ccbjd California BJD Con Saturday May 15th 2010 !

Thanks, Astrid, and all the con staff, for a wonderful time! We had a lot of fun! Dead tired by the end of the day, but in a good way!

Yeah, the elevators were a pain, and at least one waitress in the luncheon was clueless, but otherwise all was great! Thanks again.

And, for all you con goers, there WILL be another San Diego BJD con this fall... YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!

--Bruce da Bold

 

thank you all for putting together this con.
I know that starting a new con from scratch is a tuff job to pull off.
The registration table was nicely set up and great service.
the luncheon was great, a great time with the other guess at the table.
wonderful vendors with all the variety of sizes and styles.
work shops and contest were nice, next year will be better as word gets around of the con.
All in all , had a great time, looking forward to next years con, keep up the great work and thank you so much, Henry

 

Yes Bruce- be sure to post a link to it. Maybe I'll make the trip down to it- I haven't been to San Diego in literally years! (Lastochka)

Aichan- thank you so much for all of your hard work and for being so incredibly nice, helpful, and friendly! And your staff and volunteers as well. I loved the set-up with the very comfortable lounge area sandwiched between the two rooms- lots of room for people to get comfortable, rest, play with dolls, chat, try on new outfits (!!!), etc.

It was a very friendly meet! I made a bunch of new friends and I'm sure other people did as well. I love that it is centrally located so people from all over the state could come. Plus- the area of Fresno it was held in is beautiful, clean, safe, nice park right across the street, etc. Also I appreciated the free parking and the fact that hotel rooms are very reasonable in the area. We stayed in the La Quinta overflow hotel and it was very clean, extremely comfortable bed (YAY), nice swimming pool that I unfortunately was too tired to use, really friendly staff. It was just a few blocks away from the Holiday Inn so not a problem getting there.

Aichan, I hope you got to at least take a little time off yesterday to relax! You did a fantastic job and I really hope you do it again next year.

 

thanks for the great con! I had alot of fun talking to people and doing the workshops I know I went way over time lol but I hope those who did go to my workshops had as much fun learning as I did showing you! if you were confused by anything or need some help just pm me
it was my first time doing workshops, but I hope it woln't be my last ><
if anyone is going to fanime also I'm going to be there in the artists alley feel free to come chat

 

Aichan, thank you for putting this con together--I wish I had been able to be there in person, but was happy to be a part of things, if only in a small way. PLEASE do it again! The economy should be better within the year, right? So hopefully you can make it a two-or-three day affair!

Best,
Glenna from DollStories

 

OOO!!~ Please do count me IN! keep us updated!

 

Hmmm... Comments and suggestions? Well, Fresno, being smaller and less expensive and with FREE PARKING--was a good location, although it IS still a bit of a trek for those coming from SoCal and the Bay Area. But you did get a good number of attendees and vendors nonetheless...

I'm sure it would be helpful for vendors and sponsors to know information such as:
Number of attendees

And it could help you as organizers if you could see how many folk were local and how many traveled, so you might figure out if people actually thought the location was within a sensible distance or not. But--if the event is good, people will definitely feel the extra distance is worth it, and if you have a loyal local following, then that's enough to sustain an event like this. I have to say that although it was a bit of a trek, I really did enjoy it, so I'd consider doing it again.

I wonder if having a full GolgaDoll next year will have an impact? You'll have to take that into consideration.

The set up with the room for vendors and the room for demos, with the nice lounge area with couches in-between was great--so there were enough places to hang out.

People were thinking it might have been better if you had an area where you could post information--such as what demos were going on and where and things like the winning ticket numbers--so people could go check for themselves, instead of catching individuals running from room to room reading the numbers... And so people knew that Sdink was doing her demo out in the middle area instead of in the demo room.

It would have been nice to have a table for photos or display of the contest entries.

Also, maybe a photo are display area for just regular attendees to park their dolls for a time.

Maybe some better signage for the various rooms and demos and events. And for general information.

But really--I thought it was really great as you planned it. I had a fantastic time, anyway.

 

I thought the Fresno location was a nice choice, myself. I was about a four-hour drive from Ventura County (we're on the coast about an hour orth of Los Angeles), and the drive along the 5 was pleasant and easy. A much nicer drive than the long trek to San Fransisco's Dollectable a couple of years ago, and one that fit easily as a day-trip. The Hotel was easy to find right off the freeway, which was great! I hate circling big city blocks trying to figure out where something is, and this was so simple.

Loved the lounge area! I'm sure that was just the way the hotel laid you out, but it was a great place to hang out and chat! A definite must for any future cons!! We had wuch a wonderful time, and I hope the turn-out met your expectations for a first con.

Thank you all, so very much!!!

 

I HAD SO MUCH FUN!! Thank you so much Astrid and Rick! I met a lot of really nice people! It was definably worth the drive from Las Vegas! Next time I will order tickets soon enough so I can do the Luncheon ^^

 

To be honest with you, if I had to choose (luckily, I don't) I would be more likely to go to the Fresno Con than Gogadoll even though it is three hours farther south for me (total of six hours driving to Fresno: three hours to San Francisco), because with the cost of hotels, parking, hotel tax, and the con itself in SF, it cost me almost $500 for the weekend just as an attendee. not counting food. With the Fresno Con, even though I had to drive farther, the room was literally half as expensive, came with free breakfast, and had a nice lunch at the con.

 

I would definaltely be interested in another Fresno doll con. Although I will say I don't think downtown Fresno is very user friendly. The hotel was nice but there didn't seem to be many restaurants in the area. So that may be inconvenient for those who stayed in the hotel. Perhaps a hotel in another area of Fresno, one closer to food and shopping would be better next time.

But I love that I got to go to a doll con 45 minutes from my house! And I agree that the lounge area in the middle was really nice to hang out in! I talked to some nice people and saw some really great dolls! Like that awesome Dollmore Glamour model and the cutest little Soom Afi! Which made me regret not getting one!

 

The lounge area was really nice, and yeah, I loved not having to drive more than an hour. I'd love to be even more involved in next year's *fingers crossed*, though I'm not sure how exactly...

=^__^=
Anneko

 

I would love a future Fresno doll con! Next year I'd be willing to do more work, from the beginning, since I have experience working at other cons. Let me know!

 

The best thing about the hotel is that there was finally a group that was slightly more strange than us, so we didn't get any of the "crazy" looks that often happen.

Also, I now want a 2 ft tall tiara. :P

 

If I had known, I would have brought extra dresses for my boys!! Ha ha!!!

 

LMAO! me and my friend cosplayed Will O' Wisp(doll related comic) and the housekeeper and another guy that work there think we're part of the Drag queen event. AHHAHAHA

 

Well, in terms of DRIVING, I think I did the longest trip as I came up from Phoenix AZ for the convention and YES, I do believe I would do it again next year as well It falls at a good time of year for me when I can take off from work without too many repercussions and is definitely within vehicle distance. I don't fly, so that's really important to me.

I liked the smaller friendly nature of the convention. Mind you I've never been to a doll con before, but I've been to dozens of other cons and I always enjoyed cozy ones better than ginormous ones (like San Diego Comiccon O.O; ). While I stayed at a hotel a distance from downtown it was still nice, clean and had really friendly staff that oood and aaaahd over my dolls LOL.

And despite the serving faux pas I really enjoyed the luncheon!

 

I know! So shiny...

I thought having the drag thing going on at the same time was pretty cool. One of the participants seemed to be really interested in the doll stuff.

=^__^=
Anneko

 

ME TOO!!!!!
Honestly, if those crowns in the lobby hadn't been a hundred dollars, I would have been wearing one.

 

Thanks to all the people putting on the convention. Everyone was super nice and helpful. I really enjoyed the day. Fresno is a good location for me to get to. The set up with the lounge area was really nice. The extra entertainment there was a hoot. A display of the contest entrees would have been a big addition. The venders had some really great items. I hope there were enough people for them to have made money. I really enjoyed the faceup demonstration by Chienism. I agree that the downtown area is not the most convenient location, but it was probably so much more affordable than newer areas of town.

 

In terms of food for dinner that night- there was an El Torito and an IHOP less than a mile away (0.68 mile) on Tulare (the La Quinta was sandwiched right between the two- very handy!). Maybe next year after the Con closes, we could stay in the lobby long enough to have a Pizza Party- everyone order pizzas and have them delivered! That would be fun.

Gail- if you came from Arizona, you are the second person I know who drove from there. Yasha also drove from Phoenix.

 

Hats off to the organizers and all those that worked the convention. We had a great time and might even make the trek from the Windy City next year!

 

lol, the Drag Queens were a hoot and a half! I saw one of them in the vendor room looking at doll stuff... A convert?

 

hehe yea it was nice not being the oddest ones in the room for a change XD does anyone have any suggestion to make next years even better?(if we do one next year)
we have gotten word from some vendors on other places to advertise, so thats a start.
If you do not want to post them here you can Pm either me or Astrid (Aichan) with your suggestions. any would be helpful big or small .

 

Cirquemom - Yes, I drove from Arizona, but that's because my mother lives in Fresno in assisted living and I go to Fresno every couple of months to see her. The convention was a nice bonus this trip. I hope they decide to do another next year.

 

Heh, a lobby pizza party does sound like a blast.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a next year!

=^__^=
Anneko

 

Aichan, don't apologize for anything! You did a bang-up job and there are bound to be little issues, especially since it was the first year. Overall- it was great. When you told me you started planning it in DECEMBER I couldn't believe it! Generally it takes a year to plan an event like this- so it is even more impressive.

 

Yeah, no need for an apology as far as I'm concerned. I thought it all was good. Just mentioned some stuff that might be helpful...

I didn't mind the vendors room as a BUYER. I heard some comments about it being a bit jammed, but as a buyer it was easy enough for me to make my way around and buy stuff!

It was definitely a great event that I really enjoyed coming to. I'd really like to see it happen again.

 

Thanks Astrid! I had a great time! Hopefully I'll have more spending money next time

 

If you guys have this con again! Which i'm REALLY hoping you will! I'll totally book a room to stay this time! HAhahhaa. me and me friend is SOOO ready to go back again~

 

Did you have enough of each kind of badge, or were there too many? If you have another con next year (please do!) I'd ba happy to make some again if you'd like.

 

Ooh, boo, I totally missed this con! I hope you have it again too. My brother lives semi-in that area, so I'm always half way there anyway.

 

Cymorill, Thank you for the adorable Badges! hahahaha.. my kids are happy to have their first Con badge~ !!

 

Those doll badges were the cutest things!!! I loved them!

 

This is long overdue, but the convention was a blast! The organizers did a superb job for organizing their first event. I never really been to Fresno before, either. Next year I hope I can go to the casino and coronation LOL The people were so nice, and it was such a great deal. Thanks so much for organizing it and it was wonderful to see everyone! The badges were really cute too. I totally look forward to next years!

 

Yay for big hair and tiaras!... and bjds!

 

wouldn't it be grand to have a drag competition for the boy BJDs next year!?!?!?!

 

OMG!!!!!ajjahahaha.. That is a GREAT IDEA! we should!

 

Hey, if there's a drag competition next year, I am SO in!

(although I have much more experience putting makeup on real boys. Well, by next year I'll be more practiced at face-ups... Dude, if we did a drag competition, I would totally make tiny falsies... *giggle*)

=^__^=
Anneko

 

THere's SOO many ideas to be taken into consideration if there's a con next year! I hope we do have it~

 

OMG! I've just decided! If there's a Con next year! I'm cosplaying a Doll from whatever company look interesting!

So far i'm looking at DOD Ducan~ love his white hair.. or maybe Black Code no. 02~ So cooL!

 

OKAY! I've Decided on who i want to cosplay~ AHhahah. I'll make it either way. If there's a con. I'll wear to it~

 

Oh thats a really cool idea to dress up like dolls ^___^ I would definitly do it ^^

 

I'll cosplay as some doll, not sure who yet....Maybe I'll just make a doll outfit that looks like a costume I want to make for myself anyway.
The costume contests should be better this year.