
2026 National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention
July 7 - 11, 2026
Hilton Downtown
Austin, Texas

For the Convention’s main meal functions, Conventioneers sit with the same group of 10 people at assigned tables. Table Hosts are a big part of making the Barbie® Convention fun for everyone.
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He or she makes people feel welcome at their table, introduces attendees to each other, encourages fun Barbie® conversation at the table and tries to enhance the Convention experience for each person at their table. Their thoughtfulness, friendliness and sense of fun contribute to making the Convention fondly remembered by attendees. We are looking for outgoing Conventioneers who are willing to serve as Table Hosts.
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There is one host per table throughout the Convention. Although not required, many table hosts and table guests enjoy bringing small gifts to give to their fellow table friends. Gifts for table members are strictly at your discretion; please do not let that affect your decision to become a table host. We want to ensure a seamless experience for you and your guests!
Once selected, Table Hosts notify the Table Host Chair in advance of the Convention who will sit at their table. This presents the opportunity for tablemates to get to know each other in advance or to arrange for groups of friends to sit together.
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The Table Host Chair will set up a Facebook page for Table Hosts and invite you to join.
REQUIREMENTS FOR TABLE HOSTS
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-All table hosts are required to arrive early at every meal function before the Conventioneers arrive; collect, place, distribute, return and/or exchange Convention gifts and Mattel gifts as directed, and assist with centerpieces and other setup duties if needed.
-Listen carefully to instructions given during early entry to each event.
-Attend the mandatory Table Host meeting Tuesday, July 6, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
Hosts must also ensure that all their assigned Conventioneers are in attendance at each function where 2026 NBDCC and/or Mattel Convention gifts are given in order to be eligible to receive those gifts. If a Conventioneer (or Conventioneers) is not present to receive their gift(s), or if there are any extra gifts that were inadvertently received, the gift(s) must be returned to the Gift Distribution Chair immediately following the function. Also, all exchanges and replacements for damaged and/or incorrect Convention doll preference choices (or any Mattel gift) must be handled by the individual Table Hosts for their entire table. Only the Table Host will be allowed in the Mattel exchange area.
Again, only the assigned Table Host will be authorized to pick up and/or exchange convention and Mattel gifts for table guests. Please refer to the schedule for the return or exchange location and allow time after the conclusion of each event where gifts are given to assist your guests.
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-Each host should have the ability to bend and reach under the table and carry up to 20
pounds unassisted.
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SELECTION PROCESS
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Pease read the requirements carefully before signing up! Signing up to Table Host is your
acknowledgment of the requirements. Hosting assignments are made based on availability. You may submit Hosting forms beginning January 3, 2026, at 12:00 noon CST. The form is free to submit as an ‘order’ in the Online Store at BConventions.com in the section marked “Table Hosts”.
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Because we often receive more offers to host than there are spots, we encourage potential Hosts to wait to be confirmed before solidifying plans with others. Choosing to move forward on confirming tablemates or working on any gifts before you receive official notice that you are a Host are risks for which you take responsibility.
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Once you are confirmed as a Table Host, please use the Table Host form on the Online store at BConventions.com to sign up Conventioneers at your table. Enter the correct spelling of each conventioneer’s name with their Registration #.
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If we do not receive this information, we cannot guarantee you will be seated with the
Conventioneer(s) you have selected. Please fill out the form on the Online store by April 11, 2026. This is also the last date to provide updates to your table.
Questions about Table Hosting? Please contact our Table Host Chair Justin Sharp at
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