UPCOMING STATE PAGEANTS

Virtual State Pageant Handbook

AGES 5+ • NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED • SEVEN STATE TITLES • A PATH TO THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Live State Pageants

The following states will have a live event during the 2026-2027 season and may not advance directly to internationals without first attending their state pageant.

  • Alabama

  • Arkansas

  • Florida

  • Georgia

  • Iowa

  • Kentucky

  • Mississippi

  • Missouri

  • New Jersey

  • New York

  • North Carolina

  • Ohio

  • Oregon

  • Pennsylvania

  • South Carolina

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Washington

DON’T SEE YOUR STATE?

Your Journey Can Continue Through an Appointed Title.

If your state is not listed above, it will not host a live IUM pageant this season. You may apply to represent an available state, region, city or country through the IUM appointed-title process.

Appointed delegates receive the same Internationals experience and compete for an International or National title based on eligibility and title availability.

Explore Appointed Titles

A Competition Designed to Recognize the Whole You.

Every contestant competes in four required areas:

What to Expect at an IUM State Pageant

Round-Robin Interview 50%

Meet one-on-one with the judges and let your personality, communication skills, experiences and goals shine through genuine conversation.

Evening Gown 30%

Showcase confidence, poise and stage presence in a floor-length gown that is age-appropriate and feels authentic to you.

Personal Introduction 15%

Introduce yourself onstage through a 45-second speech highlighting your interests, accomplishments and ambitions.

Community Involvement 5%

Support the state pageant’s selected community partner through the required service or donation project shared with registered contestants.

No swimsuit. No required talent.

For complete judging criteria, wardrobe guidance, makeup policies and competition rules, review the Virtual State Pageant Handbook.

View State Pageant Virtual Handbook

FROM YOUR STATE TO THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Five Steps to Begin Your IUM Journey.

  • Choose your state and review its event date, location, eligibility and registration information.

  • Complete the state registration process and follow the instructions from your local IUM director.

  • Share your story, show your confidence and enjoy an encouraging day of competition and connection.

  • State winners advance to International United Miss. Other qualifying contestants may receive an opportunity to compete for National United Miss.

State Pageant Information

  • The $425 state pageant fee includes your registration fee, state tee shirt and state pageant competition fee.

    A $125 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registering to secure your spot on the state pageant roster.

    Optional Competitions are $50 per event. These are not required and have no impact on the overall queen title. The winners in each optional take home a cash award and a medal.

  • Princess - 5-7 years old
    Jr. Preteen - 8-10 years old
    Preteen - 11-13 years old
    Jr. Teen - 14-16 years old
    Teen - 17-19 years old
    Miss - 20-24 years old
    Ms. - 25 and up


    All division ages will be determined as of your age on July 1, 2027.

    • Beautiful AB IUM State Crown

    • Embroidered Rhinestone Sash

    • Acrylic Trophy

    • Credit of $500 towards the International Fees

    • Earrings gifted by the International Directors

    • Featured in IUM Social Media ads throughout the year

    • Additional gifts provided by state directors and sponsors

    Each state will have ONE winner in each division. Those queens are required to attend the international pageant in July 2026. If they fail to do so, they will be required to relinquish all prizes won including the crown and sash.

  • Hair/Makeup must be kept natural for Introduction/Interview. Hair/Makeup can be more glamorous for the evening gown competition however should not overpower the contestant. Hair extensions are permitted provided they are natural looking and not overpowering to the contestant.

    There is absolutely no make-up permitted on the contestants in the Princess, Jr. Preteen and Preteen divisions. Makeup is permitted on the Jr. Teen, Teen, Miss, and Ms. Divisions.

    NEW: Preteens may have LIGHT spot-concealing for blemishes only.

    • Returning Contestant Discount: Save $100 when you return to compete at the state pageant.

    • Sibling & Family Discount: Save $50 per contestant when two or more immediate family members compete.

    • Referral Credit: Receive a $25 credit for every new state contestant you refer once their registration and deposit are complete.

  • Delegates are required to reside, or go to work or school in the state of competition. If requested, proof of residency will be required.

  • Runner-ups to our state queens qualify for our National United Miss titles, which takes place in at the same time as the International Competition in Orlando, Florida. Our 3 national winners win the same exact prize package, experience, and year of lifetime. This is why we fondly call our NUM titles the “redemption round.”

BEFORE YOU REGISTER

Your Questions, Answered

  • No. IUM welcomes first-time and experienced contestants.

  • Delegates must live, work, or actively attend school in the state they will be representing as a titleholder.

  • State contestants compete in Personal Interview, Evening Gown, Personal Introduction and Community Involvement. Exact scoring and event requirements are listed on each state page.

  • No. Makeup is not permitted in the Princess, Junior Preteen or Preteen divisions.

  • State winners receive an official title, crown and sash, discounted international entry fees and the opportunity to represent their state at International United Miss. Additional awards and included items vary by state program.

  • Yes. Runner-up placements and optional competition wins may qualify contestants for National United Miss. Your state director can explain the qualification options available at your event.