New KOC Convention Product Announced
The KOC Convention mobile app has revealed more product that will be available at the upcoming event. You can find all of the new product on our homepage under the 2019 Event Planner section.
The majority of new product falls under two categories: Convention Souvenirs and Hallmark Channel Products.
Convention Souvenirs includes clothing, coffee mugs, blankets, tea towels and the 2019 Ken Crow Puzzle.
Hallmark Channel items include clothing for both adults and babies, totes, glasses and a book whose author is scheduled to be in attendance to sign.
In the main Product Shop, Hallmark also added the recently discounted “Songs of the Season” set and the Keepsake Power Cord.
KOC Convention Sweatshirt
KOC Convention Visor
Keepsake Apron
Keepsake Coffee Mug
Keepsake Tea Towel Ornaments
Keepsake Tea Towel Christmas Trees
Keepsake Blanket
Ken Crow Puzzle
Priorities Women’s Loose-Fit T-Shirt
Future Movie Star Gray Baby Bodysuit
Hallmark Hero Tee
Priorities Tote
Coffee & Hallmark Movies Mug
Hallmark Movie Pilsner Glass
A Down Home Christmas by Liz Talley
Keepsake Power Cord
Songs of the Season
2020 Sneak Peek: The Official STAR TREK™ Convention: Las Vegas
Hallmark Unveils 2020 ‘Trek’ Ornaments and More at STLV
See what ‘Trek’ ornaments and other decorative figurines are on the way from Hallmark.
There were revelations and giveaways aplenty during the brilliantly named “Is There in Truth No Keepsakes?” Hallmark and Star Trek Product Panel on Saturday morning at Star Trek Las Vegas. Hallmark’s licensing Creative Manager Christine Taylor and Senior Writer Kevin Dilmore provided fans with an exclusive first look at four Star Trek Keepsake Ornaments from Hallmark’s 2020 line. Hallmark is going all out, as 2020 will mark the 30th anniversary of their Star Trek Keepsake Ornaments.
Captain James T. Kirk
STAR TREK™ Mirror, Mirror Collection
Storytellers
Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu
STAR TREK™ Mirror, Mirror Collection
Storytellers
Lieutenant Nyota Uhura
STAR TREK™ Mirror, Mirror Collection
Storytellers
The Star Trek Storytellers Keepsake Ornament Series will launch with Captain Kirk, Security Chief Sulu, and Lt. Uhura as seen in the TOS episode, “Mirror, Mirror.” Each ornament will feature sound from TOS and bases that light when the characters speak. Further, each character-themed ornament tells its own storylines from the episode, and when connected together to a Keepsake Power Cord, they build to a bigger part of the story, each playing off scenes with one another.
U.S.S. Enterprise™ Tree Topper
STAR TREK™ Mirror, Mirror Collection
Fans were also wowed by the fourth 2020 ornament revelation. The U.S.S. Enterprise Tree Topper lights up and plays the TOS opening monologue, main theme and closing theme. When it’s paired with the characters in the Storyteller Series, the Tree Topper reacts by building a bigger storyline with coordinating sound effects and lights. Taylor and Dilmore also announced that they should expect additional coordinating Star Trek Storytellers Ornaments in the 2021 collection.
By STARTREK.COM Staff
Reprint of: “Hallmark Unveils 2020 ‘Trek’ Ornaments and More at STLV”
2020 Sneak Peek: National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention
In conjunction with the National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention (NBDCC), Hallmark once again provided an advance screening of the Barbie Keepsake Ornaments that will be released later this year and a Sneak Peek of the dolls that next years line will be based on. Amongst the 2020 designs that were reveled were:
Violette™ Barbie™ Ornament
Red, White ‘n Warm™ Barbie™ Ornament
Day-to-Night™ Barbie™ Ornament
Shoe-sational! Barbie™ Ornament
Member Exclusive Offer: KOC Flash Sale
Hallmark made too many 2018 Songs of the Season sets! So for 3 days only, they’re offering these 6-piece ornament sets exclusively to KOC members at a special price $39.99 USA (regularly $99.99 USA) –that’s 60% off! This sale is online only and ends at 11:59 p.mp CT on Tuesday, August 6. But don’t wait long – supplies are limited.
Songs of the Season
ORDER NOW
Available on Hallmark.com
2019 KOC Convention: Experience the Magic (UPDATE)
This “1 Week Countdown! Important Updates and Reminders” email was just sent to all KOC Convention Attendees.
Dear KOC Member,
This time next week, we’ll be experiencing the magic of the 2019 Keepsake Ornament Club Convention in Kansas City! We have been waiting all year to see you and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
As we get closer, we want to share a few additional updates and reminders to help you plan. This email is long, but it’s packed with lots of helpful information designed to create a truly meaningful and memorable experience, so please read it all the way through. You’ll also find the latest information posted on the event app and website.
First, let’s get you checked in!
If you’re planning to arrive on Thursday at the start of the convention, feel free to check in at either convention hotel no matter where you’ve booked your stay. Convention checkin and registration bag pickup is available at both the Westin and Sheraton Crown Center hotels on Thursday, August 8. At the Westin, look for the Washington Park Place room on the Lobby level (left of main entrance). At the Sheraton, look for the Empire room on the Mezzanine level (3rd floor near connection to The Link walkway). If you’re planning to arrive after Thursday, you’ll find registration in the Sheraton lobby only at the Santa’s Helper Help Desk.
Remember to have your ID ready.
Wherever you choose to check in, you’ll be asked to confirm your information so please remember to bring a photo ID and be sure that the information on your ID matches the information on your registration. As always, we can only release one badge and bag per person and each registrant, including children, must be present and checked in to receive them. While children are required to be there to pick up their name badge and registration bag, they are not required to show ID.
Get excited for more time with Keepsake Artists!
The Artists are more involved in this year’s event than ever so we have made big changes to this year’s Artist Signing experience. The changes give you more time with your favorite Artists by allowing them to join you for Activity Sessions on Friday and Saturday. You will also see many of them in volunteer roles during this time and during the evening dinners. What does this mean for you?
- More time to chat and interact with the Artists! If you see them at Activity Sessions or throughout the event, say hello! As long as they are not taking a break, they would love to meet you!
- Your assigned Artist Signing sessions are still your one place to receive Artist signatures. Please do not request Artist signatures outside of these times as they are only allowed to sign during scheduled signing sessions.
- Artist Signing lines will move quickly! Our schedule is a bit more compact this year so we will need to move quickly to get everyone through the line and remain on schedule, with Artist Signings occurring every 20 minutes in North Pole Village. We hope you understand and appreciate your cooperation in advance.
What else can you expect for this year’s Artist Signings?
There are five Artist Signing locations throughout North Pole Village. You’ll be able to identify them on the map inside the Event Pocket Guide that you pick up at registration or on the event app.
There will be a limited number of tables and chairs outside the stanchion lines at each signing location. You may arrive up to 20 minutes before your assigned signing time so please find a seat, relax, prepare your ornaments and chat with family and friends. If all seats are taken, feel free to gather around the table area to prepare for your signing.
Ten minutes prior to your Artist Signing start time, we will use table icons and a random draw to determine the lineup order for the session. This means you don’t have to arrive more than 20 minutes early for your timeslot as the order will be determined for you.
Five minutes prior to your start time, line managers will scan each badge to verify registration and will send each table grouping to a specific line. Each line will be released one after the other for signatures.
This year, we’ve assigned volunteer assistants to help you through the line. They will meet you at the front of the line and be there to help if you need support holding anything as you move through the line.
REMEMBER: We can only allow two signatures per Artist. This rule applies regardless of what is being signed. For instance, one ornament and one box signing counts as two signatures. Two ornaments in one box also counts as two signatures. Please plan ahead and be mindful of this rule to help ensure that everyone is able to get the signatures they’re hoping for.
Don’t worry if you have back-to-back signings or arrive a few minutes late from another activity. As long as you arrive within your assigned 20-minute session, we will work you into the back of that session’s line. Just be sure to let the line manager know when you have arrived. Unfortunately, we cannot bump you to another session, so arriving during your assigned time slot is critical.
Making your way between hotels
We have structured the agenda to limit the amount of travel required between hotels but you will have plenty of options when necessary.
- Shuttle service. We are pleased to provide regular shuttle service between the Westin and Sheraton Crown Center hotels throughout the convention. There are two available stops at the Sheraton – the first drops you at the lobby and the second drops you at an entrance closer to North Pole Village. Be sure to tell your shuttle driver which door you prefer. Additionally, for those who need help transporting scooters or wheelchairs, ADA compliant mini-vans are available. All transportation vehicles will operate on a continuous first come, first served basis.
- Indoor walk through The Link. Many people consider The Link (an elevated pedestrian walkway) to be the fastest connection between the Westin and Sheraton Crown Center hotels. Once onsite, you’ll find ample signage and our team, as well as hotel staff, will happily guide you there.
- Outdoor walk through Crown Center Complex. If you prefer to walk outdoors, the hotels are separated by a short 3-block walk within the beautiful Crown Center Complex.
As a reminder, airport transportation to and from the hotels, and to and from Club Dinners, is on your own but we’re happy to help with suggestions once onsite.
View dinner menus and make changes to your agenda
To help prepare your tastebuds, we’ve added a sneak peak of this year’s dinner menus. Click here to view them. And if you’d still like to view or make changes to your personal agenda (perhaps, you’d like to add an activity session), you can so on the registration website or on the event app.
Getting help onsite
No matter the situation, we’re here to help. If you have convention related questions, comments or concerns while onsite, you’ll have several ways to find help. In addition to our volunteers . . .
- Santa’s Helpers Help Desk will be a stationary resource Thursday – Saturday in both hotels. Check the event app for daily times and locations.
- Mobile Help Elves will travel by “sleigh” between hotels to answer your questions on the go.
- KOC Convention Team Members, dressed in white volunteer t-shirts, will be happy to assist.
- Use the app! Stay plugged in to the event app for realtime updates, reminders and notifications.
In case of emergency
If you experience a medical or safety emergency while onsite, pick up the nearest land line phone at either hotel and dial 3. State your emergency and hotel operators will immediately contact 911 and dispatch appropriate help. Land line phones are available throughout both hotels and inside every guest room. The hotels also have onsite First Life Safety teams certified in CPR.
That’s all for now. We hope you feel our excitement because we can’t wait for you to experience the memories, magic and moments of the 2019 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club Convention! Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help before next week. We’ll see you soon!
Sincerely,
KOC Convention Team
For questions, call 1-800-Hallmark. Specially trained KOC Care Agents are available 7 days a week to help.
We can’t wait to see you!
2020 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention
FORGOTTEN Paradise
A Tropical Fantasy Come to Life
2020 National Barbie® Doll
Collectors Convention
July 8- 11, 2020
August 26-29, 2020 CANCELED
Las Vegas, NV
- Mirage Hotel and Resort
3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
UPDATE (04.27.20) – 2020 National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention to be postponed. New dates announced.
UPDATE (07.08.20) – National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention has been CANCELED for 2020.
2019 KOC Convention: Condolences for Hallmark Keepsake Family
This email went out earlier to all those that are registered for the Convention.
Dear KOC Member,
As excited as we are for next week’s convention, our hearts are heavy for the family of beloved Hallmark Artist, Steve Goslin, who passed away last week. This, of course, includes his wife and fellow Keepsake Artist, Deb Nielsen.
Despite her tremendous loss, Deb is determined to join us for next week’s artist signings and interview segments. As you can imagine, we expect this to be both a difficult and therapeutic process for her so we are thrilled that you will be there to help show how much we all care.
That said, in an effort to respect Deb’s privacy and help lift spirits, we ask that you refrain from sharing deep condolences during the artist signing. This will also help ensure that everyone who wants to has a chance to connect with Deb.
She will need our thoughts and prayers for the long road ahead, so there will be a card sending collection box located inside North Pole Village, at the Cards and Crafts station, where you’ll be encouraged to drop sympathy cards for Deb and her family.
Thank you for your understanding and for your expressions of care and concern. Keep an eye out for additional updates and reminders via email in preparation for next week.
Sincerely,
KOC Convention Team
For questions, call 1-800-Hallmark. Specially trained KOC Care Agents are available 7 days a week to help.
Coloring Page: Santa’s Magic Train
Santa’s Magic Train
Coloring Page
Sit back, relax, and create something beautiful! Based upon Ken Crow’s 2018 Santa’s Magic Train Keepsake Ornament, this coloring page is specially curated to bring you the Keepsake artist experience. With this wonderful illustration of the original ornament, you’ll enjoy discovering this treasured piece and making it your own.
Artist Journal: Anita Marra Rogers
Monday, July 29, 2019
Hallmark Keepsake Artist Anita Rogers has always considered herself to be more of a sculptor than an artist who draws. “I usually end up drawing an idea, then redrawing again and again,” she said with a laugh. “My sketches almost never come out like what’s in my head the first time. I don’t really think I draw as well as I sculpt!”
Anita Marra Rogers’ Toster Oven
Thankfully, Anita honed her knack for sculpting and has been an integral part of the Keepsake Studio for more than 30 years. And because she sculpts by hand, instead of digitally like other artists, she’s got a unique set of tools to help her in her day-to-day work. “I use a toaster oven!” she said. “I turn it on a low temperature to warm up my wax before starting a sculpt. Once I have the rough shape created and it cools off and hardens, I have a hot tool with various sizes and shapes of tips to melt and move wax around. I also have some metal sculpting tools to carve with—some especially made for sculpting—as well as other tools homemade from old paint brushes, razor blades, and even dental tools!”
Those unconventional tools have turned hundreds of designs into the ornaments for which Anita is known best. Sometimes, though, ideas are presented that never actually become an ornament. “I always keep some old drawings in my files,” said Anita. “Who knows, maybe they’ll still become ornaments some day!”
Besides making ornaments for three decades, Anita has also flexed her creative muscle by crafting. “I don’t really sketch for fun,” she said. “But I do love to tie-dye, and even make a little money doing it!”
Over the years, whether crafting fabrics or creating ornaments, Anita has looked to her fans for inspiration and she’s looking forward to seeing collectors at this year’s KOC Convention in Kansas City. “I am always inspired by the fans and getting to meet with them,” she said. “They are the most awesome group of people and they keep me going. I am always trying to do my best for them!”
Hallmark Live
If you will be arriving in Kansas City a little before the Keepsake Ornament Club event, be sure to check out the “Hallmark Live” events that will be taking place at the Hallmark Visitors Center.
Hallmark Live Schedule:
August 7 (Wed.)
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Ken Crow & Anita Marra Rogers
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Joanne Eschrich & Sharon Visker
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Nina Aubé
If you’ve never been to a Hallmark Live event, it’s a small event with the artist(s) sharing concept sketches, sculpts and various types of production samples of their work (sometimes they even create while you’re there). Although the artist usually has a short presentation, much of the time is spent answering questions and chatting. There are a few places to sit, but most people stand or sit on the floor. It’s a small space that fills up fast, so arrive early.