Destination: Casablanca/Rick’s Café
As in the classic 1942 film “Casablanca”, “Everybody comes to Rick’s”. We’ve created our very own Rick’s place, where we will present our special Speakers Series, and in the late night hours, it will become your place to join your convention buddies for music, dancing and fun.
SPEAKERS SERIES
During the daytime, Rick’s Café will be your place to check out some of the special programs being presented as part of our Speakers Series. As on most tours, we’re bringing in expert “guides” who can enlighten us on various subjects. Throughout the week, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from experts on topics of interest to all Barbie® doll collectors. We hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to learn from them and get to know more about the fascinating world of Barbie® doll collecting. The schedules for the Speakers Series and Exhibits are subject to change, and some programs may be added before convention, so be sure to watch for updates, and to check your schedule when you arrive at convention.
Scheduled events in the Speakers Series:
First Timers Welcome and Orientation led by Sheree Martin
If this is your first National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention, you need to know that there are A LOT of things going on throughout the week. To maximize your fun and your experience at convention, we’ve arranged for a veteran to share her knowledge with you, and to answer any questions you may have about the convention. You’ll get the scoop on room sales, table hosts/gifts, doll signings, and things you may not even know you don’t know! This session will be led by Sheree Martin, who is a long-time convention attendee, OOAK, silkstone and vintage collector, creator of wonderful doll-sized furniture, a 2010 member of Mattel’s Collectors Advisory Panel, and a moderator on the BFCTM (Barbiesm
Fan Club) Bulletin Board.
Japanese Exclusives with Igeana Gober
We’ve all heard about the elusive (and expensive) dolls and fashions that were exclusively available to the Japanese market. Igeana Gober, a long-time vintage collector and competition judge, will share her expertise on the series, including photos of extremely rare items, AND several of these dolls and fashions will be on display, for you to view and photograph. Items from Igeana’s extensive collection have won multiple awards at numerous National Barbie® Doll Collectors Conventions.
Vintage Collecting 201 with Priscilla Wardlow
Heard of a Brownette BubblecutTM, but never seen one? Want to see first-hand the differences between a real Side-Part BubblecutTM and a very clever “poseur”? Yearning to tell the difference between a Pink Skin Bendable Leg American Girl and a “Tan” one? Priscilla Wardlow, aka the NRFB Queen, shares her expert vintage knowledge with conventioneers. For those of you interested in seeing some rare vintage examples, and learning the more intricate details of vintage collecting, this session is for you.
Traveling the world with Barbie® doll, presented by Carol Spencer
Carol Spencer’s design career with Mattel and the Barbie® doll began in 1963 with Vintage - Couture fashions, continuing for over 35 years thru the Mod Era, Sports, and Collector years. Through her work with Mattel, Carol has traveled the world and seen much of the influence that the Barbie® doll has had internationally. Carol shares her experiences, along with her unique insight into the Barbie® doll past and present.
Photographing your Barbie® doll, with Joan Ruppert
Joan Ruppert, our official Convention Photographer, shares her incredible photographs, as well as some of her secrets to successfully photographing your Barbie® doll, either individually, or in dioramas. Joan is willing to answer questions or make suggestions as to how you can improve the photos you take, whether they are for your personal use, your blogs and postings, or for selling your prize dolls.
The Quest for Barbie® Doll Licensed Products, with Laural Schwing
The Barbie® doll phenomenon has inspired a world full of Barbie® doll related toys. Journey with us as we explore the field of licensed products with Laural Schwing who will present and discuss collectibles from her book, Encyclopedia of Barbie® Doll Family & Friends Licensed Products 1961-1971. Join the quest as she shares hard to find and rare items produced for the U.S. and international markets, along with variations and newly discovered vintage products produced for the U.S. and international markets.
European Exclusives, with Gene Foote
Since our convention theme is all about “visiting” Europe, we felt it important to acknowledge the Barbie® doll’s European connections. Long-time collector Gene Foote will discuss and share from his extensive collection, not only the European Exclusive outfits and dolls, but also some of the rarities in the Barbie® doll world in Europe.
Open Mike with Magia 2000, OOAK artists, and our Convention Doll designers
We’ve all been entertained by the enthusiasm and expertise of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, the phenomenal team behind Magia 2000. We’ve admired the imagination and workmanship of their creations. Now, spend time with Mario and Gianni, who will share some of the exciting opportunities that designing OOAK dolls has allowed them to experience. From hosting their own Italian Fashion Doll Collectors Convention, to creating Live Auction dolls that have raised thousands of dollars for charities, the Magia 2000 team has had a host of interesting experiences which they will share in the manner that only Mario and Gianni can. They may even give a few hints into the process behind the development of the 2012 Convention Souvenir Doll! They’ll also have a few of their favorite creations from the past available for view, as well as a short history of their OOAK career.
CONVENTION EXHIBITS
The convention will offer opportunities for you to see on display some treasures that are not usually available for viewing.
National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention Dolls Through The Years
Thanks to the generosity of Bob Young and Richard Nations, we are proud to announce that, for the first time ever, EVERY CONVENTION DOLL ever created will be exhibited in one place! Richard and/or Bob have attended every National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention, and have graciously agreed to share their collection of convention dolls with us. That means that, from the very first convention in 1980, which took place in New York City, to the recently - presented doll from the 2011 convention, you will have the chance to review and photograph the history, diversity, and changes in the convention dolls.
Any questions? Contact us at 2012Convention@tx.rr.com
