Frequently Asked Questions

We have changed the arrangements for Brickvention 2013. If you wish to Exhibit at Brickvention 2013, you will need to complete the form located under the Brickvention 2013 link on the left hand side of this page.

Information will be available very shortly for those wishing to attend but not display at the convention.

Stay Tuned for more information!

The Model (MOC) Information Card can be found in the files sections of the following yahoogroups:

mugs-list

Brickvention-discuss

It is also available from the following Facebook groups:

MUGs

Brickvention

Alternatively, there is a copy available at this location.

Please complete the MOC card as per the instructions. Print out the page in colour, cut out the card and bring along with you to Brickvention. We are supplying the stands for the MOC Info Cards.

Brickvention 2013 has a limited number of memberships available. We are expecting to sell out of these prior to the start of the convention. To this end, we will not be selling memberships at the door. All memberships must be purchased prior to the event so we can ensure your brick badge is available and that we have adequate supply of other convention items.

Convention memberships must be purchased by 6pm on Wednesday 9th January. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Although it varies from year-to-year, this is what you can expect for your registration fee:

1) entry to the convention day of Brickvention. You can only attend this day if you are a registered member. This includes competitions and exclusive presentations by LEGO professionals.
2) the Brickvention Model for the year. In 2012, it was a model of a cockatoo. (please note this is not the limited edition collector model)
3) an exclusive minifigure commemorating the event.
4) the Brickvention Year brick.
5) a name brick (optional if you already have one).
6) a recent issue of Brickjournal.
7) the Build-in-the-bag competition set.
8) a Brickvention t-shirt
9) any other special bits and pieces we can find for you.

Exhibitor applications are now available from the Brickvention 2013 link on the left hand side of this page.

For those who wish to attend the convention but do not intend to display, the information will be available shortly. 

Check back here for more information.

Brickvention welcomes people who wish to sell LEGO and related objects at our event.

Table Prices:

The price for a seller’s table at Brickvention 2013 will be the same as last year, 5% of your sales total with a minimum of $100.00 payable at the end of the event. To secure a table you will be required to pay a deposit of $100.00 per table. The deposit will be deducted from the amount payable at the conclusion of the event.

Other information:

For Brickvention 2013 we do not require sellers to register as convention participants however you will not be entitled to the convention show bag or to participate in any convention activities.  If you wish to also exhibit you will need to register as an exhibitor or if you wish to be a convention participant only you will need to register as a convention member.

The expected attendance for Brickvention 2013 is in excess of 16,000.

The tables are 8’ or 2.4m long.

For Brickvention 2013 the number of sellers selling the same type of items will be restricted.  To that end you will need to complete this application to be considered.  Consideration will be given to those sellers who sold at BV2012.

Upon acceptance of your application a link will be sent allowing you to complete the seller application and make your deposit payment online.  With the move to the Royal Exhibition Buildings for BV2013 we have more room for sellers so at this time have put no limit on the number of tables but reserve the right to limit the amount if interest is overwhelming.

Only LEGO and LEGO related merchandise are to be sold at Brickvention unless permission is granted by the Brickvention Organising Committee.

The showbag is only available to people attending the convention on the Friday. The Friday convention is a special event for the Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs) who are responsible for the actual display.

The content of the convention day showbag changes from year-to-year. Listed below are some of the items that may be included:

1) the Brickvention Model for the year. In 2012, it was a model of a cockatoo. (please note this is not the limited edition collector model) (approx $15-$20)
2) an exclusive minifigure commemorating the event. (approx $10)
3) the Brickvention Year brick. (approx $10)
4) a name brick (optional if you already have one). (approx $10)
5) a recent issue of Brickjournal. (approx $9)
6) the Build-in-the-bag competition set. (approx $6-10)
7) a Brickvention t-shirt. (approx $30)
8) any other special bits and pieces we can find for you.

Estimated total value: $90 - $100
Cost of a convention membership (for non-exhibitors): $80

Unfortunately not. Our display space is very limited and is allocated to those who are registered attendees. You may bring along items to show the model makers but there will be no space available to put it on display.

Here are some things to consider if you wish to display a MOC at Brickvention:

1) You must be a registered member.

2) Your MOC must be family-friendly and not offensive to anyone.

3) You must not claim to work of others as your own.

4) If your MOC includes water or smoke, it needs to be cleared with the committee prior to being displayed.

Registered convention attendees are allocated space to display their MOCs. Your display space is as big as you need it to be for your creations. The tables are all 750mm x 2400mm, but you do not need to restrict your MOC to these dimensions.

If you are planning on bringing a MOC, make sure you have measured its size and allowed room around the display for easy viewing and access. Please provide your dimensions in length, width and height.

Build in the Bag

Build in the Bag is one of the most popular competitions at the Brickvention convention. It involves trying to be the fastest person to build a LEGO® set inside a sealed bag.

Rules:

1. Each contestant will be provided with a sealed plastic bag containing all the parts required to build a LEGO® set, along with the instructions to build it.
2. Upon commencment, each contestant endeavours to build their model as quickly as possible without opening, tearing, or otherwise damaging the bag containing the parts.
3. The winner (s) is the fastest person to complete their model.

Important information:

• All sets chosen for this competition will have been tested to ensure construction is possible under these rules.
• Sets chosen may not have originally come with all the parts in a single bag. It is quite conceivable that a set may have been selected which contains parts in more than one bag, and which has had all parts required sealed into a new bag.
• Where stickers are shown in instructions, these do NOT have to be attached, although it would be interesting to see someone attempt to apply these throught the small holes in the bags... 

Previous LEGO models used:

Please note: illustrated models have no connection whatsoever with actual models used in the upcoming event...You have been warned.

Speed Build 

Speed Build is a challenging game where you test your skill as a speed builder of a LEGO® set against other competitors.

How it works:

Operating throughout the Friday convention day, anyone who wishes to have a go can attempt to build the set (or part of the set) while being timed. A prize will be awarded to the fastest people to build the set.

Previous sets used: 

Fastest time: 9 minutes 45 seconds.

Dirty Brickster 

Dirty Brickster is a kind of a white elephant gift exchange game and is somewhat similar to Kris Kringle.

Rules:

Each participant brings exactly one wrapped gift. Each gift should be LEGO® or LEGO®-related, cost up to $25, and be worth $20-$30 *to the recipient*. Hence, no "junk" (clones, bag of useless parts, worn parts, etc.).

When the Dirty Brickster begins:

1. Participants sit in a circle with the gifts piled in the center and draw numbers.
2. In the order of the numbers, each participant chooses a gift by either (1) unwrapping one or (2) by stealing a non-locked gift.
3. In the event that a participant's gift is stolen, he has the same choices, except that he may not steal back the gift that was just stolen from him.
4. Gifts are automatically locked after being stolen for the third time.
5. After the participant with the last number chooses a gift, all gifts have been unwrapped.

The participant with number 1 may at that time elect to steal any non-locked gift, beginning a new round of theft. After that, the Dirty Brickster is over.

Etiquette:

• Participants should not shake or unnessarily handle a wrapped gift until they have chosen to unwrap it.
• When a participant steals a gift, those assembled generally chant "Dirty Brickster! Dirty Brickster! Dirty Brickster!" to the delight of all.
• Non-locked gifts should be held on the participant's lap, in plain view of all.
• Locked gifts should be kept beneath or behind the participant's chair (unless you don't mind it being stolen)

Timed Sort is a great competition to test your ability to quickly sort various colours of 1x1 square plates.

Each incorrectly sorted plate results in a time penalty. The winner is the person who has sorted the plates in the fastest time.

There will be a Timed Sort competition as part of the Brickvention convention day.

Brikwars

Brikwars is a LEGO® based war-game, in which participants take turns to try and eradicate their opponents in the most entertaining manner possible.

More information on this enjoyable pastime can be found by clicking on the link below.  

Due to circumstances beyond our control, there will NOT be a Collector Model at Brickvention 2013.

We had originally planned to release a new model every year but it was not possible for 2013.

It is our intention that there will be a model for Brickvention 2014.

We apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience this may have caused.

Yes! Tickets are only available online. We recommend booking your tickets as soon as possible as they are likely to sell out.

Click on the link on the left hand side to book tickets.

Make sure you bring along your printed tickets to the event!

Saturday 19th and Sunday the 20th from 9.30am  -  5.30pm are the Public Expo days, allowing the general public of all ages to watch LEGO® builders at work and view LEGO® creations and displays.

You will need to pre-purchase tickets for this display.

   Adults - $12 (plus booking fee)   
   Children - $6 (plus booking fee) 

   Children under 3 are free

Please click on the link on the top left hand side of this website to purchase tickets.

Make sure you bring along your printed tickets to the event!

Australia Post offers a Prepaid Visa card that can be used for all online purchases. These can be loaded with an amount of your choice and used to pay for anything for which you would normally use a credit card. Even if you are unable to obtain a regular credit card, you can purchase a Load&Go card from Australia Post. Details of the Load&Go card can be found at: Australia Post Load&Go

If you choose this option for payment, please ensure that you allow for the booking fee when loading money on to your card.

Due to the overwhelming response for tickets and long queues at Brickvention 2011, we have moved to an online pre-sale ticketing system which can only accept credit cards as payment.

To this end, we are unable to accept money orders or cheques as payment. If you do not have access to a credit card, Visa debit card or similar, we recommend the use of the Australia Post Load&Go card which can be used for online purchases. Details of this card can be found at the Australia Post website.

Tickets for Brickvention 2013 are only available online. This is to prevent the long queues that were created by the heavy demand for Brickvention 2011.

We anticipate that tickets will sell out prior to the start of the event. To this end, we encourage everyone to purchase their tickets online so as to avoid disappointment.

There will be no ticket sales at the door.

Previous Brickvention Public Expos have SOLD OUT prior to the start of the event. Even though we have increased the number of tickets available, we expect Brickvention 2013 to also sell out before the event. To this end, there will not be any tickets available at the door.

We apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Unfortunately, no. The displays are still being set up, refined and checked on the Friday and it becomes problematic for our model makers to have people wandering around whilst this is happening. In between setting up, our model makers are attending conference sessions and participating in activities and will not be available to answer any questions.

We have extended our Public Expo hours for 2013 in the hope of enabling more people to attend. Our display hours on the Saturday and Sunday are now from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Yes! There will indeed be pass outs for the Saturday and Sunday Public Expo days. You will receive a hand stamp upon request when you exit. This will enable you have lunch or visit other parts of city before returning to the display.

Yes, there will be! There will be lots of different sellers selling new and vintage LEGO. You'll be able to buy sets, minifigs, LEGO parts, books, jewellery and many other LEGO themed products.

Look out for our special Brickvention Merchandise stand!

During the Public Expo days on the Saturday and Sunday there will be a Kiosk inside the Exhibition Buidling, selling food and drink. If you wish to have something more substantial, you are invited to obtain a pass-out so you can enjoy the many cafes/restaurants located near the venue. We request that no external food be brought into the venue.

Brickvention 2013 will be located at: the Royal Exhibition Building, Nicholson St, Carlton.

Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th January are the Public Expo days, allowing the general public of all ages to watch LEGO® fan builders at work and view LEGO® fan creations and displays. - registration is not required for the Public Expo but you will need to pre-purchase tickets. See the box on the left hand side of the screen to purchase tickets.

Friday 18th January includes sessions intended for AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO®) 18 years of age or older. Younger convention attendees are welcome to attend with a registered adult, but keep in mind many of the activities outside of the Public Expo Days are targeted toward adults. There is an additional cost to attend this event.

The Public Expo days will run from 9.30am  -  5.30pm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th  January, 2013.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, there will NOT be a Collector Model at Brickvention 2013.

We had originally planned to release a new model every year but it was not possible for 2013.

It is our intention that there will be a model for Brickvention 2014.

We apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience this may have caused.

Brickventures Inc supports the use of the Companion Card. You do not need to purchase a ticket to gain access to our Public Expo. Please display your card at entry for free access.

In response to requests from Brickvention 2011, we have introduced entry sessions for Brickvention. This allows us to stagger the entry so as to avoid over-crowding and to give everyone a chance to see the display.

If possible, we would prefer people to arrive within 30 minutes of their session time. If you miss your session entry time, we will arrange entry as soon as is convenient.

You will need to bring the print out of your ticket to gain entry to the venue. Pass-outs are available.

Brickvention is the premier convention event for the Australian LEGO® Fan Community.

It is a 3 day event for AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO®) Like other conventions, it offers workshops, presentations, special events and challenges. Two of the three days are allocated to a Public Expo of the models created by the AFOLs.

The event celebrates the coming together of the LEGO fan community which first evolved on the Internet in the late 1990s.

Brickvention occurs annually around the third weekend in January.

The Brickvention 2013 Public Expo will be held on Saturday the 19th and Sunday 20th January 2013. Both the Saturday and Sunday are display days and are open to the public. Tickets are available from our website (see the box on the left of the screen).

Prior to the Public Expo there will be a convention aimed at Adult fans of LEGO®. This will be held on Friday January 18th.

For those displaying, set up will commence around midday on Wednesday 16th January and will continue on Thursday 17th January.

Melbourne has many hotels and serviced apartments in the CBD and the inner city. Unfortunately, many of these sell out of rooms very quickly due to a large number of people visiting the city over summer. A small number of hotels still have rooms available and you can find some bargains on the following websites:

Lastminute.com

wotif.com

hotels.com

booking.com

Expedia.com.au

LEGO bricks are actually designed to stick together really well without glue. For the most part, our model makers prefer not to glue their models. Quite often the bricks are re-used to create other models so it is not convenient to have them glued together. Instead, our model makers spend a lot of time and energy ensuring their models are strong and sturdy.

On the rare occasion that our model makers do use glue, they recommend Elmer's Instant Krazy Glue which is available from Officeworks. Only a small amount is needed.

No! Absolutely not! LEGO® is perfect for creating detailed models and original pieces of art. Perfect for all ages.

Brickventures is the not-for-profit incorporated body that oversees the running of Brickvention and the Melbourne LEGO User Group (MUGs), and MUGs Junior.

The commitee is comprised of Adult fans of LEGO (AFOLs) who are passionate about building with LEGO and sharing their creations with other people.

Members of the Melbourne LEGO User Group are available for LEGO model building commissions, building demonstrations and LEGO displays. Please contact us at info@brickventures.com if you have any further queries.