Dolls and Conventions

Hi all,

I was wondering whether anyone had taken their dolls with them to a larger anime/comic/pop culture (ie non-doll specific) convention before, and if so, how did you find the experience, and would you do it again? My first gal and mini guy should be home in time for a larger con here in Vancouver, and I was considering taking one of them (probably the Puki) with me on at least one of the days.


I would love to hear any happy/horror stories, storage and carry options that did/didn't work, doll/owner cosplays you pulled off etc. I would especially love to hear from anyone who braved a mega convention like San Diego Comic Con with their dolls, and walked away with everyone still in one piece!

Thanks a bunch!

Edit: Oops. Sorry, Mods. Should have dug a little deeper. Thanks for moving my post over!

 

I'm really happy that I found this thread! My boyfriend thought I would enjoy taking my doll to ACen this spring, but I was feeling pretty apprehensive about it, until I read everyone's posts. I think I'll bring her along.

 

People either give a glance and continue on, but people who are aware of BJDs and are into the collection come up and ask questions or if they can touch/hold my doll, I only bring one with me so I can hold her in my arms and not have to worry about somebody picking one up without me noticing

 

Just curious, how safe do you think it would be to take my boy to a summer con? The last few summers in my state have been sweltering and I'm worried that the heat or sun could damage him. He'll be with me all day, and the con requires a lot of walking around outside. It's at a college campus and set in three or four different buildings so we all tend to spend a lot of time outdoors. He'll have his violin case bag by then, but I'm still wondering if all that sun might not be too good for him as I'll have him out of the bag sometimes.

 

I've taken my dolls to TrekTrax (a small con) & DragonCon (huge - largest fan-run con in SE if not USA). No problems at all. I took my Lianna (68 cm LoongSoul), Trey (72 cm AS) to TrekTrax. Took the same size dolls (just different sculpts) to DragonCon. As someone else said, anyone dressed as Sailor Moon ~sic~ over the age of 18 really has no place dissing my dolls LOL Course I don't CARE anyway.
I did first see BJDs at DragonCon - happened to be in the side room section of the Marriotte where there are little islands of couches & a group of maybe 5 people (very Goth Lolita BTW) had their dolls - I remember one in particular in a violin case.
So I take mine, because then maybe somebody else will see them & get interested!

 

I've never brought my doll to a con and I don't think I want to. Kudos to those who are willing to, but I think ... you have to mull over what you'll encounter at the con. I would, probably bring my doll to one of the meetups up here in Korea as the atmosphere is quite different from those in the U.S. but that's no longer possible with me leaving in a few days & I left my doll home as I've heard a few horror stories of going through the airport. Yeah, do expect lots of stares and I recall wanting to go up & ask to take pictures of the dolls but felt very awkward & shy. So I didn't do anything. I have noticed it's easier for me to go up to people here in Korea to take pics of their dolls than it is for me in the U.S. ... no idea why.

 

I've taken my dolls to Comic-Con before. It wasn't too bad, but they were in my bag most of the time (I brought them because I was going to a panel on BJDs) But Comic-Con keep getting more and more crowded. I wouldn't really suggest it unless you stay out of the dealer's hall most of the day since most of the time it's people squishing past each other making fire hazards of themselves. x_x


I've also taken my dolls to Anime Expo and they're fine there. But I do Artist Alley, so I'm not walking around with my dolls very often. They just sit at my table where I can see them.


Also took them to the San Diego BJD mini-con and they're fine there of course.


I dunno. My only guidelines for bringing dolls along is to bring a good padded bag for them in case someone bumps into you since it's crowded, cosplayers sometimes bring props way too big for themselves to handle, and some people are running one side of the convention to the other to make a panel they wanted to see and when the dolls are out, always keep an eye on them.

 

All my dolls are MSD's. The first year I just brought my KDF Bory and I got a lot of attention, I wasn't dressed up but people asked for pictures or her and I, very little negativity. I had a couple people bump me around in crowds so I clung to her for my life but it was positive. My second year I bought her and my 1/4 Dollzone Mo in a bag thinking the bag might make it easier to carry them in. I was WRONG. The bag was heavy to carry after awhile and I constantly had to walk back to my hotel to drop it off because I couldn't go into the dealers room with it. I tried carrying both dolls and as light as they are at first they aren't after two or three hours in a line up. I've decided from now on I'm only bringing one doll at a time to a convention. It just is easier since I'm always sketched out about leaving them alone in the hotel room and it would be rude to impose on my friends to carry one.

 

I've brought my boys to both anime conventions but also to a general comic/pop culture convention/exposé. I've had positive experiences every single time. Of course, there will always be someone(or a couple of people) who comment on the dolls being "creepy", but that's only to be expected.

I generally keep my lads close, and don't typically bring more than one at a time as far as conventions go. (Especially considering most of my lot is SD-sized, lol.) You'd want to keep your doll very very close, and, in my humble opinion, you might want to avoid bringing dolls with interchangeable fantasy parts that can easily fall off, because it's far too easy to lose a magnetic ear or a wing and not be any wiser until after you notice it's gone. And with countless people milling about, good luck finding that missing item. D:

 

Hullo, I'm from around the Florida area, and also suddenly unable to post in the newbieland thread. Shrug. I was just wondering if you could purchase wigs/eyes/clothes from cons, and if this was any cheaper then say, paying $60+ in shipping fees from a website ;_;

Also, I've never really explored the bjd community section of cons, is it safe to bring your doll?

 

Bring a bag for your doll for sure. There might be random hugging or rushes or crowds. Ive seen doll things at conventions and plenty of dolls but you have to be careful okay?

 

Random hugging isn't the worst you can expect at a Florida convention. In fact, you should expect some form of sexual harassment and the possibility of sexual assault alongside it. Expect the worst so you can prepare for it, because I've encountered SH and SA at every single convention in Florida I went to. I stopped going because of it and, admittedly, eventually ended up attending therapy for it. (PS: the innocent, non-SH random hugs can be more like violent tackles, so I hope you don't bruise easily)

A lot of people brought dolls to cons back when I still went (roughly five years ago or so). It's best to bring dolls in a well-padded case that's as compact as is safe. People like to pack together in cons and you might rue bringing a bulky bag and having to worry about the contents when you're squished between five people and trying to maneuver around tables. Some people bring a massive amount of dolls, but I found it easier to limit myself to bringing just one. It's so much easier to keep an eye on and tote around.

If there's a meetup scheduled for the con, people often organize swaps/selling in a corner somewhere. Others who sell doll-related items might have their own table in the artists' section. It's cheaper to buy at conventions/meetups since you don't have to pay for shipping, and you sometimes get to try on clothes right there before you decide to buy (which cuts the "buy and resell at a loss because it doesn't fit" costs), and sometimes you can haggle. Sometimes people just give you stuff, but don't ever expect that kind of partial treatment. The items people carry for sale/trade vary (they may have eyes and wigs as well, or they may not) but have an idea in mind of what you want so you don't get talked into buying something you're not too keen on if you have a meek personality when confronted with stronger personalities.

Sometimes you get one or two people in a given group who touch things without asking. Be very careful of who you let touch your doll, since before you know it someone can have it dewigged and in a totally different outfit. It's not impolite to turn down requests, but bear in mind that the obnoxious person might touch your doll after being refuted anyway, especially if they see someone else messing with it after you turned them down. They might think you simply changed your mind. It's also possible that when you've let someone (or several someones) touch your doll, it may return to you damaged, and there's a likelihood that no one will confess.

I sincerely hope things have changed since I last attended a con, but just in case they haven't, that's been my experience exactly when attending Florida conventions. I'm not going to say everything and everyone are awful, but there were invariably one or two strong incidents at every convention which always ruined any "good" experiences for me. Maybe nothing bad will happen to you, and in that case, thank goodness that you emerged unscathed. Have fun, definitely, and don't let my experiences scare you off, but go prepared.

 

I took my doll to the one BJD con I've been to and we had a lot of fun. A bag or case defiantly helps though. If for no other reason, it gets a little awkward to always have your hands full As for merchandise it really depends on the con, but chances are you'll be able to find something. At any rate it's better to come prepared with a little bit of spending money just in case.

 

I'll admit, I've never attended a con down in FL. However, I've attended ones with my dolls here in Alberta, Canada.

I make a point of only really bringing one doll along when I do decide to cart a BJD around. Both times I carried the doll close to me(SD-size, protectively in the crook of my arm and CLINGING FOR DEAR LIFE when the crowds were thick). I got mixed reactions from people - some were gushing over my doll, and others were muttering about "look at that creepy doll/creepy thing". That said, if you're sensitive to people's opinions, you might want to brace yourself for the chance of some people calling your doll creepy within earshot, if not saying it directly to you.

I'll note that my way of handling things(like having one of my arms solidly occupied for the duration of a convention) does make things like purchasing in the Vendor's Hall a little bit tough/you get overloaded with a doll in one hand and a bunch of bags in the other if you're not careful - and heaven help you if you buy something bulky with this arrangement! That said, it's not the best arrangement overall, and your arm WILL get reliably stiff and tired from being held at a near 90º angle with the weight of an SD sitting on it for a whole day(or most of it, aside from the few times you get a rest or switch carrying arms). But, in a way, I prefer it? I can take one of my lot shopping that way, then. Or even just take them out to the convention for the fun of it - they're a great conversation starter! You might be surprised to find out how many people know what BJDs are or who are actually in the hobby themselves. I'd suggest attending a BJD panel if there is one, and maybe bringing a doll to it. Good way to meet fellow hobbyists.

I've yet to have a bad experience, really, beyond people mistaking my doll for being a girl or calling my doll creepy. Though, strangely enough, the "creepy doll" comments tend to amuse me most of the time. XD;

But most importantly - be careful! Like, don't leave your dolls unattended or anything like that. It's way too easy for bad things to happen with a large enough crowd of people milling around and looking at the dolls. Especially if your doll is particularly small and easy to pocket. While unlikely, you can never be too safe, right?

 

Going to a non-doll con is VERY different than going to a bjd con.

Bjd cons are usually very doll-safe places where only doll owners are at and are private (you need a membership to get in), so owners know not to be stupid when around dolls (mostly--they try at least!). There is more likelihood that there will be vendors of dolls and doll items, but this will VARY GREATLY depending on the con.

Most bjd cons are small with a few vendors. A few are larger with more vendors. Currently the BJDC in Austin is one of the larger ones.

There are also bjd tracks or mini-cons that are part of other cons. These will have panels and maybe tables or swap-meet type events. But the rest of the con will not be doll-related, so you have to be aware that you are pretty much out in public in those areas and will run into people who do not know how to treat dolls and people who won't care about dolls, etc.

Then there are non-doll cons. Which may have a meetup scheduled at them or maybe a panel or something, but are pretty much NOT at all into dolls save for the few events which may or may not be officially run by the con at all. Basically, you should know the con you are going to before toting a doll along to it, since it may not be doll-friendly. Often meetups are held separately--in someone's room or in a lobby area and it isn't part of the con at all. Going to such a con is close to just being out in public with your doll--so you can run into many people who do not care for dolls. And there usually won't be doll items for sale.

-----

I have gone to Sci-fi and comics and game cons for 25 years. I have never been sexually harassed (but maybe I'm just not that attractive?-- OK, well there was a time I was in a department store and some guy tried to hug me. But it wasn't a con!). There are some kooky types who are into hugging, but you just don't go there (push strangers OFF you if they get near--this goes for being ANYWHERE--con or not!). There are risks of being sexually harassed or MORE than that for women everyplace, anytime. Don't fear it, but it's always good to be very aware!

At cons there are usually a number of people who are not very good about knowing social behavior--so you do have to be prepared for that kind of stuff.

BUT bjd cons are usually different. People are geeky and undersocialized, but in a different way. And at least they know how to behave around dolls... or they usually do. There are always stories about those who do not know how to behave. Some of the groups in my area have rules about not allowing people under a certain age without an adult, etc. to try and stop unwanted behavior and accidents. And often, people with known problems can be not invited to events. Sounds mean, but we are talking about expensive items and the comfort of the people who just wish to enjoy a doll event, here. It just makes sense!

Anyway... not all cons and experiences are equal. It is good to check into SPECIFIC events as far as what to expect and how doll-friendly it may be!

 

If you want to look for/buy doll stuff, you might have more luck at a doll show, instead of a convention - Doll Shows USA is a pretty comprehensive list.

Most cons that I've been to have rules against any form of unwanted contact, including random, unannounced tackle hugging. That said, I've never had a problem with anything like that (then again, I've never done cosplay so I'm basically invisible), or with anyone being grabby with my dolls. (What I see most often are people with signs that say "Free Hugs" or people will politely ask if they can hug you.)

Conventions tend to be very crowded - my best advice is to treat your doll like you would a purse - never put it down or let it out of your site. If I absolutely have to put my doll down I keep it very close by - in the dealer's room, I'll sit them on the edge of the table and keep myself in between them and the crowd.

A padded doll-case or bag is great... but how much stuff do you want to carry? During the day I limit myself to 2 bags - my purse/mini-backpack and a messenger bag that has snacks/waters tucked under a towel. It's big enough for my doll, but I usually end up carrying her and stuffing it full of loot. At night, I keep them in a heavier duty doll case.

Go with a friend - not only for personal safety - but also because you'll have an extra pair eyes and hands to watch and hold your doll if needed. Plus, it's more fun.

If you're staying in a hotel room, again - stay with friends if you can. Other doll people is even better.

Keep your doll's outfit simple (no fussy bits or accessories that might fall off or get caught) and make sure their wig is stuck on tightly.

 

Yep another bad con experience. Actually two:

1. In November I went to Kollision Con with jaf123188 and NeePanda. We brought all our dolls and loaded them into a wagon we bought for conventions. The con was beyond dull so we sat down at one of tables to people watch. We had a few really sweet people come up and tell us how much they liked our dolls and one that asked if we were selling but politely left when we said no.
Then SHE showed up. Some girl came over with a friend of hers and started fawning over the dolls. Then, without asking she picked up Malice, my Orientdoll Dong and started taking off his wings and not being respectful. I asked for him back and she did give him to me. She then asked the price of nearly every doll and was appalled by the prices we gave her. She asked what the cheapest doll was, which happened to be my BBB Elfkin. Without asking she grabbed Moo and started looking her over and asked the price. I told her $150 with faceup and outfit. She looks at me and goes, "So if I give you $100 do I get her outfit too?" I took back Moo immediately and told her none of the dolls were for sale. To which she replies, "Everyone sells their stuff for a price. How much?" I told her the dolls weren't for sale and to please leave. She proceeded to come back 5 times trying to buy Moo and even went as far as putting money down on the table.

2. Went to Apocalypse Con in December as a merchant. Same girl was there. Once again tried to bug me into buying Moo. By this time I had had enough and was no longer polite. Told her to leave us alone and not to touch any of the dolls. She left us alone until halfway through Saturday when she walked by, asked to purchase Moo again and upon my saying no, pretended to grab one of the dolls. I lost it. Told her not to come back, do not touch, we weren't selling and even if we were it wouldn't be to her. She got testy and yelled as she was walking away, "It's JUST a doll. Chill out." I went to security, pointed her out and told them the situation. She didn't come past us again.

 

Wow roguegirl9929, that's quite the story. I don't know what I would have done in that situation... besides going to security of course. I'm just glad the girl seemed to come to her senses and left you alone after.

I've brought my dolls to several conventions, although every time I was running an artist table and just had my dolls sitting on the table beside me (they were holding some of my smaller prints I had for sale). And I'm planning on bringing at least one again for my next local convention in June. So far I haven't had any issues with people there, and most are friendly and polite. I guess it helps that I have a big 'Dolls not for sale, do no touch" sign beside them.

I ended up meeting and befriending another girl there too, that had brought some of her dolls along as well (And both of ours were cosplaying characters from the same series) so after we of course had to take a lot of pictures. So personally, I've had nothing but good experiences at conventions with my dolls.

 

keelerleah: The second time around at Apocalypse Con we ended up putting up a sign that said 'Please Do Not Touch'. Everyone, except said girl, did respond to it and didn't touch. We've since planned to add it to our wagon.

 

I saw a cosplayer who dressed up the same outfit as the doll at one of those anime cons. It was really cool. Or maybe halloween. It'll be a good chance to take the oppotunity to take your doll out. There's people with horse mask there how weird will you look with a doll.