UFDC 69th Annual Convention, 2018 - Phoenix, AZ: Part 8

Before heading to bed on Friday night, I took a last walk through the Helper room and took photos of the amazing Special Regional Directors' Challenge Helpers. 

Each region showcased this year did an awesome job.

The next morning I was up at the crack of dawn in order to volunteer for the Helper Drawing. We moved all the ticket buckets to the main ballroom, and prepped them. Then... the magic happened! Lucky winners had their names called for wonderful prizes. This year I won three: 

Madame Alexander's Baby Sweet Tears and Lucinda,

Chef Bunny by Connie Tognoli,

And Patty Jo by Knickerbocker. I'm glad I brought an extra suitcase with me.

After putting my new treasure up in my room, I looked at the Publishers' Preview and Artist Showcase.

There were only two artists this year, Linda Mountain,

And Pat Moulton.

Then it was time for lunch, suitcase packing, and a nap.

That evening we all gathered in the main ballroom for the Banquet. The table centerpieces were 3-D puzzles of famous landmarks from around the world.

Licca joined me in her pretty lavender ballgown.

After dinner, everyone received the convention souvenir doll by Ruby Red Galleria, Lia, Journey to Adventure.

Here she is all dressed in the hotel room.

 That's it. Convention was over. Maybe next year you will join us for convention in Nashville, TN.

UFDC 69th Annual Convention, 2018 - Phoenix, AZ: Part 7

Friday, July 20th was the UFDC Annual Business Meeting. Reports were read, Regional Directors were elected, and awards were given. 

The details of the next convention were also given: The 70th Annual Convention will be held July 23rd-July 27th, 2019 in Nashville, TN. The Theme is Star Struck, and the convention doll will be by R. John Wright. The doll is limited to only 400 pieces, so if you are interested, you should register ASAP.

After the meeting I attended the Elizabeth Cooper luncheon, "Immigrant's Song". 

The centerpiece was an adorable male companion doll.

Licca poses with the table favors.

All of the travel dolls at the table gathered around the centerpiece for a group photo.

 At the end of the luncheon we received our souvenir dolls.

She even has her own luggage.

After putting my doll and table favors in my room, I had time to attend another Program: From East to West by Maurine Steurer. She talked about Native American dolls and how to identify what tribes may have made them. Many of the dolls she talked about were in the Special Exhibit of the same name.

That afternoon was the last chance to view the Special Exhibits and Competition Room. On this trip through the Competition Room I made sure to take some photos.

Inuit dolls

Dolls dressed by owner

Paper dolls

Monster High and Ever After High

(My Rochelle Goyle came in 4th place.)

Terri Lee

Male Tonner Dolls
(My Aquaman came in 3rd.)

Evangeline Ghastly
(My Ipswich Fog came in 4th)

Barbies in International Costumes
(My Asian Barbie also came in 4th.)

And some other dolls that piqued my interest.

That evening, dolls were taken out of competition and Helper tickets were dropped into buckets for the last time at this convention.