IDEX is almost here!

Well...actually TWO IDEX (IDEXes? what IS the plural of IDEX anyway?) are almost here. In any event, IDEX Premiere in Orlando, Florida kicks off in one week, on Friday, January 23rd, and IDEX West commences a week later, on January 31st. Both shows have conferences, special events, and more. These shows are wonderful opportunities for collectors to attend a Toy Fair-type of show, and they are indispensible to retailers as well. Besides seeing many of the 2004 dolls in person, you can meet the artists behind the dolls, attend business seminars if you are a retailer and collecting seminars if you are a collector. There are also special events such as the Tiny Kitty Velvet Sunrise Breakfast or the Baby Doll Bonanza with Zapf Creation, Inc., which is aimed at young collectors. Both shows will also have a retail component this year.

One of the nice things about IDEX is that all ages are welcome, unlike most trade shows and many collector organization shows. In fact, I'll be bringing my 9 year old daughter who avidly collects with her mom to IDEX West this year, and she's looking forward to her first collector meal event (the Tiny Kitty breakfast) with great excitement. As of this morning, tickets to this event (and other events) are still available, but don't delay if you want to attend a collector event, since space is limited.

For more information on the IDEX shows, events and schedule, visit www.idexshows.com . To find out what its like to spend a day at IDEX, don't miss A Day At IDEX.