by VICTORIA
CTFashionMag.com
Widely regarded as the largest, best, and most trusted connectivity platform in the pageantry field, Pageant Planet is trusted by legions of top directors, contestants, coaches, and judges to make viable and productive connections within their respective fields.
Founded in 2009 by entrepreneur Steven Roddy (following a less than fruitful run as the owner of a baseball team that left him with $20 in his pocket), this dynamic platform was born from a humble concept fueled by countless hours spent writing blog entries, fueled by servings of grande Starbuck’s coffees and free Wi-Fi.
A longtime Pageant Planet supporter and fan, I was elated to be granted an exclusive opportunity to spotlight the “Best In Pageantry” Awards, which has been aptly described by insiders as “The Oscar’s of Pageantry,” hosted at the beautiful Virgin Hotel in the bustling heart of downtown Nashville, Tenn.
Upon arrival at the venue, I made my way upstairs to interview Roddy, the visionary of the evening, who spoke eloquently and concisely about Pageant Planet’s humble origins to its meteoric rise in success and notoriety as the foremost online networking resource of its kind. Also discussed was the antiquated idea and largely outdated assumption that pageants are “vapid,” a misconception that has been largely countered by the legions of award winning speakers, leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs etc. who learned valuable skills such as public speaking, interacting with diverse groups of people, and presentation techniques through the art of pageantry.
Note: please be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Mr. Roddy, which will release soon on http://www.iheartradio.com/Backstagepasswithvictoria.
Once the interview wrapped, guests began to pour in for the official red carpet and cocktail hour, posing for photo ops on the step and repeat and enjoying varieties of libations at the open bar. Invaluable networking opportunities took place as directors connected with prospective contestants and queens from various systems exchanged friendly selfies and social media handles, fulfilling the objective of Pageant Planet to foster lasting and sustainable connections for creatives within the pageant genre.
Earlier in the day, the participants in this epic gala and symposium experience were afforded an opportunity of a lifetime to train with some of the most esteemed and established professionals in the industry
Each lecture was specifically curated to address directors and contestants respectively, touching on topics to help these aforementioned professionals perfect every element of their crafts.
All the components of this celebration of pageantry led to the gala, held inside the second floor’s main ballroom, hosting a bevy of nominees, speakers, presenters, and production members all under one roof. A scrumptious buffet featuring flavorful salmon, tender roast chicken, fresh turnip greens, cole slaw, baked bread rolls, garden salad and a delectable assortment of miniature desserts was included for the gala guests.
The evening’s festivities kicked off with an inspiring speech from Pageant Planet founder, Roddy, during which he provided positivity and encouragement to directors and contestants alike to keep pushing through hardship and have patience and faith in their individual journeys.
We shared a table with some of the national queens and director of the Prime Pageant system and watched with excitement as the long awaited award ceremony kicked off to a rousing start.
Special thanks to Pinky Guerrero (Queen of Director Support) as well as Steven Roddy for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature.
Additional thanks to @lynnsimsphotography for capturing photos of the event and CTFashionMag editor Mike Chaiken as well as FCB radio/IHeart Radio director Darvio Morrow for the always excellent work.
WEBSITE: https://www.pageantplanet.com
INSTAGRAM: @pageantplanet
