorbitant fees for their services. Be informed, be prepared and beware, and your entire pageant experience will be more enjoyable and memorable.

The following are fixed expenses:
1. Pageant Entry Fee
2. Full page color ad

These items are necessary, but the cost is variable:
1. Competition Wardrobe
a. Evening Gown
b. Interview Outfit
c. Opening Number Outfit
d. Fitness and support items for fitness
e. Shoes & Accessories
2. Required headshot photo

Other optional expenses:
1. Tickets for the pageant
2. Nail Care
3. Make-up & Hair
4. Coaching/Training
5. Program books
6. Pageant photos

Areas where you can economize:
1. Evening Gown – While very expensive gowns can be very beautiful, a fantastic gown by itself does not win a pageant. Often, the winner is not wearing the most expensive or most beautiful gown, but she looks great in the gown she is wearing. It is the overall picture that counts. You can win in borrowed dresses or in dresses that your mother has made. You can rent a great gown, borrow a gown from a friend, have a dress made, or find a sponsor that is willing to loan you a gown or sell you a gown at cost.

2. Interview Outfit – You need not purchase a designer outfit to wear for interviews. Your interview outfit should be fashion forward; one that flatters you and one you feel comfortable and look attractive wearing. The judges are looking at the overall picture, not which designer you are wearing. You may already have something in your closet that would be appropriate, or you may be able to borrow one.

3. Fitness Wear – You may already have what is needed in your wardrobe. There are several cost-effective stores to purchase your fitness wear if needed.

4. Shoes & Accessories – Check your closet and see what you already have that could work for some areas of the competition. Your jewelry need not be costly; watch for sales, check the discount stores, borrow from family or friends.

5. Clothing for the rehearsals – More than likely, this clothing is already in your wardrobe. You do not need special or very dressy clothing for the rehearsals.

6. Program Book Ad Page – Other than the required ad, you have the option of purchasing additional ad pages if you or your sponsors would like to. This can be an excellent tool to help you get sponsors. Let companies know that their donation to you is 100% tax deductible as an advertising expense if they are listed in your ad.

7. Nails – Your nails should be clean with a neutral or clear color.

SPONSORS & AD PAGES INFORMATION: Please remember these are just suggestions.

Tips on attaining sponsors:
• Always be enthusiastic! You are taking steps to make your personal goal come true, so be sure to project that energy and determination to prospective sponsors, family, and friends. NO sponsorship is too small! If your friend would like to give you $25.00 in sponsorship, that is wonderful! A business owner might want to give you $500.00 in sponsorship! No matter what the amount, it can help you achieve your goals. Be sure to send a handwritten thank you note to anyone who sponsors you.

• Who donates/sponsors? Personal connections are usually the easiest way to generate sponsorship and support. Some delegates are sponsored by companies where they or a family member works. You can be sponsored by your family, employers, school, organizations, friend, or yourself. You might have good success with businesses you and your family patronize. Suggested businesses: stores, boutiques, doctors, dentists, cleaners, gas stations, salons, spas, photography studios, hotels, resorts, banks, dance studios, auto dealerships, chamber of commerce, modeling & talent agencies, restaurants, sororities, law firms, insurance firms, accounting firms, civic clubs, churches, etc., the list can go on and on!

• Everyone benefits! The sponsor should get more than their money’s worth in services and promotion from you, the contestant, and at the same time the sponsor is doing you a favor and performing a public service. You may offer modeling, social media promotion, promotional or volunteer services in return for sponsorship which assists you in participation in the pageant. All arrangements are strictly between you and the sponsor. Any donation provided by a business or organization can be considered a form of advertising (if they are printed in the program book) and may be considered a tax deduction. There is no form given to you from the pageant for the sponsor to complete.

• Timing is important! If possible, schedule an appointment to speak with your potential sponsors, it saves time and gives you their full attention. Get to the point (remember to practice what you want to say). Speak to the decision maker. If you are asked when you need the sponsorship, the answer is ‘now’. The commitment should be made immediately so you can continue preparing and soliciting sponsors.

• Know your stuff & be positive! Inspire your potential sponsors with a positive attitude and you will probably get all the sponsors you need. Be prompt, friendly, polite, and have the correct answers. Read all the information in this manual and have a full understanding of the pageant. You never know what type of questions a potential sponsor may ask. Answer questions sincerely and intelligently.

• First impressions only happen once! Be at your best when you approach a potential sponsor, even if it is a family member! Wear an outfit that compliments you and you feel confident in. Practice what you will say. Have a copy of your confirmation letter and sponsor letter in a nice, clean folder. Be ready to tell the potential sponsor why you are entering the pageant, your present activities, and your future goals. Be sure you know something about the pageants’ history. This is great preparation for pageant interview!

• Talk about yourself! While sponsorship may be a tax deduction, many businesses are more interested in helping outstanding young people from their local community achieve their goals. With that in mind, be prepared to present your accomplishments and future goals. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about yourself, your activities, awards, involvements, anything positive about you!

• Don’t leave anyone out! Make a list of all the businesses that you and your family do business with, from the grocery store to the doctor’s office. Don’t overlook anyone!

• Make it a family affair! Ask your family (especially your parents) to help! Soon you will find that you’ve collected enough sponsorship to cover your fees and other pageant related expenses. A sponsor can provide more than money. Your local dentist may sponsor cosmetic dentistry; your salon may sponsor private lessons on hair styling. Be creative and open to all possibilities, this can help you keep your expenses down!

• Never give up! Many have been discouraged but have continued to seek sponsorship and it has paid off. You may have as many sponsors as you need to help cover all your expenses. If you have several sponsors you may want to consider purchasing an ad in the program magazine where you can list them and give them recognition.

Sponsors must pay via the pageant website at https://austinusapageant.com/payments/. Please make sure to tell them to write your name in the notes portion. No other payment method will be accepted.

SELLING & PURCHASING AD PAGES

Why everyone benefits: The sponsor should get more than his money’s worth in services and promotion from you and at the same time the sponsor is doing you a favor and performing a public service. Additionally, any donation provided by a business or organization can be considered a form of advertising and/or promotion and may be considered tax deductible. You, on the other hand, receive the necessary financial backing and can take part in this wonderful and worthwhile pageant. Who knows, you could be the next one to win the local, state, and national titles!

Every delegate’s photo and name will be included in the online program magazine. In addition to this, each delegate is required to sell has the option of selling ads in the program book. These ads can be a place for friends, family, and sponsors to show their support of you, as well as advertise their business/companies!

Your ad can be a ‘Love you’ page. You can ask 10 people for $10.00, then have your ad designed with your photo, your name and the names of the people or companies that gave you the money. You can write ‘We Love You’ or ‘Best Wishes’ or something wonderful and the information just mentioned. It’s that easy!

Please read this information very carefully. Failure to follow these specific instructions will result in your ad not appearing in the program magazine. It is YOUR responsibility as a delegate to turn in the proper requirements for ads by the deadline date. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

• Each ad page sells for $100.00. All ads are full page (full bleed), color ads ONLY. The design is up to you, and you may include listing of as many sponsors as you would like on one page. Be creative!

• The layout and look of the page are up to you. It should include your name and photo(s) of your choice (subject to our approval.) Inappropriate photos or wording will not be accepted. You are free to list as many sponsors as possible and include any special wording or acknowledgements that you would like to. This is a great way to acknowledge and thank friends, family, and sponsors for their support.

FULL PAGE AD FACTS

Full page specs
Photo/Image Resolution: must be 300 dpi or higher / CMYK color
Format: JPEG or PDF

ALL ads must be in color

Dimensions: Actual page dimension is 8.5” x 11”, but the image area is 7.5” x 10”. It is important for all text to be within this 7.5” x 10” area.

Full bleed ads: All ads should cover the entire page and bleed all the way to the edge. It is important that the background photo/ image extend 1/8” beyond the page dimensions on all sides to allow for trim. So, the dimension of the background photo/image will be 8.75” x 11.25” inches on all ads. Again, be sure all text is place within the 7.5” x 10” dimension.

Pricing:
1 full page ad – $100.00
4 full page ads – $350.00 must be paid in full to receive the discount
6 full page ads – $550.00 must be paid in full to receive the discount

Design: Please be sure your ad(s) are designed to the specifications above. Any full-service printing company, photographer, and ad designer or computer savvy friend can help you.

ALL ads must be received via email on or before the deadline date written in the Paperwork Checklist. Please email ad pages to the following email only:

pageant@live.com

Ads will only be received at the email address above. Sending ads to any other email will not be accepted and will not receive a response. Failure to follow these specific instructions on submitting ad pages will result in your ad not appearing in the program book. It is the contestant’s responsibility to turn in ad’s following the requirements and deadlines. Ads turned in after the deadline will not be accepted.

IN SUMMARY
1. Know which expenses are unavoidable and which costs can be minimized or eliminated altogether.
2. Avail yourself of free or reduced-cost services, provided in exchange for mention on your ad page.
3. You can find sponsors to help cover your costs. Sponsors may provide services, wardrobe and/or financial support.
4. Shop for sales and discounts.
5. Borrow, rent and/or use items you already have.
6. Get help from friends, relatives, and someone with winning pageant experience.
7. Prepare yourself. Be as physically fit as possible according to your body type. Practice doing your own hair and make-up.
8. Keep up with current events.
9. Get excited, stay excited, and be kind to others!

THE PAGEANT SCHEDULE WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU.

PACKING – When packing for the pageant take care not to forget the following items:
*Competition evening gown
*Interview attire
*Gold strappy heels
*Fitness wear and shoe
*Gold hoop earrings
*Opening number outfit
*Accessories
*Evening gown shoes
*Make up
*Hair styling tools
*Safety pins
*Any other necessary items