It's Almost Con Time! | | When Covid-19 derailed DCD 1 in 2021, we thought it was a death blow for a brand-new, untested event. You stood by us for a year, making DollCon Dallas a reality and a success in 2022. In 2023, our hotel abruptly closed its doors,and we were left homeless six weeks before DCD 2 was to begin. Once again, you cheered us on and supported the con through its wild ride to find a new space. We've found a lovely new home at the Westin Dallas Park Central and look forward improving DollCon Dallas every year. Our community has flourished and become a wonderful space where people and collectors of all kinds know that they'll be accepted and encouraged. New friendships and business opportunities have started with, "Oh! What kind of doll is that?" People who worried about being accepted have been embraced. Nobody has been left out because they don't collect the "right" things. Kindness has been your rule. This caring and positive DCD family is the best thing to come out of our dream of starting an "all dolls" convention. We appreciate every single one of you more than we can say. This is our last newsletter for DCD 2024, and it's filled with info to help have the best con experience possible. Please look it over, and if you have any questions, email us before February 16th at [email protected]. We don't have time to reliably check electronic communications during con, so if you need help while you're on-site, please see our staff members at the registration desk, the DCD table in the Vendor Room, and each programming room. We're all here to help and want you to have a great time! DCD 3 is on its way, and we can't wait to see you on the 17th! |
|
|
|
Location and Maps | | HotelWestin Dallas Park Central 12720 Merit Dr, Dallas, TX 75251 (972) 385-3000 Google Maps Link | | Parking The Westin has given DollCon Dallas attendees a special rate of $12 per day for the hotel's parking structure. There may be some free lots available, but they are not associated with the hotel and you park at your own risk.
Room Maps and Designations DollCon Dallas will be located on floors 1 and 2 of the hotel. Vendor Room - Covingtons Workshop Room - Livingston Panel Room - Tenison Photography Room - Degolyer Hangout Room - Marsalis
Elevators and Escalators You can move between floors using the bank of elevators behind the bar area or the escalator to the left of the vendor room. |
|
|
|
Schedule | | In order to save expense and trees, we don't hand out paper schedules on-site. Please print a copy or download it to your phone. The schedule is also available on our website HERE. Schedules will be displayed at the registration desk and in the programming rooms. (Clicking on the picture will allow you to see and print schedules for both Saturday and Sunday) |
|
|
|
Badge and T-Shirt Pickup | | Badges will be available for pickup at 8:30 am on Saturday, February 17. The registration desk is in front of the Vendor Room (Covingtons) which will be on your left as you enter the lobby through the front doors. Your lanyard, doll badge, DCD button, and gifts from our vendors and sponsors will be in your registration bag.
T-shirt orders can be picked up at the DollCon Dallas table in the vendor room.
Badges are NOT available for purchase on-site. |
|
|
|
Food and Beverage | | BeveragesNon-Alcoholic beverages with caps or lids can be brought to con or purchased at the convenience store in the library. Remember to stay hydrated! FoodThe hotel does not allow food in the convention rooms (plus we have to protect the dolls!) The Westin has a restaurant and a convenience store on site. Google has a list of nearby restaurants and those in the surrounding area. Please research your food options so that you know where you can get a bite to eat. |
|
|
|
For Safety's Sake | | Luggage and Wheeled Items You cannot bring rolling luggage, strollers, large instrument cases, trolleys or large bags (duffel and similar) into ANY of the convention spaces. These items may not be used as mobility devices. When you check out on Sunday, you should stow your luggage with the concierge or in your vehicle. The weather here usually won't pose a threat to your dolls, cosmetics, etc. at this time of year. (It's hard to believe that it'll be 100+ degrees in a month or two!)
Doll bags, carriers, baskets, tote bags and backpacks carried by hand on over your shoulder(s) are totally okay. The rule of thumb is being able to navigate through a crowd without hitting/bumping others or knocking any merchandise over. Wait until you see some of the beautiful display backpacks some attendees have made from pet carriers!!!
Doll Safety Please don't bring more dolls than you can easily carry. If you're staying in the hotel, consider popping up to your room to switch out dolls so they all get a turn! For liability reasons, staff aren't allowed to watch dolls or other personal belongings.
|
|
|
|
Social Events | | Are you interested in organizing a room sale, room party, game night, or drinks/meals on or off site? Sign up using the form at the bottom of our Room Parties, Sales & Social Events page. If you're looking for some opportunities to hang out before or after con hours, you can view the list of events at the top of the page. The deadline for registering a social event is February 12, 2024. |
|
|
|
Workshops | | Online registrations end this Friday, February 9, 2024. We'll fill remaining spots in the free Make & Take workshop on Sunday, February 18th on a first-come, first-served basis. You can register on-site with Nina or Hanna in the panel room. The Illuminated mini curio cabinet workshop on Saturday, February 17th still has a few spaces left. You can purchase remaining seats at the One Thyrd booth in the vendor room. |
|
|
|
Limited Edition Shirts | | Logo or convention art tees not your thing? We had extra SmartDoll/60cm girl shirt backs so our Art Director, Kimi Bost, designed new shirt fronts with graphics in the DCD colors. They'll be constructed just like our regular SmD/60cm girl tees and will be available for purchase at the DollCon Dallas table in the vendor room.
|
|
|
|
Hangout and Photography Rooms | | Debbie and Crockett Smith provide a quiet space in the Marsalis Room (2nd Floor) for you to rest, work on small crafts, and hold meetups. If you need time to decompress from too much activity, too many people, or even take a little nap, this is a safe place for you!
Shelly Sisk and Kimi Bost will have props and photo backgrounds in the DeGolyer Room (2nd Floor). They'll happily share photo tips or take photos of you with your dolls and friends! The room and props are free to use. |
|
|
|
Vendor Room Map | | All of the vendors selling at DollCon Dallas and their locations in Covingtons. You can click on the image to enlarge it. |
|
|
|
Know Before You Go! | | We've put an FAQ together for you to read before con! Please take a look at it HERE and send an email to [email protected] with any questions. |
|
|
|
Accessibility | | If you have a mobility or other impairment and would like reserved seating, please email [email protected], and we will put seats in your name that conform to your needs as much as possible. For example, you can tell us that you prefer to be in the front of a room, on an aisle, etc. Comfort or emotional support animals are not allowed at DollCon Dallas. Service doggos are very welcome!
Here's our entire accessibility FAQ! | |
|
|
|
|