You’ve come a long way baby!  (To borrow a catch phrase from an old 70’s advertising slogan.) Today’s scholarship pageants, talent expositions and conventions continue to promote beauty as one of the major theme elements, but nearly all now focus on the academic side, self-described platform issues and personal development seminars. At a recent modeling convention I attended, the theme was personal development and building self-confidence. Participants spent 4 days learning from industry insiders, working actors and models while participating in a competition for runway, swimsuit, evening gown, two-person scene, cold read, monologue, singing, dancing while being judged by industry professionals and agency owners. The contestants ranged in age from 4 years-old to 50+. The standouts were the indinviduals with enthusiasm and self-confidence. On the last day, participants were invited to one-on-one meetings with agents from Hollywood to New York, including several from Europe and Asia. Talent directors, agency owners and casting agents from across the country were present to observe, counsel and sign-up the standouts. I had lunch with several agents from L.A. who provided some interesting advice. Stay tuned for more observations in my next post!