Collectors' Convention Summary

• Registration
  
  Time to pick up your convention booklet with the schedule in it. Most importantly,you receive your official name badge, which lets you into all official functions.
  
  
• Organized Meal Functions
  
  All conventioneers sign up to sit at a table of about 10 people. Each table has a host or hostess to handle any convention business or news and to welcome people to the convention. The number of meal functions vary, but there is usually a luncheon, a dinner, and a last night banquet. Tulsa had 1 luncheon, 2 dinners, and the last night banquet. The convention souvenir doll is given at the end of the banquet.
  
  Somewhere along the way, it became a tradition for tablemates to exchange small souvenir gifts (referred to as table gifts) at one of the meal functions, usually at the banquet. Additionally, the host/hostess may give gifts to the members of the table. It is also considered polite to give the hostess a small gift as a thank you for hosting the table and taking care of distributing the Convention Souvenirs. While these gifts are not mandatory, it can be a nice token of friendship.
  
  Dolls relating to the theme of the convention are often dressed up for table centerpieces. A table member will receive these items through a random drawing. The Hosting Club also may distribute smaller souvenirs at the meal tables.
  
  
• Fashion Show
  The fashion show features collectors dressed up in life-size Barbie or Friends and Family outfits. This is a highlight of the convention for me. Many collectors and enthusiasts do an excellent job of reproducing famous doll outfits.
  
  
• Salesroom
  The convention salesroom is open only to conventioneers for the first few days of the convention. You will find things at a National Convention Salesroom that you may have never seen before. It is an awesome experience, even if you are just browsing. Even if you don't register to attend a convention, you should go to the sale day open to the public.
  
  
• Competition
  There are many categories for competition at the National Convention. Some categories are for Official Mattel items. This would be where you would enter your NRFB American girl, or your C-9 rare vintage outfit. Ribbons are awarded for the best representation of vintage items.
  Customizers and doll artists also enter original concept dolls in various categories, depending on the theme of the convention. Some artists enter entire dioramas.
  
  
• Company presentations
  Often at conventions, companies such as Mattel, Hallmark, etc., may make presentations about upcoming product lines. I find these very interesting. Sometimes, these companies give out door prizes.
  
  
• Raffle
  The host club usually sponsors a raffle room to raise money for a charitable cause. Raffle items are donated by doll clubs, attendees, and doll shops. Most items are doll related.
  
  
• Workshops At some conventions, the host club arranges workshops for conventioneers. Workshops include hands-on restoration techniques, customizing techniques, doll related crafts, and accessory design techniques. Conventioneers enjoy these extra chances to learn. The cost of workshops is not included in the convention price, so be prepared to pay $10 and up for fees.
  
  
• Room Hopping (unofficial activity)
  Often vendors and private individuals will set up products for sale in their hotel rooms before the official salesroom opens. This is a fun way to look at dolls and other products and find some great treasures. It's also a good way to meet other conventioneers.