What will it cost you to attend a doll convention? Going to a convention is very expensive. Here a general outline using this year's Fashion Royalty costs for you to estimate. Not every convention is the same so just use this as a guideline. The following list does not include transportation to the city as the range of costs will vary widely. Many of the expenses are optional.
Some people will be able to sell items to offset the costs and/or to make some money. Room sales are permitted but you have to register with the convention organizers. Some people who attend with a non-collecting partner, sell the partner's dolls. You can also use those duplicate dolls to trade for other dolls you want.
—Convention Attendance $400.00 (if you are staying at the Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort)
This includes three sit-down meals, the convention doll (not a centerpiece), swag/gifts, entertainment and dance party.
—Hotel $169/night per room.
Can be shared by up to 4 people. Add tax and tips.
—2012 Convention Collection $850 or $825 if pre-ordered and shipped to your home.
I don’t know if that includes shipping to your home. If you buy the collection at the event you will pay local tax on each doll but you get to take it home with you. If it gets shipped because you pre-ordered, it should arrive in a week. You do not have to purchase the entire collection or any part of it.
—Centerpieces $100-$150.
Each attendee usually gets the opportunity to purchase one centerpiece during the weekend at meal functions. You do not have to purchase a centerpiece.
—Souvenir Shop Purchases Optional $100. More or less.
—Room Sale Purchases Optional $100. More or less.
—Color Infusion Style Lab Optional $65 per doll.
—The "16 at 1600 High-Tea" $45 Optional Break-out Event.
Centerpiece $150. Optional
—Optional Workshop Kits each :
-Resort Restyle $65
-Tribal Tattoos $85
-Fresh Tropical Look (partially unpainted) $65
-Cabana Couture $125 16” Poppy
-Poppy’s Hairdo $65
—W Club Luncheon $65 Optional
-Possible Centerpiece $150.
—Raffle tickets Optional $20. More or less.
—Food and Beverages $50-$100. More or less.
—Table Gifts Optional $50. More or less. Most every seasoned convention attendee brings doll related gifts for every person that will be sitting at the table with them. I've received some lovely gifts and some trash. It's best to give one small useful item than a bag of something that will be trashed.
—Transportation/ Taxi to and from hotel $15-$20 each way. More or less.
—Air Transportation to Orlando - varies on where you’re coming from.
Do the math and post what your total would be.
