State Competition

State Competition Requirements

• Local contestants chosen to represent their communities must attend a contestant workshop on May 30, 2020 in Hattiesburg. Staggered arrival times will be assigned, and official headshots will be taken during this event. In the case of a conflict, contact the State Office immediately. Local contestants must also attend the entirety of competition in Hattiesburg the week of July 12 – 18, 2020. Housing, transportation, and an exciting line-up of events will be provided. 
• Each contestant must submit her Official Competition Packet including typed application, medical release form, official transcript, 50 word typed biography, ad sales and components in a single PDF file along with  registration fee of $300 by May 15, 2020. A $50 late fee will be charged for packets received after this date.
• Contestants must sell a minimum of four (4) full pages of advertising in the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Program Book.  
• If a contestant is currently enrolled in an out-of-state college or university and wins the State Competition, she must immediately enroll in a college or university in Mississippi. A scholarship will be provided.
• Contestants must be able to do their own hair and make-up at the State Competition. There will be no one allowed in the residence halls or backstage before competition.
• Contestants must appoint a Little Miss Hospitality to serve alongside her during her reign and provide the Little Miss’ information to the State Office no later than March 27, 2020.

State Competitions & Judging

One-on-One Interview Competition (Preliminary)

This competition will take place Wednesday during competition week. Each judge will meet individually with each contestant for three minutes. The basic tool for conducting this interview is the contestant’s Official Application, which lists personal credits and serves as a guide for getting to know the contestant. An interview suit or dress shall be worn. 

Panel Interview Competition (Preliminary)

The Panel Interview is a five minute judged session on Thursday during competition week. Direct, concise, and relevant questions ranging from tourism and economic development, world affairs, state and local politics, and information about Mississippi to personal ambitions, goals, and interests may be asked. An interview suit or dress shall be worn. 

Mississippi Speech Competition (Preliminary)

Each contestant will present an original, memorized 90-second speech based on the question “How would you promote our state to a visitor of Mississippi?” No visual aids may be used. Contestants will present the speech before judges Friday morning of competition week. 

Community Commercial Competition (On-Stage)

Contestants will model a solid-colored cocktail dress of their choice. Contestants will present an original 20-second commercial on important aspects of their city or county, promoting their hometowns to all in attendance. When selecting a dress, contestants should consider the production number performed on stage. 

Evening Gown Competition (On-Stage)

Contestants will model an evening gown of any color. During the Evening Gown Competition on Saturday night, the Top 10 will be asked an on-stage question by the emcees, which will be scored separately from the Evening Gown Competition. When selecting a dress, contestants should consider the production number performed on stage.