doll akon 2016?

Hopefully I'll be able to, but as of right now I'm not sure. I'll keep you updated though, because I'd love to meet the community over there!

 

Awww, sorry to hear that Do you know of a group on here or Facebook near you?

 

Ahh I see. Don't worry, I don't have any recasts. But that's interesting, I'm sorry to hear it I do have a friend in Texas as well whom I could ask about meetup groups if you'd like. My meetup group (in Maryland lol) is really nice, and they aren't pro-recast at all.
If not, we could always talk back and forth here :P

 

kik is life XDD I have in instagram (konakona135). I don't use tumblr a lot, but if a dolly friend is on there I will. (I mainly just post the things from my instagram anyways lol) I wish I could use skype, but something weird happened to my account and no matter what I do it won't get fixed. I tried changing passwords and all, but

 

I'm planning to go! I'm a newbie with just one doll, but I got my Shiro at Dollakon 2015, so I'm proud to be returning with him. If I need to use a scooter to get around again, it will have a tiger's head on the front, and Shiro will be riding the tiger. Flag us down, if you see us!

 

I'm thinking about driving up from Houston. I just don't know if I want to stay in a local hotel or if I want to beg couch space from my brother. The first is far more peaceful, but the latter leaves more money for dolls! (I may have just made my decision...)

I'm a convention noob. Is it okay to come without one of my dolls? It makes me nervous to think of being in a big crowd with them.

 

I'm sure it's okay to attend Dollakon without a doll. I was nervous about not having one and finally got the courage to go by myself for the first time last year. I bought a doll late on the last day, but before then had a great time looking at all the dolls and accessories other people brought and attending seminars. Not everybody was carrying a doll or even owned a doll, and everyone seemed fine with that.

 

Thank you, @Vampirate Kitsune. It's good to know it would be okay either way.

I don't know why it makes me nervous. I think I'm worried about losing a shoe or (far worse!) putting her down for a second to pay for something and then realizing I forgot to pick her up again. Ah, well, at least I have a couple months to make my final decision.

 

I was thinking about attending as well on Saturday with my sister, we'd be driving from Houston as well! But I decided against going since I'll be 7-months pregnant by then, lol!!

I did attend last year though! I brought along 8 MSDs in a basket together, hahaha. My only complaint is the badge line SUPER-sucks, it didn't matter if you paid online or pre-reg'd, you were stuck for 2-3 hours. Maybe they'll change that process this year (hopefully, for sanity's sake).

 

If you're interested in a facebook group (or if anyone else is), there's the DFW BJD Dreams group that are strictly anti-recast. They're a bit hyper local, but they're pretty open and accepting of people that aren't directly in the area. I've never been to specifically dollakon before, but I've been to A-kon and such plenty of times, and I plan to go this year as well. I'll probably be bringing at least my miniKitty with me. Is there a specific place to go for the bjd events?

 

Yeahh the DFW group and Dollakon are very definitely NOT pro-recast or recast friendly at all; I don't know what group you found! Both places are very accepting and encouraging of all legit dolls, bjd or otherwise.

Dollakon was in the...plum blossom rooms A and B I think? They were right behind the open area coffee shop. One room was the Doll Market and the other was used for panels and workshops. I want to say they're moving to new rooms for space purposes but I'm not completely certian.

DollAKon Ball Joint Doll Convention site
DollAKon FAQ - DollAKon Ball Joint Doll Convention FAQ page

 

I am nervous about bringing one of my dolls, in case anyone touches her, or tries to steal her. Do you think it would be okay?

 

I'm thinking about going this year. We'll see if I can talk the husband into hanging out with our toddler for a bit so that I can go see more dolls in person. Would be really fun to see more dolls in person!

 

.... No one will steal your doll at Dollakon and no one will touch without asking and waiting for your answer. All you have to do is say no when they ask. The DFW doll community is quirky but incredibly polite, careful, and friendly. They treat others' dolls extremely gently. Your doll will be fine. Just exercise basic sense and basic con sense (i.e. Don't leave valuables unattended at a public place) and relax. No one that is in the doll community at Dollakon wants to steal your doll. If you're that worried keep the doll close to you when you sit at tables or get a tote to carry it around. It is your doll and your responsibility to keep track of.

Your doll has a more likely chance of walking away at a non-Dollakon part of AKon.

Just relax and enjoy with ir without a doll in tow. Dollakon is nothing to be worried about; they've been hosting this for years now and extensive planning goes into it.

 

I took Shiro to a non-bjd convention last year and no one tried to touch him, although a lot of people asked for pictures. He rode on a tiger head that was tied on to the front of my mobility scooter. Shiro had a velcro seatbelt that kept him attached to the scooter, too. Some other people were carrying dolls in their arms or in cute, clever carriers; when they sat, they kept the dolls nearby. I think it's good to just use common sense and if you're worried, not bring the doll at all. You'll still be totally welcome at Doll-Akon and any other bjd events!

 

@silverholly and @Vampirate Kitsune okay. That's really good to know. I feel guilty just taking my tan Minifee ante out of her box, let alone outside, so the thought is so daunting! I bought tickets, and am excited to go. I guess meeting the other collectors kind of feels like meeting the "cool" girls in class. I don't want to mess things up!

 

If it makes you feel more comfortable, I've never been one of the "cool" girls in anything! I've always been a geek, and I just happen to love BJDs. I'm always nervous about meeting other collectors and looking at their magnificent dolls, but everyone is so welcoming and friendly, you can't help enjoying yourself and relaxing.

 

I'll be there for sure. I bought my first doll at Doll A-Kon two years ago and brought all sorts of dolls last year, lol. They have a vendor room, workshops, meet ups, etc at the convention. As for if you have to have a doll, I popped into/lurked near the doll meet ups at the con on and off for 7 years. Everyone is super friendly and don't care if you have a doll or not. It's lots of fun and a good chance to see a lot if different dolls in person. (Plus all the anime stuff if you like it, since it is in the anime convention.) Ringdoll announced on the news page here they will be there this year. They were there last year and were just wonderful.

As for the DFW area, we have meet ups once a month in Addison. There are members all over. I myself am in Garland. You can find the Facebook page by searching DFW BJD Dreams. Definitely anti-recast, but we like all sorts of dolls, figures, lol, really lots of things. I'm on my phone, so I can't grab the links to post them. If you have any questions about the group or Doll A-Kon, feel free to pm me. True or not, I feel like the newest person to the group, but I am more than happy to give you my impressions or find out answers I don't know.

 

I'll be attending AKon. I go every year, the last two however I didn't do much as far as the doll aspect of the convention, but that was because I had interest in attending other events. I will be trying to make it to all the RingDoll panels though, I really want to see some of the dolls that they are bringing in person. I'm not sure which of my dolls will be coming with me, but it most likely will be my Dollzone Shoyo (Ed) she's a bjd version on Ed from Cowboy Bebop. and an MSD so she won't be too big and heavy to carry all day. Lol!!

 

I will be attending DollAkon for the first time this year and I'm super excited! I was wondering though, for those of you who take 65-70cm size dolls, how do you usually carry them around? Like do you bring a bag with you to put them in when they get too cumbersome? And what sort of bag do you use? I'm planning to bring my Ringdoll Norman 2.0 to meet his creator but my hotel is a 10 minute walk from the Anatole so I'm trying to decide how I should go about taking him. I do have a big messenger bag that my doll can fit into but I wonder if I could invest in one of those doll carrier bags from Dollmore or if that sort of bag would be too big to lug around a con.

 

I usually stay at a neighboring hotel myself and tend to walk over to the convention hotel. On average I have always taken larger dolls with me, and I either carry them like one would a child or infant, or I put them in the doll carting bag that I have. It really depends on what all your traveling with and whether or not you will be alone or have a friend with you.
Because my dolls usually cosplay with me or are a part of it, I carry them in the open, and when they become too troublesome, I tend to hand them over to my friend who is usually cosplaying with me. However I do keep the doll bag folded up into a messenger bag that I'm always carrying just in case.
The main things I think you would want to consider are, what kind of activities you'll be doing, what your doll will have on them (wigs, clothing and such can easily be dropped and lost during con chaos), and whether or not you have a buddy who can assist you.
And of course, weather.

I'm not sure if that's helped any. I'm just trying to go based off of what I have experienced during conventions with dolls in tow.
Good luck! and feel free to ask me anything if you have anymore questions. ^__^

 

My way of carrying my doll is novel. I use a mobility scooter part of the time to conserve my bad knees. I have a tiger head tied onto the front. My Shiro sits on the tiger's head and wears a velcro seatbelt to keep him in place. And he holds a miniature Grumpy Cat while riding the tiger.

 

I have a rolling bag, but it's a bit cumbersome in crowded areas. It also can't go in the marketplace. I get my kiddo to watch it.

 

I've seen you a few times! I'll be sure to say hello the next time I run into you!

 

I'll be thrilled to meet you! I'll be roaming with Shiro during the daytime on Friday! We're going to go visit the dealer room where we met.

 

Sounds like a plan! haha!
I don't typically stand out or do much in the group as far as meets and such, but I attend AKon every year and try to at least make a few stops by the doll area and the dealer's room.

If all goes as planned, I will be wearing a yellow dress with apples and a fox mask. :P That's my cosplay. Lol

 

Backpack! I put a facemask on the doll, wrap them in a hand towel, and then put them in a backpack. I've never been shoved or pushed from the back so that's how I usually carry mine if I'm not holding them.

 

I have a friend that uses a diaper bag. the one she has can fit an SD and a few other smaller ones. Plus all the pockets and stuff are convenient for stashing money, snacks and even extra doll supplies and such.

 

ahh too bad I'll still be in school then Maybe next year

 

It will be fine, the people who run DollAKon are very nice, and everyone is respectful of the dolls.

 

@Luxury_Comedy Cool, I'll probably carry my doll in my arms and bring along a bag for when I get tired too. Love your icon, btw! I just saw Gazette live a couple of weeks ago and they were awesome

@Vampirate Kitsune Ahaha that sounds amazing!

@silverholly Would the backpack idea work for a doll as big as 70cm though? I was thinking of doing that but I imagine he'd have to be all folded up inside so I wasn't sure if that would damage him.

 

@iiiaddiction Dude I saw them too! One of the best shows ever! And I got to shake hands with the band! Best day of my life, lol!
I have a DIM minimee Aoi head actually, but he's away to get a wig made, and I just purchased an IoS M head to be Uruha since anyone who has a Minimee uruha head seems to not be selling :P
Oh well, gonna work hard to get this sculpt as close as possible.

Bringing bags is always helpful even if you just wanna carry your doll around. And it's always fun to pawn the doll off on a friend when your arms get tired. I hand mine to my friend Jared, who incidentally always runs into a friend when he's carrying one XD It makes for a fun story. Haha!

 

@Luxury_Comedy Oh cool, I shook hands with them also! They were so gorgeous up close Were you at the Dallas show too? I wonder if we were next to each other at all, haha. And that's awesome about the Aoi and Uruha dolls! I can totally see IoS M as Uruha~ Do you think you'll bring either of them to the con (if they're finished, that is)? I'd love to see them

Haha, that's funny about your friend xD I'll probably just pawn mine off to my sister if I get tired.

 

Dude @iiiaddiction they are! I started crying when I saw Aoi, like he's my absolute favorite. XD
I swear I held it up pretty okay and then when his hand slipped from mine, I lost it. For real, I shouldn't be allowed out in public

What if we were at some point? that's so insane. I did go to the Dallas show, I live in fort worth so it wasn't much of a drive on my end. My friends and I all kinda stood in the back though, just in front of barricades.

I would love to bring them, but sadly I Aoi doll is in Canada getting a wig made for him, and Uruha is still in transit somewhere and will unlikely be done in time for the convention. But I do plan on having them both done by next year's convention.
Are you by chance in the DFW bjd resin and beyond, group? They're accepting of most everyone in the hobby, and a lot of the people that are active on there will be at AKon. I typically post in the group about once a week with some pictures or the occasional doll update.

Maybe we'll run into each other at Akon? I wonder if I should wear my "Luxury comedy" jacket. That's how some people knew who I was the last few times XD Lol

 

@Luxury_Comedy Yeah, I'm in the DFW group. I think have seen your posts! You have an Aoi icon on there too, right? I really like your guy Grimm in your latest post~

I hope we do run into each other at A-kon!

 

Oh yes @iiiaddiction that is me :P LOL Small world.
And thank you so much! Grimm was my holy grail of dolls, he's one of my favorites and I'm so glad he's close to being complete.

I hope we do too, I'll be cosplaying as Mrs. fox from fantastic Mr. fox. I'll be wearing a yellow dress with apples, and probably carrying a Gazette bag XD haha!

I'm still not sure which doll I will bring. I'm leaning more towards Ed, my dollzone shoyo, but I also really wanna take Grimm :P

 

Just a heads up for anyone who might not be following the Facebook page. The event list is up and so is the workshop registration.

Doll A-Kon 2016 Panels and Events

Doll A-Kon 2016 Workshop RegistrationsDoll A-Kon 2016 Workshop Registrations

 

Less than a week!! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!

 

Lol, is it completely rude to ask who you are bringing?

 

For the events that are in white, do I have to do anything other than show up early enough to get in? Any forms or anything for those?

 

I believe those are just show up events. No forms. The little prizes were pretty neat for the socials and meets last year.

 

Not at all! ...was there anyone you're hoping to see?

Big, Med and Sm Joker
John Crow
Alex I and III
both Harley's
Med and Sm Batman
Catwoman (sm but I don't have any other size yet)
two that aren't finished yet (for blushing)
Macchi
Nameless other Unoa
Kimi
Sage
Possibly Riddler but probably not as there's really no reason to bring him XD

It seems like a lot....but my roommate and I are driving so we have room, and most of them are going for display purposes. *flings dolls around*

 

I'm so excited because I'm pretty sure I'm definitely going to be there on Sunday!! I don't know who or what I'll bring but it's between mini kitty and Angela, and I'm actually debating trading Angela at the swap meet if I find something else I like..

 

You hit the two I was hoping for: John Crow & the Joker. K is one of my favorite sculpts, but I only do MSD & preferably smaller. Living vicariously through other owner's! I'm super excited.

I'm hoping to hit the swap meet, too, @Lupe540. I'd like to see your mini kitty. Onna has a Miss Kitty I've seen, but I haven't had chance to see the mini yet. She looks so adorable.

 

@bluepita the only reason I might not bring kitty is I know I'll be running all over the place, so I dont want to have to worry about her getting hurt, but I'll see what I can do!

 

She has a magnetic tail and ears, doesn't she? I can see why you'd be hesitant to bring her. I'm still half scared to even touch my dolls, lol. I'm trying to figure out who I want to bring versus who I am not too worried about to bring. My doll,s are all pretty common dolls, so it's more who I can cart around and who needs to try things on in the market room.

 

Yay I'm happy I'll have a couple dolls you want to see! K is so pretty, I hope mine will do him justice for you. He'll probably be on the table most of the weekend, being a good little model. Joker is going because I want to bring him XD

I love seeing all the dolls, so I'm always excited to see what people will bring. There are always sculpts I've never seen in person. Though it usually makes me want more >.<

 

Which day are you doing the swap meet? I'm trying to figure out which swap most of the bjd owners go to.

 

I can't go Friday, because my daughter graduates that night. However, if I had to guess, I'd say that's the one most people will go to. Sunday seems to be more of a winding day down at AKon in general.

 

couple of questions, first do u need to pay to enter? second do they sell merchandise? >.<

 

I will be there!

 

For the convention as a whole, yes. Secondly, yes!

 

So, I totally stopped by today!! I'm too socially weird (and was waaaaaay too exhausted from the day) to actually ask if anyone was from here.

Uh, if you saw me (I was the black girl with her husband with dreadlocks and cutey 2 year old daughter), then hiiii!! It was awesome seeing so many beautiful dolls in person!

 

I stopped by with my boyfriend kind of late in the day on Sunday! I wasn't able to bring anyone, and I kind of missed everything there was to offer, but what there was was fun, and hopefully my school will let out earlier next year!