One of the most enjoyable aspects of collecting Barbie is making friends who share your passion. And you can get together with your Barbie buddies at Barbie conventions. In Australia, the ABC Club hosts a Barbie convention every 2 years. The most recent one was held in June 2023 in Adelaide, called "Ain't Misbehaving" with the theme of the Roaring 20s. It also celebrated Barbie's best friend Midge's 60th birthday. The next one will be hosted by the NSW Club members in 2025. (If you are interested in joining the ABC club, email info@abcdoll.org)
Above: A display showing almost all of the Australian Barbie Convention dolls from 1991 to now.
Australia’s first Barbie convention was organised in 1991 by Pamela Ezekiel, co-founder of the Australian Barbie Club. She and I were the Co-Presidents for nearly 10 years, and in that time we held 7 conventions. A photo of the convention dolls over the years is above. The conventions have grown from around a dozen people at that first one, to 125 as the largest, with an average of 60-70 at most of them. An advantage of the smaller number (compared to US conventions of close to 1000 delegates) is that you can get a chance to talk to virtually everyone, not just the people at your table. Workshops, talks and a fashion show provide education and entertainment. Delegates showcase their collection and their talents in the Competition Room, providing a great display for others to enjoy. Over 100 raffle prizes gave everyone a chance to take home even more goodies. Huge thank you to Sal Penney and her team for their hard work bringing it all together to make a fabulous convention.
Above: Kristin Trost's fantastic diorama won as Champion Entry in the competition. Set on the luxury cruise ship the SS Dolly, the details are amazing.
Similar to US conventions, some delegates sell from their hotel rooms after the evening events, although most buying and selling happens in the Salesroom which is on the Sunday morning. Those with only a few items to sell can put them on consignment on the Communal table, staffed by convention volunteers; others with more to sell can hire their own table similar to a Doll Show. The items for sale cover the entire range of collecting interests, from vintage 1960s through to the most current silkstones, collectable dolls, accessories and outfits. The biggest problem is running out of money, followed by working out how to get it all home on the plane!
Below left: The gorgeous flapper Convention doll. Below right: The gift from Mattel.
Comments