What to Expect

We want you to have the best time possible while attending BrickCon 2011, so here are some tips and information to help you make that happen.

BrickCon is a whirlwind weekend where there is so much going on you'll be through the weekend before you realize it has begun. Enjoy it! Revel in it! To keep track of what's going on, where and when, use the Detailed Schedule. It is a good idea to create your own personal schedule with the My Schedule tab (which you can print and bring with you).

There will be over 400 fellow builders, many of whom, you may already know. There'll be many more people to meet and get to know. This is the Primary Purpose of BrickCon: Bringing People Together.

When you first enter the Exhibition Hall, the space will look HUGE! But as more people and MOCs show up it will quickly seem crowded and chaotic. So, you need to "take care of business" first. Stop at the front tables and "Check-In" (after 1pm, Thursday - before that just come on in). You'll get your badge (VERY Important), goody bag, Program, MOC Card(s) and any swag (T-Shirts, models, etc.) you pre-purchased.

Then you'll want unload and move your MOCs to their approximate locations to begin setting-up. To locate 'your' space(s), you can use the banners and signage that label the islands and table areas to match your Theme(s). The Theme Coordinators should be on hand to assist with precise placement.

After MOC unloading, you should get acquainted with the venues. About a quarter mile west are the Northwest Rooms (seven of them, all in a single building). [This is the last year we'll have to travel so far for our Private activity and meeting spaces.]

By now, we hope, you're settled in. Let the Convention begin!

If it is still Thursday, just hang out, meet old and new friends, play with LEGO and have a blast.

On Thursday night (for those over the age of 21), there will be a party at the Rainier Room of the Northwest Rooms with free snacks and (you buy - cash) drinks. We call it the "Meet and Greet". Very informal. Meet friends and share stories! The only event at BrickCon where youngsters are not allowed.

We mark the official start of BrickCon with a free lunch Friday, beginning at 11am in the Olympic Room of the Northwest Rooms. This is, again, very informal and relaxed, and everyone (with a BrickCon 2011 badge) is welcome. Swap more stories and get to know each other by the light of day. [We'll move "Check-In" to the Lobby of the Northwest Rooms about 10am Friday morning. This will limit access to the Exhibition Hall to those already "checked-in".]

The Opening Ceremony begins at 1pm in the Rainier Room (NW Rooms). You'll want to bring your goody bag for some special interactions involving the contents of your bag.

After the Opening Ceremony, all the seminars, presentations, building contests, games, and so on, begin. There will be many examples of building prowess, techniques, whimsy and humor. You are welcome to participate in as many of these activities as you choose (zero to all). There is even a participation level that does not require you bring anything: observer (often this role is also Judge!) All participants are guaranteed fun, and many will receive prizes!

For most of these you won't need to do anything but show up and enjoy.
For some you will need to sign up. These have limited participation due to space or materials and not everyone can play (sorry).
For some you will need to bring something to use at the activity.

If it's a building contest (Blind, Bag, Speed - several varieties, and others) you'll only need to sign up. BrickCon will supply the building materials.

The odd building contest is the 101 Bricks Challenge. For that, your personal preference is part of the challenge and you need to provide your own 101 bricks - but you won't have to sign up to play.

If it's a trading game (Draft(s), Dirty Brickster) you'll need to bring the participating item(s) and there is no need to sign up.

There are a couple contests which are neither building or trading. Wacky Races and Bling Your Badge are examples. Others include Minifig Tossing, the annual Robotics Challenge,

Whatever the activity, we will post which needs what in plenty of time for you to decide and act to play.

There are several events all attendees are encouraged to attend: Opening, Keynote, Awards and Closing Ceremonies, and of course, the Public Exhibition. The Ceremonies usually include prize give-aways - you must be present to win.

So, now you think you know what to expect. Well, there is no way to prepare someone for what BrickCon is. Experience is the only real teacher.

Hopefully though, you do know what to bring - your energy and endurance! You need to bring your best expectations! We're having a party! Will you be ready?

So, you're ready for the Best Weekend of the year! And you're arriving at BrickCon and you need to bring your MOC in to the Exhibition Hall. Which side do you enter (front or back)? The answer depends on the size (and stability) of your MOC. If your MOC is relatively small, the front is the way to go. There is drop-off parking on Mercer street right in front of the Hall. We'll have carts (and people) available to help with the move. And, the front is always open. The back, where the loading dock is, will be open Thursday (all day), Friday (morning only), and Sunday (evening only). Carts and people will be available for help, but the use is recommended for larger MOCs.

One last thing about your MOCs - You NEED a MOC Card. If you wish to have space for your MOC, or want it considered for any award or recognition, you need to add a MOC Card through the website. Log in to your account. Click Add/View MOC Cards. It is also a good idea to contact the appropriate Theme Coordinators to give them a heads-up about any special needs your MOC has. Use the Contact Us link, with the pull down list to select who you'd like to contact, and tell them what you need. If you're not ready to enter your MOC Card on the website, be assured there will be blank MOC Cards to fill out by hand at BrickCon.

Oh, and don't forget to bring items you can use to "Bling your Badge". You might be the one with the blingiest!

So, when you come to BrickCon 2011, Be prepared! Meet new friends! Explore new aspects of the LEGO® hobby! Have FUN!