BJDC - Austin 2015, anyone?

Hi,
I don't know where to start! I have been to every Austin Convention since they started, and they just keep on getting better!
It may not seem as if there is very much to do, but the hours just fly by. There is always someone to talk too, always new and different dolls to see, not only for sale but being carried around by proud owners. New ideas, new wants lists, and new friends to be made!
Everyone is friendly and helpful, the food is great and the pool is wonderful ! Trust me you will not feel alone and/or out of place.
Give it a try, you won't regret it!
Where in Texas do you live? I'm just up the road in Killeen, if you need any more info, or if anyone else does just drop me a pm!

Looking forward to meeting you all, or should that be ya'll!

 

Highly recommended! I've attended every BJDC that was available when I was active in the hobby; I've had a few years' hiatus, but I'll be there this summer. It's so neat to see sculpts and faceups by artists whose work you've only ever seen online before. Just hanging out and interacting with the other enthusiasts is cool, too! I'm a total introvert, so being outgoing and social is difficult, especially when you don't know the others, but saying "tell me about your doll" is a big icebreaker! I'll be bringing my brand new Serca, so come on and bring your BIDs!

 

Pam and I will be there, we go every time and always have a blast. Wouldn't miss it, and we haul our keisters all the way out from Southern California.

I'll have my Erzulie and Byuri at the booth, so you can come and say hello

 

Helloo! Now you've all got me excited! I live in Austin, and I'm actually already signed up as a vendor, but I don't really know what I've gotten myself into. I'm new to being a doll owner, although I've been admiring from a far for a long time... Anyway! If you're often in the Austin area, look up BJD Lovers of Austin on facebook, it'll help you ease into the community, so you might know a couple of people (besides us!) when you come for the con!

 

Haha! I don't really like facebook either :] I've used it more since I joined BJD Lovers, watching for meet ups, but that's pretty much all a use it for these days...

Anyway- I'll be selling a variety of props and furniture for SDs And maybe a some corsets and other bits of costume, if I can finish any... but I tend to get caught up in elaborate details when costume designing... and then I run out of time! I will at least finish one full costume for my dolly I hope!

 

I know a group of people who drive down from DFW to attend the Open Public sales floor on Saturday!

Well darn! I won't be able to make it as I'll be in San Antonio for San Japan that weekend.

 

I went in 2012 and enjoyed it. The costume contests were impressive. The Seller's Room was a good size with lots of vendors. There were a number of US doll artists and clothing designers there who I hadn't been exposed to before. There were some great panels. Events with food, so that I barely needed to go looking for restaurant meals during the con. The big banquet was interesting-- you pick a table and bring little gifts for everyone, so you end up with lots of interesting things. And dolls and other items were given away as door prizes.

It's all at one hotel and there were doll-folk always hanging out in the lobby and people were all very friendly and willing to talk about dolls with new people. It was like one big doll-meet all the time!

 

It's not a required thing for non table hosts, but we do it every year because it's fun to find something cool to give. Generally something small...I've given Yo sized chairs, portable stringing kits, necklaces, Mickey Mouse ears, keychains, etc. I haven't decided what to do this year.

 

hi! i think there is a cut off on getting the convention rate at the hotel, so you might want to book your room soon...

 

Do I need to register or sign up for the banquet? I have the full pass....

 

if you have paid for the convention, and sent in your registration information, they will assign you to a table. (they assigned me to a table). there is a list on the bjdc yahoo site for the table assignments...

 

Yeah, check out the yahoo list site (join the group for chat and info) for stuff like the banquet tables list-- You can sign up for tables there (some people want to sit with various hostesses or groups of friends). Or if you don't, they will just assign you a place. You don't really need to know anything, but that's a great place to go to ask questions and get information on things.

 

apparently july 9 is the cutoff for convention room rates according to the yahoo site... (today)

 

another site lists the 8th as the cutoff, so i don't really know which is accurate.

 

Zardi:

Where on the yahoo group is the info listed? I'm having trouble navigating the page...

Update!
I found it My sister and I are seated at table 13

 

I'll be at Table 10!

 

Last minute. But I am going!

 

I didn't register to attend the actual convention, but I'll be going down there for the 'open sales floor' portion of the convention. I've always wanted to go, but again, the registration cost is just so high, especially compared to other conventions I traditionally attend. So I'll stick with free day.

That doesn't make me any less excited though!

 

The cost seems high, but the time I went, they fed us a lot, so I saved money on having to buy meals... Plus, there really were a lot of cool gifts and prizes at the banquet and at some of the panels...

 

Actually I just moved 3 weeks ago. Didn't occur to me to update my location here. Still pretty much the same distance drive though- I'm in Amarillo. My sister-in-law lives in Austin so 2 birds

 

i am getting really excited for the convention, and am almost done picking out the doll i plan to take to the con... wish i had more muscles so i could bring more than one doll, but i would not be able to lift it at the airport. haha. i am seated at table 4 for the closing dinner.

 

I'm really looking forward to attending again -- last year was so much fun! Yes, registration is higher than your average sf/anime con, but a good part of it goes for food events for members during the con, as well as paying for the facility rental.

 

Planning on going next year! Please post pics omg I'll be in Austin on the 1st but only to see my sister.

 

Zardi i have gone to the con 4 times, and haven't dressed in any costumes. however, maybe 30% of the people do dress up in costumes, and i think it might depend on being able to transport it. some people are able to drive to it, and can pack more things....

 

The excellent shopping day is this Saturday, August 1st. It's FREE to the public and is from 9-3. I'm excited about the variety of vendors! I'll be wearing my DOA name on my tag. Hope to meet some of you there!

 

I plan to be there and am bringing my doll glass eyes. I should also have new color eye samples to show.

Because of all the excess baggage not bringing a costume for me to wear. My doll will be better dressed than me.

Look forward to seeing everyone.

 

I'd say costumes at the banquet are in the minority, but most people do dress nicely, especially for the banquet.

 

I'm only brining a carryon. So no costume for me.

 

ginarolo, will be looking for your sales table!

 

I'll be there! I volunteered for the opening shift at Registration tomorrow morning.

 

I hope everyone is having a great time!!!!