IDEX Premiere: 2004 DOLLS Awards of Excellence and Tonner Keynote Speech

IDEX Premiere will take place in Orlando, Florida, from January 23 to 25th, 2004 at the ExpoCentre. IDEX is generally the first chance for collectors to see all the new doll releases for the year. Robert Tonner will give the keynote address: "Observations from a Reluctant Businessman" and Sandra Crawford, President of Zapf Creations USA, will share her ideas on "The Value Dolls Add to Children's Lives."

Also at this year's IDEX, Jones publishing will announce the 2004 DOLLS Awards of Excellence Nominees and the 2004 Golden Teddy Award nominees.

Especially for retailers, there will be presentatins including -"How to Get More Business than You Ever Thought Possible" by Joe Jones from Jones Publishing.

The entire list of doll artists and manufacturers that will be debuting their 2004 doll and teddy bear lines at IDEX are available at the IDEX web site.

A gala charity event will be held at the IDEX Premiere. A Fashion Doll Affair" will benefit the Children Affected by Aids Foundation on Friday night, January 23rd . Mattel is donating two incredible one-of-a-kind Barbie's in celebration of her 45th anniversary. Robert Tonner is creating some exclusive dolls as well, plus there will be many other dolls to bid on.

For antique and vintage doll collectors, Tim Luke, of TreasureQuest Auction Galleries will attend. Tim is from Christie's Auction House in New York, and is the Antiques Roadshow expert for antique dolls, bears and toys. Tim, and partner Greg Strahm will give appraisals of your antiques. $10 for one, or $25 for three appraisals. Proceeds will be donated to the Children Affected by Aids Foundation.

More information on additional events and hotel reservations is available at the IDEX web site.