Show Day at The Star Gold Coast: What to Expect at the Pro/AM

The final event on the 2023 calendar is almost here. The WBFF Australia International Pro/AM takes place on Saturday 4 November 2023 at The Star Gold Coast in Broadbeach, with amateur and professional line-ups sharing the same stage. Whether you are competing for the first time, returning as a Pro, or coming along to cheer from the seats, this walkthrough covers how the weekend runs and what to have organised before you arrive.

Who is on stage

The Pro/AM is open to both amateur and professional competitors. There is no qualifying requirement for the amateur categories: the show is open to all amateurs aged 18 and over, whether or not they have competed before. To enter the professional categories, a competitor must hold Pro Status at the time of registering.

Seven categories are listed for the event:

• Diva Bikini Model
• Diva Wellness Model
• Diva Fitness Model
• Diva Figure Model
• Men's Fitness Model
• Men's Physique Model (new for 2023)
• Men's Muscle Model

Two differences from the earlier Gold Coast and Sydney shows are worth noting. The Transformation Makeover division is not included in the Pro/AM, and the over 40 Diva Bikini Model category is exclusive to the first two shows of the year.

Before the weekend: registration and bookings

Online registration for the Pro/AM opened on Saturday 23 September and closes on 28 October 2023, one week before the show. Amateur and professional competitors can each register for one category or two. After registering you will receive an email from the WBFF Australia team, along with a Competitor Guide containing the details of competing in the show. If nothing arrives within an hour, check your spam or junk folder. The registration page has the current options.

Tanning: the official WBFF colour

All competitors are required to use the official WBFF tanning service. The service uses a formula developed specifically for WBFF shows worldwide, and the show information is direct about the reason: traditional contest colour is too dark for the WBFF judging criteria.

Tanning happens in two stages. Base coats are applied before show day at the Sofitel, 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, a short distance from the venue. Top coats follow on show day itself:

• Women: show day top coats are done 30 minutes before your hair and makeup appointment at the Sofitel Broadbeach.
• Men: show day top coats are done backstage at the show venue. You will receive a text message confirming your time.

At the time of writing, the base tan dates and the opening date for tanning bookings for the Pro/AM had not been confirmed on the show page, so keep an eye on it and on your email.

Hair and makeup

The official WBFF Beauty Service is compulsory for female competitors. WBFF Australia has its own beauty team of hair and makeup artists, whose job is to finish each competitor's look to the WBFF judging criteria. No other makeup artists are endorsed by WBFF Australia or authorised backstage.

On show day, hair and makeup takes place at the Sofitel Broadbeach. Once your appointment is finished, WBFF provides a limousine service to take you to the show venue.

Friday 3 November: registration evening and competitor meeting

The weekend begins the night before the show with the registration evening and competitor meeting on Friday 3 November 2023. This is where competitor numbers are given out. Your number button is worn on the left hip so the judges can read it clearly, and if you are in two categories you use the same number for both. Bring the completed competitor form that is emailed to you after you register.

The meeting is also where the running of the show is explained, so arrive with your questions ready. A few points from the competitor FAQs apply:

• Dress code: WBFF shows are described as prestigious red-carpet events. Competitors must be dressed smartly at registration and in front of the venue and auditorium. Thongs, track pants and singlets are not permitted outside the backstage area.
• Guests: you are welcome to bring a partner or friend to registration night and take a photo together on the red carpet media wall.
• Venue rules: venues may have their own entry conditions and dress codes, so check these before the weekend.

Saturday morning: the morning show

Show day is split in two. The morning show is where the preliminary judging takes place. The diva categories appear in their two-piece bikinis and the men in square-cut shorts. Each competitor performs a T-walk, an individual presentation across the stage, and line-ups are taken through quarter turns so the judges can compare physiques for symmetry, tone and, depending on the category, definition and muscular development. Music is provided by the show.

Saturday evening: the evening show

The evening show is the production the WBFF is known for. Competitors repeat the bikini or swimwear round with their T-walk for the final show, and most categories add their fashion round:

• Diva Bikini Model and Diva Wellness Model present in a floor-length evening gown with a runway-style walk.
• Diva Fitness Model and Diva Figure Model present creative, glamorous theme wear, with an award for the best theme wear of the show.
• Men's Fitness Model and Men's Physique Model present in formal evening wear.

Results and awards follow. On Pro Status, remember that a WBFF Pro Card may be awarded at the judges' discretion to a competitor who displays the qualities of a WBFF Pro. Winning a division does not automatically guarantee one.

Backstage etiquette

Space backstage is limited, and the rules are designed to keep things running smoothly:

• No trainers, friends, family members or assistants are allowed backstage. WBFF provides helpers for competitors.
• No alcohol is permitted at any WBFF event, and competitors caught with alcohol will be disqualified.
• You are responsible for your own belongings, so be selective about what you bring and have everything prepared before you arrive.
• Respect your fellow competitors. A positive backstage atmosphere makes the day better for everyone.

Capturing the day: photography and video

The official WBFF photography package, shot by Dallas Olsen, includes all of your stage images plus three fully edited images of your choice from the backstage photoshoot area. It is listed at $179 USD for one category and $215 USD for two. If you compete in two categories, you need the two-category option to receive images from both. A personalised stage video with a 60-second professional edit is also available at $150 USD. All fees are payable in USD, and both can be booked separately after registering through the optional extras page.

Tickets for family, friends and fans

Attendance tickets are sold through Ticketek. One ticket covers both the morning and evening shows, so supporters can watch the preliminary rounds, head out for lunch in Broadbeach, and return for the finals. Children under 12 are free in the general seating areas. Guests should dress for the occasion and check the venue's entry requirements in advance, since no refunds are given to competitors or guests who are refused entry for not meeting the venue's conditions or dress codes.

The Pro/AM closes the Australian season on one of the country's best-known stages. If you still have questions after reading the show page, get in touch with the team. We will see you on the Gold Coast.