CONVENTION TIPS/
SUGGESTIONS/
HINTS
DRESS TO THE THEME!
The entire convention has been carefully planned around the unique experience so we can all celebrate the seasons with Barbie® doll! We are embracing this fully in our events and hope you will do the same including dressing to the themes of the major events!
PARTICIPATE
There are literally dozens of ways for you to become "part of" the convention, as opposed to simply an attendee. Most of the convention activities are planned so that you can "jump on board" and take part by participating or volunteering. We've planned a huge variety of convention events. including the daytime Program Series, hands-on Workshops, Raffle Room, Competition Room, and more. There are also many "unofficial" events, sponsored by dealers, artists, and clubs that will take place during the week, so keep aware of these as well. If this is your first convention, please try to attend one of the First-Timers Orientation sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. More details on all of these events can be found throughout this packet.
DON'T BE INTIMIDATED!
This is the one time of year when you'll be surrounded by hundreds of similarly-minded Barbie® Doll collectors. You can wear what you want (pink is always a safe choice!), carry around your favorite doll everywhere you go, and completely immerse yourself in the Barbie® Doll experience, and no one will think twice. At many of the meal functions. we've outlined some recommendations as to how you may choose to dress, but like all convention functions, these are just an outline...if you have a great idea, run with it!
BRING A CAMERA!
You'll see things you've never seen before, including some incredible Barbie® doll rarities and unique artists' creations. You'll see Barbie® doll friends everywhere. There will be photo opportunities throughout the convention and you'll want to capture them for your post-convention reminiscences.
SHOP!
At convention you'll have more opportunities to shop and support your Barbie® doll habit than any other time of the year. There are many ways Convention can help you add to your Barbie® doll collection.
PRE-ORDER OFFICIAL CONVENTION SOUVENIRS
The official Convention souvenirs have been designed with the collector in mind, and they're incredible this year. We have things that have never been offered before to conventioneers, and items that will never be available after this convention. The only way to assure yourself that you will have all the souvenir items you desire is to pre-order them in the quantity and size that you want. AND you'll save at least 10% on all souvenirs if you preorder them before April 1st, 2023. The souvenir shop is always a popular stop for conventioneers. You'll avoid disappointment (and long lines) if you pre-order. The wide variety of products offered means that there's something for everyone, and many things no serious Barbie® Doll collector can live without. All the souvenirs are being made in limited quantities and may sell out during the pre-order period. Items from the souvenir shop also make great birthday, holiday or table gifts for your favorite Barbie® doll friends, and club members. Souvenirs can be purchased at bconventions.com beginning on February 14, 2023.
Last day to preorder souvenirs is April 15, 2023.
SALESROOM
The convention salesroom is the largest single grouping of Barbie® doll related merchandise available each year. There will be Barbie® doll items for every budget. You'll see Barbie® doll related items including jewelry, furniture,and clothing both for your dolls and for you. You'll see
virtually every new and recently released Barbie® doll at all price points, as well as vintage items. Doll artists, designers, home seamstresses, and tailors will have their incredible work available for sale. From the largest doll dealers in the country to individuals thinning out their collections, you can literally shop the salesroom for hours on end.
ROOM SALES
Although not an official convention activity, room sales constitute one of the most unique, and FUN traditions surrounding the National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention. Dealers, collectors, and artists alike will open their hotel rooms up for youto visit, eye their merchandise, talk about Barbie® Doll, and yes, SHOP! Room shopping will be open in the days prior to convention, and will end after Wednesday evening. We will attempt to group those selling from their rooms onto several floors as a convenience for shoppers. Check the bulletin boards on each floor and the convention app to see who is selling. One other hint: It's very easy to forget just what room you saw that treasure that you've been wanting.....the easiest way to avoid the problem is just go ahead and buy it while you're there. But failing that, you may find it helpful to carry a small notepad and pen or make a note on your phone so that you can record room numbers, names, merchandise and prices in order for you to remember what you saw, and where.
BE A PART OF THE FASHION SHOW!
The Fashion Show is always one of the most colorful and memorable events of the convention. Consider participating in the show and dress to the nines! Be a star in your favorite Barbie® Doll or Barbie® Doll friend outfit. There will be special stage-side seating for our VIPs holding the VIP Pass so be sure to get yours.
STAY "IN THE KNOW"
This entire registration booklet is available here on www.barbieconvention.com. This is the official website for the convention and is the place to find the most up-to-date information.
JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP
An online Facebook Group has been set up for the 2023 Convention. People share their ideas for various convention events, and you'll get travel hints, as well as recommendations. You can post questions and suggestions and get all kinds of feedback. It's a great place to meet people, talk about convention and share your excitement with fellow enthusiasts. This group is exclusive to only those who are registered conventioneers. Should you cancel your registration, you will be removed from the group.
JOIN A TABLE
For each of the three major convention meal events, you will be sitting at a table with the same group of ten people. This gives you the opportunity to socialize and get to know your tablemates. Each table has an assigned "host" who is in charge of the table, extending hospitality to all of the table guests and distributing official convention gifts at each event. If you are looking for a table assignment, consider joining the Facebook group to find a group to sit with, or you can sign up for a table when you come to convention. Do not worry...every conventioneer will have a table to sit at, regardless of when you sign up..
THE OFFICIAL CONVENTION APP!
At convention, make sure to utilize the official Convention App. More information will be provided but this app will help you find your way around the hotel and make scheduling your activities a breeze.
BE KIND!
The 2023 National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention is ENTIRELY put on by volunteers. The Steering Committee, Committee Chairs, and volunteers are dedicated to making this convention a wonderful time for all, and they work hard because they, like you, love Barbie® Doll collecting. This is not a corporate or commercial enterprise designed to make money. The goal is to make each conventioneer happy. Rest assured that we will do our best to meet your expectations as our guests
