I didn't arrive until Wednesday evening this year, but there was a few things scheduled for Tuesday listed below.

Wednesday started with Registration, Pre-Ordered Souvenir Pick-up and the first of several "Programs" (Special programs featuring presentations by guest experts, designers and authors will give you history, insight and entertainment about Barbie® and her many friends and family).  The first program was FIRST TIMERS ORIENTATION.  Conventioneers were also busy attending a variety of hands-on Workshops that are offered.  Topics vary from vintage restoration to makeovers to making miniature Barbie® Doll sized accessories.  Also, conventioneers were busy dropping off Raffle Room/Silent Auction donations.  Things started hopping as the Souvenir Shop opened at 2pm, and the Raffle Room opened at 4pm.  I missed all of this activity, because of my arrival time.

Arrival

I actually caught an earlier flight than expected and arrived at the hotel around 5pm, which actually gave me some time to get ready for the "The Casting Call" -- Welcome Reception and Silent Auction, which I had planned on missing because of my flight.  But first, I had to quickly register so I could get in! I snapped some quick pictures of the hotel as I arrived and checked in to the room.  The hotel was the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel and Spa in Los Angeles, CA.  Absolutely flawless! 

Event pictures National Barbie Convention 2006-Arrival

None of my roommates (Dwane, Jason and Darin) were in the room (obviously room shopping), so I looked up my friend Madison and we went to the reception together.  More on this event within the schedule below.

FIRST TIMERS ORIENTATION

With so many activities and options, it can be a little overwhelming to attend a Barbie® Convention! If this is your first Convention, this session will put you in touch with a few true Convention veterans who will be available to answer your questions and help you to get the most out of your Convention experience. This is also a great place to meet other people who "don't know anyone." Old-timers often sneak into this session to see if any of the presenters will let a Convention "surprise" or "secret" slip out! No question is too big, too small or too silly!

ALL ABOUT THE BARBIE® DOLL BUBBLE CUT

This program aims to tell you everything you ever wanted to know (and some things you didn't know to ask) about the Barbie® doll Bubble Cut, made by Mattel from 1961-1967. All the different types of Bubble Cuts will be covered, from the glamorous Jet Black hair color to the elusive Side-Part hair style. Thin faces, full faces, lip colors, body markings, hair colors -- all of this, and more, will be discussed and illustrated with photos. If time permits, there will be a question and answer period at the end of the program.

Program presenter Debra Marsteller has been collecting Barbie® dolls for about fifteen years. She collects vintage and mod Barbie® dolls. Debra was an art major at Sacramento State University, and her interest in art became what she does with the Barbie® doll. Debra's childhood Barbie® doll was "a bit of a wreck" so she restored her and has been restoring ever since. Debra has published articles on restoration in Barbie® Bazaar magazine.

KELLY® ON THE RED CARPET
Presented by Krissa Brown

Does your little Kelly® have nothing to wear to the "Big Event"? Bring your nude Kelly® doll to this workshop and you'll leave with a sophisticated little darling dressed for the "red carpet". Don't sew? Don't worry. This technique can be done without needle and thread.

Krissa has been involved with the Barbie® doll since she was three when she "collected" her sister's dolls. She's been collecting Barbie® dolls ever since. Krissa's favorite era of Barbie® dolls is the Mod era, but she loves the "little people" too. She's been attending convention since 2000.

MAKEOVER MADNESS
Presented by Jim Faraone

Want those sparkling eyes? How about those kissable lips? Want lustrous lashes? Want curly or straight hair? Want form-fitting beaded gowns? Want to know the secrets? Well, bring your questions and dolls to the makeover and learn how. You ask the questions and Jim will provide "show and tell" answers.

Jim Faraone is an avid collector of dolls, paper dolls, miniatures, 1940's-50's metal and plastic dollhouses, shops and furniture among other collectibles. He is the author of the series of books "Fashion Doll Makeovers, Learn from the Artists" and "Ultimate Fashion Doll Makeovers, Tips from the Experts". Jim is also the chairman of the annual "International Fashion Doll Convention" which is a convention for all fashion dolls bringing artists, collectors and doll companies together in a wild and fun way.

VANITY FAIR
Presented by Kim Buard

Your Barbie® doll will be ready for her close-up after this workshop! This session is for those who love making their own Barbie® doll-sized accessories. You will learn to make your own Barbie® doll vanity set with mirror, perfume bottles and more! Then put together a matching hat box and shopping bag set in your favorite style, vintage or mod. All materials will be supplied, so just bring yourself!

Kim likes collecting Barbie® doll cars, hotels, houses, yachts, motorcycles and accessories. She makes dioramas and does a lot of craft projects. She often teaches miniature workshops to her fellow doll club members. She also designs fashions for My Size® Barbie® dolls and enjoys the
My Scene® dolls too!

"The Casting Call" -- Welcome Reception and Silent Auction
Sponsored by Haute Doll Magazine

Meet and Greet Live Auction Doll Artists at the Welcome Reception

It was time to attend "The Casting Call" -- Welcome Reception and Silent Auction.  This was an open seating event that served some pasta selections (which were really good and I was hungry).  It was awesome to see everyone I ran into, and of course the highlight of the event was the Silent Auction items up for grabs! The special Silent Auction was a part of the Wednesday Night Welcome Reception. The Silent Auction featured artists who were especially invited to participate. Their generosity and artistry was on display for your bidding pleasure! A variety of Hollywood-themed gift baskets were also available for bidding too! All proceeds benefit the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California.

The room was set up with Silent Auction items presented on the left-side of the room and the Live Auction dolls with the artists on the right-side.  I have to admit I was extremely busy meeting and greeting, so I didn't get too many pictures of the Silent Auction items, but I did get pictures of all the Live Auction dolls with the artists! (However I will present these pictures in the Live Auction Friday coverage). Also in the room were some actual celebrities, and you could get their autographs.  I scanned the brochure in the picture links so you can see the celebrities and some more Silent Auction items.  A lot of the conventioneers were dressed up in theme costuming as their favorite movie stars.

Event Pictures National Barbie Convention 2006-Welcome Reception and Silent Auction

Room Shopping

Afterwards, it was time to do some serious late-night Room Shopping.  I grabbed my roomie Jason to go with me and we went directly to Andrea Rossi's room from Portland, OR.  This year Andrea had some fabulous tie tacks and a calendar with Ken/Allan/Brad graphics.  Of course it's no secret that I am amazed by Andrea's artwork (see my coverage of her on the National Barbie® Convention 2004 page).  We shopped a few more rooms and I found a lot of NRFB fashions I have been looking for trying to complete my collection and the Keeping Ken Fashion Frenzy! page.  I found Get Ups 'n Go Super Deluxe Silver & White Tux #2305, Finishing Touches #2459 Shoes & Extras 1982, Pet Show Fashions #3665 and Pet Show Fashions #3667, as well as some harder to find items like United Airlines Pilot #7707, Bridegroom #7836 and Tennis #7837.  The neatest thing I found was a variation of #8627 with the green color sneakers! Then it was on to Sandi Holder's room, as we planned to wind (and wine) down the evening with her and George.  Sandi presented me with an amazing present...a variation of the shirt and cap from Skiing Scene #1438 made from the same material as Twiggy doll's fashion "Twigster" #1727 (1968).  Of course I LOVED it!! Jason and I were having so much fun in her room laughing that my sides literally hurt.  I still had my shopping adrenaline going, but alas, it was time to turn in.

It was an early morning for me (at 10am) as my first duty was to go and Judge competition as an Apprentice Judge.  I slept in and missed the hour I could of visited the Raffle Room and Souvenir Shop, and I had been pre-warned that the line to the Exhibit -- "Treasures from Mattel's Vault" was huge!  This is my second time as an Apprentice, so I am looking forward to being a Judge next year.  I got some great pictures of the Competition entries, as I stayed later up until the start of the Luncheon to get pictures.  I got most categories, so use the links below to see the entries in each category.

Competition

Competition Categories
 

Mattel History and Rarities--Vintage and Mod Dolls, Outfits, & Accessories

Vintage: 1959-1966 MIB/NRFB (plus 1600's fashions from 1967)

1. Vintage Barbie® doll MIB/NRFB
2. Pink Silhouette boxed Barbie® doll MIB/NRFB and 3. Vintage Midge® doll MIB/NRFB
4. Vintage Ken® or Allan doll MIB/NRFB
5. Vintage Skipper® doll MIB/NRFB
6. Vintage Skooter or Ricky doll MIB/NRFB
7. Dressed Box Barbie®, Ken®, Midge® or Skipper® doll MIB/NRFB
8. Vintage Barbie® outfit NRFB
9. Vintage Ken® outfit NRFB
10. Vintage Skipper® outfit NRFB
11. Vintage Gift Set NRFB

Mod: 1967-1972 MIB/NRFB (plus 1966 Francie®)

12. Mod Barbie® doll NRFB
13. Mod Christie® or Julia doll NRFB
14. Mod Stacey®, PJ, Jamie, Steffie, Miss America, or Truly Scrumptious doll NRFB
15. Mod Ken® or Brad doll NRFB and 17. Francie®, Casey or Twiggy doll NRFB
16. Mod Skipper®, Fluff or Tiff doll NRFB 
18. Tutti, ToddTM or Chris doll NRFB
19. Mod Barbie® Outfit NRFB, 20. Mod Julia outfit NRFB and 22. Mod Skipper® outfit NRFB
21. Mod Ken® outfit NRFB
23. Tutti or Todd® outfit NRFB
24. Francie® or Twiggy outfit NRFB
25. Mod Gift Set NRFB

1959-72 Out of Box

26. Vintage Barbie® doll in a vintage outfit appropriate to the doll
27. Vintage Friend/Family doll in a vintage outfit appropriate to doll
28. Mod Barbie® doll in a Mod outfit appropriate to doll (not gift set outfits)
29. Julia, Christie®, or Brad doll in a Mod outfit appropriate to doll (not gift set outfits)
30. Mod Caucasian Friend/Family doll in a Mod outfit appropriate to doll (not gift set outfits)
31. Vintage or Mod doll in a Vintage or Mod outfit released outside of the U.S.
32. Mod Gift Set outfit on appropriate doll

Mix & Match

33. Vintage or Mod Mattel female doll in a Contemporary (1976 to the present) Mattel outfit
34. Contemporary (1976 to the present) Mattel female doll in Vintage or Mod Mattel outfit
35. Vintage or Mod Mattel male doll in a Contemporary (1976 to the present) Mattel outfit
36. Contemporary (1976 to the present) Mattel male doll in Vintage or Mod Mattel outfit
37. Bubblecut dressed in 1962-1966 Pak clothing

Licensed Products

38. Vintage or Mod Licensed Products  

Creativity and Imagination-Makeovers, Dioramas, Photography, and Paperdolls

Single Mattel Doll (no backdrop permitted)

39. Movie or TV Star - Barbie® or Barbie® Friend/Family
40. Movie or TV Star - Ken® or Ken® Friend/Family
41. Movie or TV Star - Kelly® or Kelly® Friend/Family

Single Mattel Doll - Backdrop permitted
(16" width x 16" height x 10" depth)

42. Memorable Red Carpet Appearance - Fashion Statement
43. Movie, TV, or Celebrity Bride (Barbie® or Barbie® Friend/Family)
44. Movie or TV, Monster or Villain (Barbie®, Ken® or friend/family)

Competition: Creative - Two Mattel Dolls - Backdrop permitted (16" width x 16" height x 10" depth)

45. Dynamic Duos, On- or Off-Screen Page 1

45. Dynamic Duos, On- or Off-Screen Page 2

Diorama (24" wide x 24" deep, no height restriction, no doll limit)

46. Your Favorite Movie (examples: Classic, Western, Horror, Comedy, Drama, Animated, Documentary, etc.) Page 1

46. Your Favorite Movie (examples: Classic, Western, Horror, Comedy, Drama, Animated, Documentary, etc.) Page 2
47. Your Favorite Television Show (examples: Comedy, Drama, News, Sports, Children's, Animated, Game Show, etc.)
48. Awards Night Spectacular (examples: Red Carpet Arrival, The Green Room, Backstage, Awards Presentation, Press Room, Governor's Ball, Party, etc.) Page 1

48. Awards Night Spectacular (examples: Red Carpet Arrival, The Green Room, Backstage, Awards Presentation, Press Room, Governor's Ball, Party, etc.) Page 2
49. Movie Date - Barbie® and Ken® go to the movies
50. Los Angeles and Hollywood Landmarks
51. Kelly® and her friends "Go Hollywood"

Photography and Paper Dolls

52. Photographs - "Ready For My Close-up" Barbie® and/or Friend/Family (8" x 10," framed or matted on display stand)
53. Paper Dolls - Barbie® Doll's Million-Dollar On-Screen Wardrobe (minimum 6 outfits)

Custom Car

54.  Motorized or Non-Motorized 1/6 Scale Car

(Sponsored by Mattel, Inc.).

"On the Set" -- Luncheon and Mattel Presentation

(Sponsored by Mattel, Inc.)

After leaving the Competition Room, I was off immediately to the "On the Set" -- Luncheon and Mattel Presentation (Sponsored by Mattel, Inc.).  It was the first official function where our table guests could all be together at once.  The tables this year were named with movie star names.  Here was our table this year:

The Joan Crawford Table

It was great finally getting everyone together! At this function we continued the tradition of showering each other with gifts.  Colin gave each of us a The New Look Ken doll.  I was ecstatic since I had missed out ordering one when they were released.  Sandi gave us a bunch of gifts which included a Doll Attic mouse pad, Ken magnet and Hallmark ornament set.  She also gave us a unique mug decorated with the "Queen of the Prom" game male dates on it.  I gave the third edition Ken doll in my Keeping Ken Tech line.  This year I did a recreation of the Vintage fashion "Touchdown".  Our Host, Dwane, gave us an excellent SuperStar Barbie and Ken t-shirt which also included a pair of wild sunglasses and Joan Crawford button.  He also gave us a framed picture of Joan Crawford.

BELOW:  Jason is ecstatic about his Queen of the Prom date mug,

After we ate, Mattel started their presentation that included showing us their 2006 advertising campaign for the play line.  Then they treated conventioneers with a Hollywood inspired musical, emceed by an actor portraying "Director" Ken doll.  Actresses portrayed dolls in the Mattel Barbie line as well as doing a musical number that included dancing with an all male chorus.  It was really enjoyable!

After the musical program, Mattel gifted each conventioneer with a Platinum Edition Nite Lightning Stacey reproduction gift set with blonde hair! And if that wasn't enough to thrill everyone, a number was drawn at each table to win the centerpiece and another surprise gift.  When the number was called, to my amazement, it was my number! Not only did I win the table centerpiece, but I won a Platinum Edition of All That Jazz Barbie doll reproduction with brunette hair.  The doll came with a post card and brochure of Barbie doll's history.  Plus, three silk scarves that matched the colors in the All That Jazz fashion.  Needless to say, I was thrilled!

Event Pictures National Barbie Convention 2006-"On the Set" -- Luncheon and Mattel Presentation

Salesroom

We lugged all of our gifts to the room from the Luncheon/Mattel Presentation and started thinking about pre-packing some stuff early to send home.  I already had a box full from Room Shopping and the Luncheon/Mattel Presentation, but knew there was more to be had in the Sales Room.  I had already seen the Competition entries, so it was time to hit the Sales Room, which opened up for the first time today at 3pm.  The Sales Room was just awesome at 25,000 square feet!

I REALLY wanted to find a couple of mint Brad dolls either loose or NRFB.  That's really all I was looking for, but I knew I had better get to the two Matt's table as I heard that Matt Trujillo had almost sold out of his OOAK male dolls.  So we went there first and I bought two of his cuties to add to my growing collection of Matt Trujillo OOAK doll collection.  I forgot which table I found my loose mint Brad (Bendable Leg), but I was glad to find him there waiting for me to take him home.  I love Brad almost as much as I love Ken (almost).  I remember seeing a flawless high color Bendable Leg Ken (Brunette) doll wearing Hiking Holiday #1412.  He was awesome...I really wish now I would have bought him...so if you are the dealer that had him please email me :)  I headed over to the Barbie Collector table to see the fabulous MUST HAVE IT Zac Posen gift set and get registered for the Barbie Fan Club Event the next afternoon.  BFC Frankie checked me in.  I just love BFC Frankie.  After that I wandered around with Jason and he found some really neat Ken-sized kimonos, and Carol Spencer showed us a prototype Malibu Ken dune buggy which was really awesome.  I was so disappointed to find out my camera batteries were low, and most of the pictures I took in the Sales Room weren't there when I downloaded them.  But I did get a few that follow in the link.

Event Pictures National Barbie Convention 2006-Sales Room

Exhibit -- "Treasures from Mattel's Vault"

ABOVE:  From the Mattel Vault exhibit, prototype blonde Mod Hair Ken.

What more can I say about this fabulous exhibit? It was too wonderful for words.  This exhibit was literally what it was named, as Mattel pulled items from their archives and put them on display for viewing by conventioneers.  There was so much to see, from dressed Vintage and Mod dolls, NRFB fashions and gift sets! Plus foreign edition dolls and accessories.  The most amazing area for me was the prototype section.  The prototype section showcased fashions, dolls, accessories that were designed, but never produced.  From Little Theatre costumes to Francie dolls, it was all here for the viewing.  Of course the best part for me was the two shelves of prototype Ken doll heads.  This exhibit was the best part of the entire convention for me! Follow the link for pictures of this once-in-a-lifetime event. 

Event Pictures National Barbie Convention 2006-Exhibit -- "Treasures from Mattel's Vault"

After the exhibit, a group of us went over to the mall and ate.  After that we went swimming in the fabulous pool, and afterwards came back down on the pool patio and had some frighteningly expensive cocktails till late in the evening.  We heard later that the Pink Lounge Goes Karaoke was awesome, but somehow we forgot about going to it.

Jason convinced me to get out of bed and go with him to the Steering Committee Meeting at 8am, which lasted till 11am.  After that we went to the Souvenir Shop and I picked up a few things there.  Then it was back to the Sales Room to take another look around (in case we missed something).

Souvenir Shop

Event Pictures Coming Soon!

Mattel Barbie Fan Club (Members Only)-"Friday Dream Date" Party

About 12:45 we got into the line for the BFC Mattel sponsored "Friday Dream Date" Party.  This was a really fun (and crowded) event held in the Pink Lounge.  Snacks and cocktails were available for BFC members, and collectible dolls were on display, but missing was the 45th Anniversary Ken doll, which I was really looking forward to seeing at least in prototype form :(  I did however get a table card showing the doll (pictured below) after considerable negotiations.  Mattel gave each BFC member a gift at the event! A black Barbie lunch box that had a pink shoe cell phone holder and computer mouse inside.  I made time to chat with other members from the BFC and my FAVE Mod BCLouE, which was enjoyable.  It seemed like this event went really fast (which it did), because the Fashion Show was beginning at 2pm.

ABOVE:  "Friday Dream Date Party" table card featuring the 45th Anniversary Ken doll.

Event Pictures National Barbie Convention 2006-Mattel Barbie Fan Club (Members Only)-Friday Dream Date Party

"Walk of Fame" Fashion Show

ASK THE EXPERTS
Friday, July 28th at 4:00 p.m.

Do you own a Barbie® product that you haven't seen pictured anywhere? Do you have a vintage looking outfit that might be authentic or might even be a prototype, but you're not sure? Bring out your treasures and learn the stories behind them at our special Ask the Experts program! This session is the perfect occasion to share your "mystery" Barbie® finds! We have asked Joe Blitman, Marl Davidson, Sandi Holder, and Priscilla Wardlow to serve as our panel of experts to answer your questions. Bring your items and you will get an expert opinion. This session always brings out some interesting finds and amusing trivia! Our panel is rarely stumped, so don't be shy about bringing out several items to see if our experts can rise to the challenge!

"The Premiere" Dinner/Entertainment/Live Charity Auction

Sponsored by Sandi Holder's Doll Attic

Plan on joining us on Friday night for an exciting evening of friendly bidding competition at the annual Live Charity Auction! This special event features some of the most talented doll artists in the world!! In addition, a one-of-a-kind Barbie® doll prepared especially just for the Convention by a Mattel designer will also be up for bidding.

We have a star-studded line-up of doll artists who are creating fabulous dolls for your bidding pleasure! Here's the list of artists who will be delighting us with their Oscar-worthy talent:

Artist Creations
Dorinda Balanecki
Camilli - Cover Girls
Double E Doll Designs
Jim Faroane
Steven Fraser
Ibrahim Ismail
Andy Lee
Dan Lee
Franklin Lim Liao
Magia 2000
Marirose
MiKelman
Amy Nardone
Bruce Nygren and Peter Nickel
Matt Sutton
Freddy Tan
plus...a very special doll from one of Mattel's most talented designers, Robert Best!

All proceeds will benefit Sojourn, a community non-profit organization that provides services to battered women and their children.

The 2006 National Barbie® Doll Convention is pleased to have Magia 2000, Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, as the designers of this year's Convention Doll. Magia 2000 has been recognized with numerous awards and recognition in the doll artist field over the past few years. They have also been generous to the doll community and have donated several of their creations for charitable purposes.

Plan to meet them at this year's Convention and have them sign your Convention Doll!

To learn more about Magia 2000, check out their web site at www.magia2000.com.