2026 National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention
July 7 - 11, 2026
Hilton Downtown
Austin, Texas
Our Program Chair, Barbie® expert Bradley Justice Yarbrough, has gathered a fabulous selection of informative programs for your enjoyment and education this week in Austin, Texas.
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Wednesday 7/8
11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Room 400-402
Program – First Timer’s Orientation
Nerida Stig will give you tips and suggestions
for making the most of your Barbie® convention
experience.
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3:30 pm – 4:30 pm – Room 400-402
Program - Care and Preservation of a Collection
Join Michelle Parnette, Curator of Dolls and Toys at the Strong National Museum of Play as she will discuss storage and care for your dolls.
Thursday 7/9
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Room 400-402
Program - “In the Beginning”
A historical look at the early production of the Barbie® doll by the Kokusai Boeki Kaisha
company in Japan with never-before-seen photos, objects and stories. Join Bradley Justice as he shares research from his visit to Japan to understand the origin story of Barbie® doll.
Friday 7/10
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Room 400-402
Program - "Life in the Castle"
Join author Ann Ryan as she shares her history growing up as the daughter of Jack Ryan, who was with Mattel from 1955-1973 and was instrumental in the creation of the Barbie® Doll. She will share many memories of her father’s time at Mattel, visiting the factory in Hawthorne CA, and what it was like to be the first girl to ever get to play with the doll.
Saturday 7/11
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Room 400-402
Program -“Hit the Road”
From Irwin to the Dream Vette, this program presented by Rafael Rivera will cover the many forms of transportation for the Barbie® Doll through each era including the ever-popular Country Camper and Beach Bus.
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3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Room 400-402
Program - Life With a Dreamhouse
The evolution of the Barbie® houses over the 60’s, 70’s, and 80s by Karen Valentine.
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